Who Am I?
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. The are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopefully encouraging tidbits for you to take along. My plan is to help you like yourself and love life.
We all need to feel that we contribute to our world. That could be to your family, your community or to your business. What are your gifts? How do you contribute to the world around you?
On my wall in the office I have the saying. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” What does that mean? 
We all dance to a different tune and that is the neatest thing we can do. Sometimes we are called us to dance in the rain or through less enjoyable moments. Life does have a way of moving us through good and bad times.
God made us all so unique and different from one another and we all have our roadmap to follow. I try to learn from those around me who accept things well. I guess that is the number one reason I enjoy people so much.
We are called down such different pathways and need one another to succeed.
In yesterday’s blog, I wrote about just being yourself. Well that is often hard, because we are mixture of so many things.
Who are you? Where are you going? What influences you the most? Do you think for yourself or are you easily persuaded to take on the opinions of other people? We try to fit in to the norms and culture early on. We often listen to and become Mini versions of our parents, siblings or cousins without even knowing it.
When things are congruent for us it is usually when we are comfortable in our own skin. We have foods we like and those we don’t. We have a style of learning and either enjoy reading or we don’t! Maybe we find a profession we love, and it makes it simple to stay on task for us.
Years ago I volunteered at a Resale Shop for over ten years. It was an awesome experience. I met so many other volunteers there. About 55 different people of various ages. Each had their reason for contributing to this Hospital owned enterprise.
It was an old tire factory. It had rooms for furniture, shelving for household stuff, and plenty of hanger space for clothes. The prices were reasonable, it was clean, and the brightness of the location made it fun.
Parking was ample for those who drove and the location was easy within walking distance of apartments and homes. I wondered for a long time why I was called there. Perhaps I will never know the real reason, but I have concluded that it helped me define who I am. Material things took on a new place for me. New and used merchandise flowed in and out quickly. Some of the older things took me back to my past and the new things gave me vision.
Vision is always been important to me. Vision to see the future and to plan on all the opportunities yet to be experienced is great fun. I understand however, that for others vision is a frightening place. They are comfortable with things as they are now.
It is when they have to perform to a new standard that the question of who am I trips in? Does one dress differently to fit into the standard of that profession? Does a company paying the salary want me to put my ethical standards aside? How far would you be willing to go to compromise your values?
With the current political races going on it may be harder than you think to be yourself. Do you know who will vote for during this election? Are those around you clearer in their thinking? Time like this call me to my knees in prayer that I make a decision and act in a way that will be right for me–congruent with who I am on a daily basis.
When we are trying to follow what the advertisements sell to us or fit into the values of our society it may be hard. It is not simply deciding on the color of a new car or the decision to bring a child into the world. We know how we stand on those measures. It is using our internal wisdom and insight to make a clear long term decision.
I happen to enjoy sports some of the time. Raised by a dad who loved the Chicago teams, I learned to recognize the value of being a sports fan. There are always things to talk about and it is a connection to other people.
I always loved basketball. In Junior High it was my favorite thing to do. I learned the rules and enjoyed the pace. In high school, I attended the Saturday night games with a passion and jumped up and down in the stands with friends. My dad was always willing to drop us off and pick us up. Thanks Dad!
While at DePaul University, I was a big fan of the Blue Demons. I’d talk to Coach Ray Meyer in the hallways of Alumni Hall. He was a great man who was a coach and basketball analyst for the school. I would attend the weekend games there and even after my graduation I continued until his retirement to follow along. He lived to be 92 and when he died, I felt great sadness. I felt so sorry for him after he retired, because his wife died within that first year.
Other than that, I was just too busy studying and trying to learn a profession to stay involved in watching sports. While working I found myself on a bowling league and loved being able to connect with those bowling on my team. It was a sport that I could embrace by doing it.
This year with the Cubs in the race for the world series I have been listening and paying attention again. A flame for the good old times has been lite again.
If one stands in the aisle of a drugstore in front of the cosmetics, you are bound to hear people sighing. Especially from one of those buying lipstick or toiletries, that they have discontinued a favorite item. It has happened to me on several occasions. The lipstick color I loved is no longer available. I was forced to do without or compromise to another one.
Changes happen and probably the best approach is to become involved. Follow the news, read often, listen to friends and commercials, but in the process stay true to who you are as a person. Design yourself in a way of being the best version you know how to be.
So this whole podcast has been about the past, the present, and the future. As this podcast takes on personality and influence of its own, I am in the process of getting a co-anchor and guests to join me on a regular basis. It will be a nice step forward in taking it to a new level.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Thank you for listening and for the kind feedback I have received. Know you can reach me at www.lindagullo.com. Feel free to sign up for the upcoming PDF’s on various topics, and handouts that will be coming regularly after the 1st of the year. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles the help you to Delight in Living®. Bye for now and have a great week.
Distractions
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Hi Folks, Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo with a podcast meant to empower you. I treasure the small things in life that fuel us the most. It is the encounters with people that brighten my day. I recognize that even the struggles we experience can bring us the best insight.
So each week I bring you a theme and a few stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. The are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopefully encouraging tidbits for you to take along. My plan is to help you like yourself and to recognize the gifts you have been given. Check out lindagullo.com where you can get the show notes. I also share journaling aids, refer you to good books and offer daily insights. I’d like you to join me by leaving you email, so I can send you free and fun updates.
Well today I have been thinking of so many things. Like you, I am involved in daily life routines that seem to keep me moving at a fast pace. So this whole podcast is to discuss DISTRACTIONS because it is easy to get distracted from our action plans. That has happened to me in the areas of fitness, writing, and just being with friends.
Our distractions seem to multiply if we let them. The first step, as I see it, is to be aware of the obstacles that keep us from succeeding. I am currently trying to focus on my health and catching up on personal appointments. I usually tackle these things during Lent, but I have been on a different schedule this year. Now is a good time to begin checking them off my “to do” list, one at a time.
This week, I called to schedule having my eyes checked. As it turned out there was an opening the next day; no excuses now! So I went in, took care of things, and ordered new glasses. Why had I put it off? Fear of having something wrong was number one. Having it on my agenda was number two. And the expense, well sooner or later I needed to address it! But it’s over and I felt good having completed one thing.
