Self Development
Don’t Quit
Years ago when I was in college, I worked as a Switchboard operator. The type of switchboard was with cords and plug ins. The company was large and had contacts in another part of the world. It was hard for me to understand the accents of other cultures as people spoke. I soon learned to ask lots of questions and loved the variety of people I came in contact with via the telephone. We needed to log all the time and charges following each call. It taught me to document and follow through. I remember having to concentrate on all the details.
I was trained by a lady who was very conscientious and precise in her methods. She insisted on sanitizing the headphones each morning and cleaning the work area on a regular basis. She was very polite and a great example for working in the business world.
I learned that she had had a stroke early in life and her small children helped her to read and write again. She was probably in her early 40’s, and very religious. Her faith had sustained her during this difficult period in her life. Over the years following, I have thought of her many times. Her perseverance was something I wanted to replicate in my own life. Although circumstances were different I could see how small steps added to the progress of any situation. Mini Miracles come from Minor Moments!
It is easy to give up and quit things that take time and effort. It is hard to stay with a job we don’t enjoy. It is a challenge to stick with things that we have tried to do over and over again. Whether it is a diet program, exercise regime, or caring for another person, challenges persist. The little things we do add up.
This is the time to take charge and lift yourself higher and above the daily grind. Embrace the healthier lifestyle; confront the demons that plague you. Check out the classes for things you’d like to learn and let the warm summer months work on your behalf. Visit the museums and places you’ve talked about and enjoy all the opportunities around you. Go to the plays and musicals you want to attend. Be active and stay engaged in life.
Life doesn’t have to pass you up because you lack money. Many things are free and available to enjoy. We just need to make the time and concerted effort to do them. Community fairs, parks, and festivals are noted in the local papers. Baseball, bowling, and other groups are always looking for participants.
Take time with your spouse, children and extended family. Best of “Delight in Living”!
So What Did You Say?
The Art of Communication is a Tricky One.
The art of communication is a tricky one. It means listening well to someone and letting them know by responding appropriately. But this simple art form is not done well. Often we are listening to words, but missing the essence of what is happening. Sometimes instead of listening, we are waiting to jump in with our own agenda. I know, because I do it too! We are all guilty of it!
And then there are the people who don’t react to you. They don’t respond to emails or calls. They are choosing not be connected. What choices do you have? Are these people you want to have as connections.
It is hard to live with someone who cannot hear. “Say what?” “What did you say?” “Did you tell me that?” “Wait, there is so much noise that I can’t hear you!” These people want to connect, but physically have obstacles. They are usually the older people in our lives. It means we need to go to greater measures to help them stay connected. Sitting closer to them, writing things down for them, looking for devices like amplified television headphones to help them hear.
What makes communication harder for you? Is it focusing on one thing at a time? Do you find it is more difficult to be present to people? Do you need to be looking at the person? I like to be in touch, not on the phone. I find so many people are doing other things when they talk on the phone. They are driving a car, cooking dinner, or multi-tasking and it makes the person on the other end feel 2nd best!
Communication is best when we aren’t angry or sarcastic. So many things get mixed up when we don’t express ourselves well. Double checking on dates, places, and simple information can make our lives better. There is still nothing wrong with using paper and a notebook to help remember things. All the electronic devices are great, but actually writing down information helps us recall the information at a later time.
Thank you for reading my blogs. Stick with me as we begin tackling more and more topical issues. Meantime, “Delight in Living”!
Change It Up!
Don’t Just Sit There! Do Something
Change it up!
Be Constructive!
Often we don’t know what to do, we get broken down like this tree. We’d like things different, but we get stuck. Stuck in the same rut or with the same people. We go to the same stores, eat the same foods, go to the same restaurants, and feel bored. So let’s break this down and think about options.
Even when feeling broken, we can be useful, and feel needed. We need to reach out to others in need. Volunteering is always more of a blessing than being on the receiving end. Volunteering gives us a purpose and engages us to be more productive. Consider giving some time away and you will be blessed in many ways. Are you currently volunteering? Have you volunteered in the past and want to do so again?
Now this tree drew me in, because it was still is being used to house and feed the birds. I found it while walking in Geneva and pulled out the camera. It is reaching upward like we all need to do. Keep your eyes on the Creator and stay positive as well. It can be hard when things are not going right for you, but taking one day at a time does work. Do you know this, but have trouble staying in the present moment? We are given strength and help for each day, one at a time!
Sometimes we need to use the skills we have and the ability to change direction. Do you drive? If so try simple things like changing the grocery store you use and the usual brands of food you buy. Go back to school and take a fun course; meet new people. Stay later after church and talk to others there. Who do you know that you can brainstorm with to get answers?
This winter I was suffering from dry hands. I had a finger bandaged. As I walked out of the rest room at church, another lady had almost every finger cracked and was telling me about her dry skin. All of a sudden, my one little finger was not an issue, but I showed her my finger and was very sympathetic to her problem. It put my problems all into perspective. Engaging with others really helps change our thinking. Have you ever felt that suddenly your issues were not so crucial?
Just a few thoughts to help you navigate through the day. There are mini miracles in the minor moments of our day!
Enjoy you day! “Delight in Living”!
Emotions Are Contagious
Emotions Are Contagious
Emotions tell us a lot about what is going on at the present moment. Years ago, after I had graduated from college I heard a newscast that startled me. One of my Sorority sisters and my husband’s Fraternity brother had been killed in a senseless murder at the side of a major highway. They were engaged to be married and were coming home from a First Communion Party. The side- by-side closed caskets were devastating to me. Everyone there was downhearted and miserable. Being with all these sad people was emotional for me. It took me forever to lift the veil.
Another time when emotions were at the opposite end of the spectrum was years ago. Our family attended a Family Convention in Florida. We were in a stadium with thousands of people attending a Mass. It was being said in Korean, Spanish, and English. There was singing and laughter combined with prayer and reverence all at the same time. Children were everywhere and the power of so many happy people is still engraved in my memory.
When we are thrust into a setting that reels emotion we must be aware. Our emotions are powerful. They can be dangerous and lead us to make bad choices. Or even worse, lead to poor behaviors. We see that all the time when people perform spontaneous actions. They pick up a gun while raging about something. They run into a house on fire without thinking of their own danger or that they are putting firemen in danger to save them!
Our cognitive abilities allow us to be rational. We are able to be judicious and make common sense choices. Teaching children to control their emotions is important. Yes, it is fine to feel the emotion. We just can’t let it lead us into temptation or into danger.
That is why it is important to know ourselves. For me even the slightest temptation to eat the wrong foods is present to me. I try not to have sweets around me or go to parties where there aren’t alternative options to highly salted and fried foods. We all do know our weak points and must exert control.
If you are prone to anger, learn to control it. Engage with therapy or people