3 months ago I started using Fitbit and have successfully tracked my steps every day; aiming for constant improvement. Now I will go up to the next level I scheduled for myself. I signed up for a membership at Planet Fitness and plan to start next week.
It may not sound like an excuse, but I usually care for everyone else and put myself last. Caring for others is a big distraction from self care. I do so much that I run out of time for me. And I bet that is true for you too.
My thinking gets distorted. Sometimes I think it will take too much time. Or it will cost too much to do what I want. A few years ago I decided I needed a vacation. AS SOON AS, I made the decision, things slipped into place. I began making phone calls, found a traveling partner, and got someone in place to cover the business. A granddaughter stepped up to plate to stay with my husband. My daughter in law and a friend would be checking on them as well. Next I ordered the plane tickets and got the tour planned. Suddenly we were on our way out of the Portugal to enjoy sites and meet new people. The trip was fun as we ended up with a Rotary group that had been in Spain and decided to add on time. Nothing was going to distract me from getting away once I made up my mind. I became fully focused.
Then there are my beloved Blogs which seem to address many ideas that can help us think things through and help us prioritize. Well, as I have been writing more this past week, I have also decided to reconnect with those people that I really enjoy. (Writing helps us find clarity). I have been scheduling in time for my friends for lunch or breakfasts. It means I have to be more accountable with the clock, but now my schedule is filling up with fun things to do. I need to stay engaged with people. I have been in the virtual world lately and crave one on one time with good friends.
At times even music can keep us from focusing and it has probably happened to you too. We begin to sing the lyrics or think of the message its sharing. It’s the power of suggestion that alters our thinking for that moment. Like an aroma from the kitchen that calls us to eat the fresh cookies, we are taken away from the current task at hand.
I have noticed that even when I am trying to be productive, I find distractions seem to pop up! These distractions are all around. The mail comes and there are literally 8 to 10 catalogues trying to sell me things that I don’t need. Yet it so easy to start reading them and poof suddenly 40 minutes of time is wasted. Another pile of paper is created to carry offer to recycling. At least it will benefit others if I take it to our church for bins. They recycle tons of paper for cash to help those in need with their expenses. See how easy it is to get distracted?
The daily newspaper, which I recently reordered was meant to keep on top of the community events. When it comes– and I scan the major topics, eliminate the advertisements, read the obituaries and say a quick prayer for those who have died. I find since I renewed it, I then get caught up again with the Sudoku and puzzles. That is also time that I could have used for something else.
Yesterday I sat down at the computer to write a blog. I like to do that early, but I became distracted when the phone began ringing. The first call was a google sales call and it totally removed my train of thought. To refocus was difficult.
Doing billing, filling out insurance forms, and returning phone calls is also essential so I tackle those things immediately. I am always attempting to keep focused. I eventually did get back to the blogging site.
In trying to prioritize, I actually folded up my sewing machine earlier this week. I have decided that this old hobby is not enjoyable when I have to rush doing projects. I will have to return to it after the Holidays, unless something essential needs mending—because for now I have to work on my blogsite and podcasting episodes.
You are perhaps in a similar spot. Working to create a good income, trying to put family first, and staying healthy. Distractions seem to creep in here too. All it takes is one cancelled appointment or flaw in the schedule and things get lost causing us to regroup and strategize.
Tranquility
I have and continue to schedule time in each day for prayer. For time to meditate and filter things out. When I get off of that routine, I really seem to lose it all. I get irritable and feel overwhelmed. It is during this time I find encouragement, guidance, and direction. This quiet time allows me to hear the roar of the Holy Spirit.
At home distractions are even worse. The doorbell rings with some silly sales interruption. The dog needs to go out, as soon as, I have settled in to read a book. I look at the clock and realize my stomach and the clock are telling me it is time to eat. Then there is clean up time, brushing my teeth, before getting back to the project at hand.
I am trying to escalate my on line presence in order to connect with people more on a regular basis and coach more people. I want to help you recognize your strengths and step ahead too. But I am sharing this because we are all the same in so many ways.
We want to be productive, happy and enjoy life.
SO here are a few tips that might help:
1- Don’t become a slave to your phone, emails, or distractions. One of my coaches suggested to stop looking at emails until I get to the office. This has helped me and I hope it helps you. We don’t have to be a slave to those communications on an hourly basis.
2- DO WHAT YOU HAVE PLANNED!
Next I take care of what is scheduled and then go to emails. I rather be in control of those on my time line. I discard all the advertisements and unfollow or delete them. If they are spam–well it is GOODBYE!!
I schedule post office runs into my routine so all my mail gets out. Billing is done daily for insurance billing and any bills due are processed before I leave the office.
3- USE A TEMPLATE
I have been learning that those who do the most and are the most efficient, use templates. So I have started creating my own templates to get things done well.
Every night I go to my template for the next day and fill it out. If you are interested in a copy, please feel free to email for it and I will send it to you. It is so very helpful. It’s short and to the point.
I print out a dz at a time and have them readily available. At night I fold it in half and carry it around before I go to bed, to add on things as they come to mind. They have become an efficient lifesaver.
4- SCHEDULE IN LEARNING TIME. I am a webinar learner in addition to CEU classes. I have learned that I allow 2-3 Webinars a week at the most or I lose too much time. Schedule in time to read, to watch TV, to learn, & phone time with family members. I have to eat so I am scheduling in visits with my friends during those times.
So here is a toast to fewer distractions for you.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Thank you for listening and for the kind feedback I have received. Know you can reach me at www.lindagullo.com. Feel free to sign up for the upcoming PDF’s on various topics, and handouts that will be coming regularly after the 1st of the year. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles the help you to “Delight in Living®.” Bye for now and have a great week.
Meet the Cast
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Lord of Regal Domain -Age 8
Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stores for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. The are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopefully encouraging tidbits for you to take along. My plan is to help you like yourself and to recognize the gifts you have been given. Check out lindagullo.com where you can get the show notes.
Today’s podcast is meant to be light and uplifting. Some of us are self starters, gentle, humorous, easy going, high energy, or a combination of the above. Some are detail oriented, and controllers while others may be easy going and let things flow. We all have talents that we can embellish and enjoy. Until someone or some experience shows us our talents and gifts, we often miss seeing them. I hope here you will see a bright spot.
Last week I talked about how wonderful it feels when someone acknowledges us. People can make us feel great by a simple hug, a kind word, or even a smile. We don’t even need to know someone to feel happy after someone waves for us to move ahead in traffic or nods to us.
Feeling good made me think about a fun time in my life. I was a stay at home wife of 5 years when we moved to our current home. We didn’t have children yet, but we did have Lord. He was a spunky high energy 4 legged friend that my husband found. My husband went searching for this dog to a Breeder in Warrensville.
We found a pup we decided to call L.O.R.D. It stood for Lord of Regal Domain. He had spent the first 2 1/2 months on a Horse farm. The family also raised Black Labs. Lord was one of a large liter and the each time we visited Lord was busy pulling out Christmas Garland from behind the families bar. I think it was his way of showing off and getting attention. It was that action that initiated my husband’s response, “We’ll take the frisky one filled with ginger.” Boxers are head strong, family oriented dogs with lots of enthusiasm.
He joined our household as a 10 week old Fawn and White Boxer. He soon topped off at 110 pounds of lean muscle. He was trained to stay on our property, but would run to fetch toys. He was also a challenge. He once chewed a Pipe my husband had given to him from his folks after they traveled to Italy. He teethed on a 2 by 4 that was not yet framed out — thank goodness. He ate things he should not have eaten and made us good friends with the Woodstock Vet we used. The stories of Lord were ongoing and carried us along for over 12 years.
So—-One of the reasons I want to share this story about friends is that dogs are so good at being loyal! They become our best friends. They help identify us. They make us feel welcome when we arrive home. They certainly entertain us.
Just yesterday I sat down after dinner to call a friend. I needed to thank her for a kindness, and just to catch up with her. As soon as I dialed the phone, Rosy jumped up and began playing with toys. Like a child who want your undivided attention, this 8 year old began acting out. A play squirrel few overhead; her new fuzzy snake when into a corner with plug-ins connected to my labtop computer, and she began to endlessly squeek her toys.
I had to excuse myself for a minute to get the toys away from the cords and gather up the toys that had been tossed here and there. I know she was striving for my attention, for when I hung up the telephone, she climbed up next to me and settled under my left hand–then sighed. It was as if she was saying “Mom you’ve been gone all day, let’s take time and relax.” It was about 8 pm and she was a reminder to me to unwind.
So back to our dog Lord from years ago and the neighborhood that became an extended family for us. Every morning at 5:30 my husband would train with him and walk the perimeter of our yard to teach him his boundaries. He had a even disposition and loved people. He was our first pet and needless to say, he was pampered. His beautiful perky ears had been cropped for showing and he loved baths. On more than one occasion I pulled out my back trying to lift him as a puppy.
Never-the-less, Lord of Regal Domain was our child. Lord would get the newspaper from the paper slot and carry it to us. He eventually would become a pillow for our children to take naps on and he be dressed in Halloween costumes on a yearly basis. We never did show him, due to an epidemic of Paro virus that was rampant in his breed, but he was just one of the 4 legged friends in our neighborhood.
Today, I’d like to share a story about this Cast of Characters that always made me feel great joy. Back in the Mid 70’s, we had only a few people living in our community. We all really enjoyed one another.
So the first Cast member I recall was named Ruffles. Can you guess what kind of dog? It belonged to a family with child, a little girl around the age of 10. Ruffles had hair that covered her face. Yes you guessed it! She was a White Old English Sheepdog who would lounge around its home and go from being fluffy, white and hidden under its fur to sometimes dirty and snarled from playing outside. In the summer, she was shaved and looked so very skinny. Totally like a different dog.
The 2nd cast member lived “kitty-corner” from us. It’s name was Buttons and wore a harness most of the time. Buttons was a cute Beagle owned by the Grandparents. The extended family lived together, but Buttons was usually was outside with the Grandpa. He would go for car rides and sit in the Grandma’s lap. Buttons was the same age as our dog; he was very frisky and anxious to get out and run. His hunter temperament led him to wearing the harness. It kept him from slipping out of his collar and running from the elderly couple! Soon Buttons went from a lean pup to a rather plump fellow. He had a voracious appetite and a desire for salami!
Rusty was an large Red Irish Setter, who lived down the street. He would often be seen pulling one of his family members on their skateboard or running alongside a bicycle. Often he’d wander down and lay in our water fountain to cool down. He seemed to momentarily forget where he lived.
A family of 4 had a Brittany Spaniel called Zipper. The dog was a high energy dog that one of the children took for agility training. It loved to hunt and was always in need of a bath. The owner was constantly challenged in trying to keep it clean.
And finally to round out our cast was a rather large fellow. He was an Irish Wolfhound that would walk its owners down the street. He was rather easy going. And to save my life, I don’t recall his name, but I believe it was Irish, so I’ll call him Finnegan! He was a light gray color and so very sweet. He looked like a pony as he topped the height of our small bushes.
Between Zipper, Ruffles, Buttons, Lord, Finnegan, and Rusty, our neighborhood was diverse. Each brought a different dimension to our families. None of us had electronic fences or any fences at the time; trees were small and it was like having one big family. We’d look out for one another’s homes, take in packages for each other, share plantings, and have block parties each summer.
Fast forward and we are one of the few families still in the area. People have either moved to other areas of the country, grown up and started families of their own, or sadly died like the wonderful neighborly grandparents who owned Buttons.
I feel blessed to have known all these harding working people. Some were pilots, teachers, printers, homemakers, secretaries, or in sales. I believe we were united to help one another become better people. We recognized each others struggles and dreams for our families. And like our pets who all had their own personalities, we too had different strengths.
As we prepare for a change in our political climate and try to stay well, take time for your neighbors and friends. Keep reading and renewing your mind with articles, newspapers, and books. Keep well and moving as you engage with others on this journey.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Thank you for listening and for the kind feedback I have received. Know you can reach me at www.lindagullo.com. Feel free to sign up for the upcoming PDF’s on various topics, and handouts that will be coming regularly after the 1st of the year. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles the help you to Delight in Living®, Ltd. Bye for now and have a great week.
Acknowledging One Another
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring out a theme and a thought provoking story or two for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along. These Podcasts are also on lindagullo.com where you can get the show notes.
Hopefully here at Mini Miracles from Minor Moments, you’ll find of insights and knowledge about yourself. My plan is to help you like yourself and recognize the gifts you have been given. We all have them and until someone or some experience shows us, we often miss seeing them in ourselves.
As many of you who follow me know, I have an office for meeting people one-on-one for Clinical Counseling. I decided to expand my services to you in this weekly Coaching Podcast. It certainly is not the same, but maybe it can lend you perspective.
Acknowledging one another is one of the most important things we can do to feel valuable. Just a wave, a simple hello, and an occasional conversation makes people feel that they aren’t so alone. I recently invited a bunch of people for a Group to my office. It does call for a commitment to come regularly.
One lady I invited, sent me a few sentences back acknowledging the invitation. It was so nice to hear from her just to know that she received it. People seem to be hiding behind emails and social media. This is an opportunity to meet people face-to-face and break the cycle of loneliness that I see so often on a daily basis.
Now I’d like to invite you too. It is called the Mini Miracle Cafe and will begin on October 28th at 7 pm. It is to help you find your way into a different profession or job. Perhaps you just need a push into another direction or even into retirement. Please feel free to call 815-459-5161 to register or send an email to linda@lindagullo.com Hopefully we can collectively help you make contacts and go forward with good self esteem.
Years ago I worked with a Psychologist who always made time for others. He managed to keep a full schedule teaching, counseling, and empowering others. Over the years so many of his words have played out to be true. Dynamic opportunities to be among educated and experienced people becomes less as we leave the educational realm. We have to pursue authorities on the topics we are interested in, but often we don’t know where to look for help.
I come from a family where hugs were the norm for greeting or saying goodbye to one another. As a child, it made me feel really accepted to be squished under someones loving embrace. I miss those people who were so genuine and accepting. Those family members have died, but what they stood for and how they faced life live on in how I treat others. Youth are our future. Giving them the desire to work hard and embrace learning is still the duty of parents and bosses.
What it taught me was to appreciate other people and treat them with kindness. When I welcome people into my home or office, it is with hospitality. At the end of our meetings I’ll always walk them to the door. It just is such an easy thing to do and so natural for me.
Think for a moment about how you connect with others. Do you joyfully return their phone calls? Are you eager to see them when they drop by? Are you able to do this with kindness or are they just an annoyance?
Do you recognize their hard work and encourage others to succeed? I know a young lady who works very hard on the college level to learn the skills she needs in her future work. She is working to help pay for the opportunity and she paces herself quite well. I try to always follow her struggles and achievements.
People don’t always need handouts, they need to know what they are doing however, is important.
Acknowledgements and appreciation come in the form of words. Sometimes just a 2 minute phone call or someone stopping bye the office to say hello means a lot. They have taken the time to connect even if it for their own benefit. (example of the young man) I try to be a change agent for other people by listening.
Being a life long learner is always a drawing card for me –and hopefully for you too. Keep learning, keep growing-continue making new friends. Relish in the time each week to collect insights by using the power of silence to refresh and renew your mind. Keep moving and see all the Mini Miracles shower over you.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Thank you for listening and for the kind feedback I have received. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward, and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles! Bye for now and have a great week.
Vision
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along. These Podcasts are also on lindagullo.com where you can get the show notes.
NOTE: Mini Miracles Cafe is starting in October on the 28th. We’ll meet at 411 Suite A in Crystal Lake, IL. Please put on your calendar. Email me at linda@lindagullo.com and register. I’d love for you to be part of the Master Mind group. It is for people trying to get ahead, to figure out what they want, and to unite with others who have the entrepreneurial spirit. It calls for a commitment to be better.
As we enter into the month of October, the weather has taken on the crispness of Fall. The cooler weather has been a pleasant relief and reminder that we need to pull out the jackets and warmer clothes. Time to put away the sandals and focus on getting back into warmer shoes to protect our feet.
This has been a good week of reconnecting with a few old friends. I am trying to write people personal notes over these next few months in lieu of Christmas cards. I am trying to simplify and prioritize what is important for myself and others. Last year at this time we were waiting for a new grandchild so it made me think of all that has happened in the past year. And it brought me to the setting my vision on the future.
I think of my Dad who was always looking for his “cheaters.” He of course was referring to his dimestore glasses that magnified print for reading. Many of you know firsthand the feeling. You go to read something and suddenly the print is too too small. Or you’re trying to read something in a dimly light room and well you just can’t see it. The first time that happened to me, I was signing a credit card bill at a Holiday Inn restaurant and I found myself moving over to a lobby for better lighting in order to read the amount I owed and to list the tip.
In our bathrooms, I have begun to write in marker in big print the item and dosage of products. It is so that in the middle of the night we don’t grab the wrong thing. I mark all salves or tubes of things as well. Small steps to prevent larger issues!
When I was a kid we’d visit an Aunt and Uncle who had cottages in Indiana that they rented. We’d stay in the main house that had a furnace and window a/c when we visited. I recall my cousin Jackie grabbing her mothers dental cream instead of toothpaste. Oh my, first there was lots of laughter followed by panic to get all the stickiness out of her mouth. We became pretty resourceful while staying there along with these silly situations.
Vision is a Blessing that we all take for granted. Its so necessary to help us enjoy life fully. Our senses make things exciting. So today I was resetting my goals and vision for the next year. But to have good vision also means we need to be creative and insightful. One of my favorite courses in college was the Philosophy of Man. We would sit and brainstorm with friends. We’d dream about what the future could hold and what we wanted to do. How we wanted to contribute to the development of our society. The more we talked the clearer things. There was a young man wheel chair bound since birth who planned to be disc jockey. He had one of those deep rich voices and had this built in gift to carry him forward.
LIKE MANY OF YOU, I am at a crossroad in my life. I want to do many things so I am trying to work out in my head a timetable of sorts, that will help me accomplish many things. Do you have a punch list? That term has become popular in the last few years. It gets dark earlier now and that isn’t all bad. It makes me use the daylight to my advantage– much like the farmer do! Natural light energizes us and makes one want to do more.
It’s a good season to read more, play cards, and do puzzles, but I almost force myself to do these things because I tend to be a workaholic. Once I start in I really enjoy the process of relaxing. Especially with puzzles. What are your expectations this month? Are you making any changes in the next 30 days?
When I was in my late 20’s I made a timeline. It was broken into 10 year increments. I often recommend this exercise for people who are stuck. In the first 10 years, one lists the things that so many of us have done. School plays, 1st communion, ballet classes, or soccer awards. Perhaps the vacations with family or awesome Christmas that is recalled vividly. In the 10 to 20 year frame, there are subtle decisions about careers, staying single or getting into a marriage or vocation. In the 30’s it may be traveling for a career, more education, or raising a family. Well for me I worked diligently to list my past achievements and the expectations of my life through the age of 60.
But when I was 45, I realized I had accomplished it all. Either I was going to add on to my timeline and revise or wither away.I decided to add on and go forward with excitement. When one does this sort of visionary work, wonderful things happen that lead into better and different accomplishments. So please try it. List all your priorities. What is necessary to do right now and what can be on the list for next summer? Who do you want to meet? what books do you want to read? Are you setting time aside to read them? What is holding you back?
Create an environment that will help you succeed in accomplishing your goals. Find a good well light place to read or place to sit and pray. Set up a bright spot to sew, mend, and create in. It’s no different than having a place to sit at and help your children with homework. Often the kitchen becomes the center of activities, but it isn’t always conducive to focusing on a good book.
Enjoy these next few weeks as the countryside turns from green to the beautiful fall colors. Intense orange, yellow, and rustic browns can be relaxing. For me the chilly air creates an appetite for a bowl of homemade soup. Guess it is time to get out the warm sweaters and lightweight jackets for walking. And put my cooking skills back to work!
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward, and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles! Bye for now and have a great week!
Who Me?
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White Bird in Center back
Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along. These Podcasts are also on lindagullo.com where you can get the show notes.
Life is short when we think in terms of the longevity of the world. We are here only a small fraction of time. Each one of us is blessed with different talents and personalities, but we do have unique profiles.
Today I want to share with you the idea of putting things off, and engaging in what you want to do. As I began getting this together several things seemed to run across my path and so I will share them with you.
**Ray Edwards has a copywriting seminar going on now and I have been listening to that series. It is just for my own self-knowledge. Ray is speaking with David Garfinkel in one of the classes. He shares how he was once intimidated to approach a person he strongly admired and in not doing so, missed an opportunity that would never to appear again. His own self doubt stopped him from a chance to grow. Listening to that resonated with me. I have done the same thing. People want to help us, but we need to let them know we need help. We can’t assume others know what we need or that we are in need. It is something I keep telling husbands and wives who come in for relationship building. It is easy to believe that we are all transparent and we are not that way at all.
It was raining yesterday as I began preparing for this podcast. I had been at the computer, listening to talks, writing notes, and waiting for the rain to stop. It was so foolish to wait until the rain would stop, especially since I love rain. As soon as, I realized I was procrastinating, I closed up the office and went to run important errands. In full disclosure after hearing Ray Edwards and David Garfinkel discuss their business insights today, I guess I sometimes step into the cracks of hesitating to take action too!!! What have I missed? I will never know, but I will try not to fall into the same pattern.
I have to tell you I will go out of my way for friends, patients, the elderly and those in need more than I often do for myself. I find great satisfaction in helping others, but I am more reluctant to be bold on my own behalf. I can sell for everyone, but I was not that way about my own business adventures. Those are the ones that are so very worthwhile because I can and do help people make awesome insights about themselves. I am here as a coach and counselor for you!
While I was at my favorite place for praying and thinking, I saw a Tall Long Legged White Bird walking thru overgrown grass in a pond. It was marching upstream during the rainstorm at a fast pace and definitely with intent. Nothing seemed to dampen it spirit as it forge ahead. Tall, lean and focused. I saw it as a sign for myself to stick out my neck and try a few things. I have several things I am planning to do but kept putting them off. These things suddenly have taken my focus, because they will help other people immensely. I will start and refine them as I go forward rather than waiting.
You all know what I am talking about. You decide not to buy new clothes until you lose the weight. You wait to travel until the threat of safety is confirmed or until you have more money, a better traveling partner, or whatever? You say you’ll connect with so and so when you find time, but the time never seems to come up until you are face-to-face in a crowd. Just do it now, put it on your calendar and follow up.
I once had a neighbor who lived several “fields” away. Our area was not fully developed and there was literally lots of grass and land between us. I got a call that the husband was just diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a weekday night and decided to wait until the next Monday to call and offer my help in whatever way I could. Well, I was at his wake that Sunday night. It taught me then to act ASAP and to stay connected with the things that are important. I will never forget the pain I felt for his wife or the imprint the situation made on me. It was a learning situation for sure. That was over 40 years ago.
Back in 1992, I quit my job as a High School Teacher to care for my husband who had a serious accident and to guide my children through their teen years. After volunteering for a year, I decided to return to school. I kept thinking that time will pass anyway, so I might as well do something of value to keep myself focused on a good future.
I dragged a good friend with me to an orientation meeting from the school I thought I wanted to attend. She is always vibrant and loves people so during the post meeting, I noticed her talking to professors and other people. I too was talking to people, but more about the prerequisites and details.
On the way home, she had more insights about the potential of this possible degree than I did. “Time will pass so you might as well do something of value” kept jumping out at me. My husband was dealing with depression from the extensive pain and injuries of this life altering accident. He had already been through months of treatment. I did not want to get depressed along with him; emotions are contagious. That decision to forge ahead was indeed a good one and led me into a whole new profession. And my friend taught me by example to interact more! What example are you setting for those around you?
I also listen to Rory Vaden, who was featured on ***Platform University. He is a young man who has become quite successful through hard work; he constantly refines his mission. He talks about focusing on one things with FULL attention, grasping the challenge, and harvesting the prize. Then he moves on to the next project. He made it sound so simple and it is. We have become so absorbed with multi tasking. It isn’t always good.
We’ve become so absorbed with finding the right method. In the process of just getting done, we get stuck. It doesn’t matter the name of the diet, if you need to cut back, just do it. If you need insights, start asking around. Be open to change and good changes will result.
One needs to look and see –truly envision what it is you want. Follow that example of the Tall Long Legged White Bird I told you about. Stay focused with an intent and follow it to the end like Rory shared so you can Harvest the results with great joy.
Mini Miracles Cafe is starting in October on the 7th. We meet at 411 Suite A in Crystal Lake, IL. Please put on your calendar. Email me at linda@lindagullo.com and register. I’d love for you to be part of the Master Mind group. It is for people trying to get ahead, to figure out what they want, and to unite with others who have the entrepreneurs spirit. It calls for a commitment to be better.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward, and the laughable moments. Bye for now and have a great week!
**(rayedwards.com) ***Platform University is a site by membership but it is through MichaelHyatt.com
Life Giving Self-Talk
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Let me be your cheerleader!
Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along.
Life is short when we think in terms of history. Today I want to leave you with a few thoughts on what you can do for yourself. We are going to discuss feedback and self-talk. How do we receive it from others? What do we take in and leave out as people come into our lives? And how do we give it or play it forward? Self-talk can provide us with confidence and a feeling of worth. These are internal thoughts that can lead us forward into greatness or keep pushing us backwards. If they are upbeat and positive that is wonderful, but often they are not validating at all.
The greatest example of self talk that is done well comes when you watch the Olympics. These athletic people, are focused on executing their activity the best possible. There can be no doubt in their mind. We have even see injured people who set their mind on go and get it done.
If you were blessed with good role models that were encouraging, you may hear their voice cheering you on from the sidelines. I recently was eves dropping on two sisters in a playground. The younger one about 5 or 6 was hesitating to walk hand over hand on the overhead bars. The older sibling just said ready, go” and on she went at her own pace across the bars without stopping. As they approached the next obstacle which was a pole to slide down, there was a pause. The older sibling said–all right, ready, GO and down the child slid to the bottom. After each accomplishment on the playground, there was clapping to acknowledge a job well done. It is no surprise that this child is exceeding expectations in her adventures. That clapping will forever ring in that child’s head, as a form of approval and success. The sister set her up for success. We all need people to set us up. In my own life I have had two people who so to speak clapped for me.
My brother who was 5 years older never seemed to doubt my abilities. It helped that we were different personalities, had different interests and that the age between us acted as a buffer from keeping overly competitive. My mother was not well and as her energy dwindled, my brother was the one to come to my school events. I don’t think I recognized that until I was well into adulthood that he was the one who gave me confidence to try new things. Even when he entered the Air Force, and I didn’t see him so much, he’d send me postcards from his destinations. I think that imprinted the idea that traveling is so much fun and today I love the idea of going places.
Have you ever thought of how imprinting is done on your mind? As a sit here I think of Gross School in Brookfield, IL. I went there as a child and so did my brother. He was a science buff and already excelled in that at the 8th grade level. Science Fairs were big back then and he always had a number of projects. They eventually got him scholarships into an engineering school. But at this time, I remember as a 3rd grader, just following along and watching. I saw a cats skeleton up on the counter. Wow, that image is still vivid. I knew then I didn’t want to be a scientist, but I did like the idea of projects and science fairs.
I enjoyed being creative and always asked for projects to do when it came to birthdays and Christmas. I loved making things, reading books on how to do things, and then doing them. When it came to trying things, he’d stand back and let me be adventuresome. All the while I knew he was around for help if I needed it. He was the one who confirmed my accomplishments and bragged about me. He never seemed to doubt my abilities. That approval gave me confidence to try new things.
If you do have had negative imprinting that affects your internal dialogue, it is not too late to change your thinking. Wiping the slate board clean can take some work, but it is never to late to use self awareness as a tool for yourself. Our minds have the ability to blossom. Often it is just reframing our experiences and they become awesome.
In a book by Jeffrey Gitomer, called the Little Gold Book of YES, he encourages people to find, build and keep a YES attitude. There’s a great cartoon of a man who is visiting his doctor. He is sitting in his underwear on the examination table and asks the physician “Can you vaccinate me against negativity? Everybody at work seems to have the disease, and I’m afraid I’ll catch it.”
Wow YES indeed, sometimes the negative thinking of others is contagious. And that is the tape that plays in our head then when we try to do something positive. But, We can move our self talk from negative to positive.
Being aware of our thought patterns certainly will help. Here is a small exercise: Pick 3 words that people used to describe you. Make sure they ring as positive words for you. My first word came to me 20 years ago, when the Dean of a Graduate School program labeled me as LOYAL. I remember writing that word down and the quote he used. He quoted people who knew me and said that was a quality to hang onto. It certainly has been part of my personality. Even when I haven’t seen someone for years, when we do connect, I will still be there and rally them onward.
Since then other WORDS that have come into my way. I bank them up so they become imprinted in your mind. Using them in your self talk in a way that is motivating. Negative people are external, but your inner thoughts are internal thoughts and can be the most powerful! Now print these words on tags- put them on the computer at work, on your mirror, on the visor of your car. Remind yourself of these regularly and let them blossom into success for you.
I am not saying that it is easy to stay on track with internal dialogue, but it becomes easier with practice. When I notice I am slipping into the swamps with my thinking, I turn to prayer and other strong people to support me.
Watching what we say out loud also corresponds to what we are thinking inside. When our thought are negative them drain our energy, cause us to worry, and remove the potential fun of feeling successful.
I said earlier that my brother set me up for feeling good about myself. But I am very thankful to have married a man who gets the top billing. I am sure god has saved his life on many occasions so that he could demonstrate for me on how to succeed. His will to live, to come through paralysis, and many years of therapy have set an example of self talk. He never gives up. He works at his own pace, accepts himself as he is, and sets his own goals. His routines are healthy.
As I conclude today’s version of Mini Miracle Moments, I want to encourage you to take the vaccine that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe inside of yourself. Know you can go far, move mountains, and accomplish better things. Keep your insight sharp and the future bright. Think of me as that older sibling or mentor, who see no limits ahead of you. You have the potential to adopt that spirit of ready, go!
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward, and the laughable moments. Bye for now and have a great week!
Behind the Scenes
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracle from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along. You can contact me through the website, www.lindagullo.com Please note that gullo is spelled g-u-l-l-o
So today I want to talk with you about what you don’t see behind the daily struggles of many people. Back in 1991 when my husband had a terrible accident, it was apparent that things were out of place to say the least. I use some of these as examples. I am sure you have your own. But in spite of it all, there are resolutions that come in mini miracle form.
People saw me going in and out of the house. They’d ask the question how’s it going? I knew they were being polite; it is like saying how are you, but not expecting the person to tell you. I’d tell them the most recent issue in an abbreviated form and go on with the task at hand. Usually it was traveling to and from work or picking up children.
But what they didn’t see was all of the other frustrations behind the scenes. I think you will appreciate this sharing because I know you have had similar experiences in your families. To the outside world you look pretty together, but behind the scenes, you may have family members with a bad attitude or being really contrary. We all know that people with bad attitudes can widdle down the strongest of people. We also know some people are so tolerant and compliant. Well at this time I think were all flustered. Everyone was being self centered and not functioning well as a family at all!
Petey’s pillow was this Bunny. He’d drag it to the door when, he was left alone. The ribbon about the Bunny’s neck ended up a mess.
Immediately following the 10 weeks my husband was in the hospital lots was dark in the house. There was an incredible loneliness that every family member was feeling. We were all so weak, tired, and wanted things to go back to normal. It wasn’t happening and never did return. We had to discover and recreate a new normal.
One of our kids was always breaking curfews. That resulted in a lack of trust and fear. Where was that child? Why were they being so resistant? We weren’t eating together as a family. We were eating here, there, and everywhere. I wasn’t sleeping well, because I was acting like a 24/7 cop. Every day seemed to set me back. I had fear and frustration building. I found it hard to pray. The miracles came from people praying for us. There was no “get out of jail free card”, but time was healing and small things were changing in our favor.
After the initial rallying around us, many of our friends disappeared. While I understood that they had their own issues, yet I did not know who to talk with or how to share the feelings inside of me.
I have heard since then that this is true for most people after a crisis, that is why I am a counselor. While I can empathize or affirm the reality about many things, I also have distant enough to have some clarity and possible tools to resolve things. People want to disengage and get on with their own life; it is too depressing to be with those in need.
I think that is why Mother Teresa was such an example for us. She did what none of us want to do. She held the hands of people we couldn’t. It just tells us that we all have skills and things we can do. We can’t be a Mother Teresa of Calcutta, but we can help others in their Calcutta and we must go out of our way too.
So back to our family. Whenever we were all together, there was tension and no real conversation. It was the fear that one has after a death. No one wants to talk about the changes going on in the family and yet everyone wants to talk about the changes and how to manage them. My husband lost his sense of humor and was no longer talkative; he was in constant pain. Phantom pain lingered, nerve endings were jarred. He was unable to concentrate. The medicine he was taking gave him other problems with digesting his food. He couldn’t sleep, nor hear, nor see well.
The kids stayed kept busy. They didn’t bring their friends home. The house was dull. We were dull and so very serious. Dad was start lecturing and I would get nervous and sad too. I began to volunteer my time and decided to go back to school. Both were wonderful ways to keep positive.
Our happy days had gone poof so in desperation we brought in a dog. A silly, fun loving, frisky dog with two floppy ears and a personality! At only 10 weeks, he was indeed a comic. His name was Petey. He warmed the house with his laughable and clumsy body. It was bigger than he was coordinated. The best part was that he would slowly walk next to my husband around the fenced in yard while Tony recovered from paralysis. I guess it gave both of them time to be together. The dog was never alone and neither was my husband.
The kids seemed to enjoy him too. My son carried him like a lamb on his shoulders; my daughter dressed him up and babied him.
While I was back teaching at school, the lengthy drive was wearing on me. I fell asleep at a traffic stop early one morning. It was just a split second when the car behind honked and got me going. It was a wakeup call of a different sort. And so I returned to being a full time wife and mother, while we all tried to reaclimate. While my being at home seemed to make things more comfortable; we missed the salary that we so needed. Financial strain increased while our savings decreased.
Today, the dog we currently have now is my meditation partner. She sits next to me and acts as a calming agent. Did you know that the Latin root of medicine means “to remedy”. She is my medicine on many days when things get stressful. Well I think she helps me heal from daily stresses and this week there have been quite a few. Let me share a few of them.
My business checking account was frozen due to someone trying to hack it. The ripple effect caused me aggravation and discontent!
Then yesterday, I was at a religious gift store and backed into a fragile display of statues. Yup, they came tumbling down and 2 broke. No one was hurt, but I felt horrible.
We all have our list of things that go on behind the scenes. Every family needs help in some way. But one of the problems is that when things go wrong we isolate ourselves out of embarrassment. We are suddenly aren’t receiving the feedback that we so genuinely need.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward, and the laughable moments. Bye!
Measuring Growth
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along.
Today we are going to discuss growth. I have been struggling though in what message I really wanted to share with you and almost changed the topic. Then I thought, “well if this is so hard to put together it must really be important” So here goes! It is short, but something I think is important for us to evaluate. We may come back to it on another day, but today we begin.
Please listen and enjoy!
This lovely Sunflower belongs to a neighbor who graciously shares it with us. It is the essence of growth and reaching high.
I discussed WGN Wintrust Business Newscast at Lunch with Steve Bertrand. I recommend you listen to it; it is always an insightful show!
Think about the mentors who have helped you grow!
Do you want to mentor for another person? Just start now and set a great example!
Perspective
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Hello Friends! Welcome to Mini Miracle from Minor Moments. This is your host Linda Gullo. I treasure the small things in life, the encounters with people, and even the struggles that often bring us insight. Each week I bring you a theme and thought provoking stories for these 10 to 15 minute episodes. They are based on simple ideas with upbeat and hopeful encouraging tidbits for you to take along. You can contact me through the website, www.lindagullo.com Please note that gullo is spelled g-u-l-l-o
How do you escape when things get overwhelming and confusing? Hopefully here at Mini Miracles from Minor Moments, you’ll find insights and knowledge about yourself and hopefully some mentoring moments. My plan is to help you like yourself and recognize the gifts you have been given. We all have them and until someone or some experience shows us, we often miss seeing them. Please take away insights that you can claim as being helpful.
Today’s topic is on perspective.
So how do you escape when things get overwhelming and confusing for you?
As a counselor, I am always hearing the heavy side of ones’ problems. People don’t usually come in with lots of good news. They come in to share struggles and they have questions. I don’t always have the answers, but often I can share tools for them to figure things out and reframe the issues. So today, I thought about discussing some of those ideas. Good conversations carry us forward and help us to reconcile problems.
I had a retired friend who had a Sunday ritual. After reading the newspaper, doing her morning Sudoku and attending church, she would go swimming and end up at the local Borders. There she would check out the books people had recommended to her. Usually they were books mentioned on the radio or from Oprah’s show that were being endorsed.
While she sat with a cup of tea, others started to gather and talk. Soon it was their own form of talking over the back fence—or at least that is what I saw it as. When the bookstore closed, it was not good.
The reason why some people can be more empathetic is because they have already experienced what you are experiencing now. When our children are in school, our interactions are with the parents of their friends. When our kids grow up either we find time with our spouses or join groups where new friendships can thrive.
As seniors, mobility and stamina are often lacking and the caretakers are too busy to help. We end up with lonely and sad senior citizens. It is important to reach out to these folks by inviting them to events and providing rides. Otherwise, where are these people going to find perspective? On the television, from the radio?
Over the years I have found different ways of dealing with stress for myself. Personally, I have grown, in that, I don’t isolate myself like I once did. We don’t need to feel embarrassed to share personal pain. I seemed to think I was the only one with misbehaving children, an injured spouse, or financial woes.
Mentally my filter to focus on the positive was getting lost as I dwelled on the negative. Thank goodness this flipped over fast for me, and realized that how I thought effected how I felt. In turn it effected how I was behaving. And that behavior was isolation. Yes, I was with people, but not sharing with them or letting them carry my pain.
As I learned later while in business, people didn’t tell the truth. I’d sincerely ask, “how is business?” I’d get back a positive answer and then find two months later their business was closed. Obviously they were too embarrassed. How sad that people aren’t congruent; emotions can spiral one into depression and destroy family units. They hadn’t learned yet, that others can help us carry our pain or better yet, show us how to get out of the situation. I could have helped them in several ways. Often we just need someone to walk through times of stress with us. Counseling is a great vehicle for doing that.
Praying, going out to lunch or sitting with my journal big help in filtering thoughts. I don’t think it used to be that way, but it has changed over the last 10 years.
I think our lives advance when we change the way we do things. We need to pick a bouquet of flowers, read a book, play with the dog, bake a cake, or walk through the local hardware store.
Shifting from one thing to another somehow brings clarity to our minds. Our attention spans help us to get work done. I can sit for long periods of time to work on projects, but then a break helps me escalate my thoughts into another direction.
Just think for a minute about the Jr High students who get up and move from class to class. There is great value in movement. Their attention span, often affected by hormones, is adapting and being prepared to move on from one subject to another. It will continue that way for the rest of their lives. Focusing, transitioning, and refocusing.
I really enjoy reading the blogs other people have written. They seem to offer opinions and articulate what I want to say and sometimes don’t. They discuss things I’d never talk about in writing. Sometimes it is because of what they do for a living, the politics they bring to a community, or the filter that they have because of their culture or traveling experiences. It is so valuable. Can you think of a person you know or work with that does that for you?
One of the things I am doing more often is heading to the magazine aisle and picking up magazines I normally do not read. I try to picture where the author is coming from and why the article is even written. Sometimes I think “wow, I was once there in how I thought and I moved!” Why didn’t I share that with other people?
And I think of my son, who once said, Mom you were the original Martha Stuart. He was right, I was into the cooking, creating, sewing, gardening, and home movement. I was a “Domestic Genius” because I truly enjoyed the art of staying home and being a wife and mom. I am so glad I did that and relished in it, because now I don’t have the reason to do that. And yes I could have made a fortune on it, but I didn’t even recognize the skills or value in myself. But it is okay. I am grateful I had the spouse who could then appreciate the cooking and baking. I had the kids who had the appetites and needed a landing place to be themselves. I kept the house cheery and me too!
Since then I have recognized that, Fall is “my season” to advance. It is also the time of the year I like to walk and move ahead in projects. I start making my lists and connecting with people I have longed to meet. I keep rebuilding my goals based on a realistic time table. What time of the year do you get stoked in? Is it January 1st when you set into motion new habits? Is it July 4th, when the summer cabin is brought to life? Find your best season and make it count!
Today, as I was thinking about this podcast, I heard a wonderful story. It fits in perfectly so I’ll share it with you. There was a toddler who spent the day with her grandparents. They took her to a daily mass in a church filled with lovely stained glass windows. After the service you could see the child dancing in the sunlight that streamed in from the windows. She was entertaining herself and enjoying it. She seemed radiant.
Later in the day when the mother returned, she asked the child. “What did you do today?”
The child replied, “I danced with the Saints today.”
Who are the Saints? the mother asked.
“They are the people who shed light on me.”
What a terrific answer and insight. My question for you is “Who are the people who shed light on you and give you perspective?” Is it time to dance in the sunlight of the saints around you?
Until next week, may you grow insights and love life. Bye for now.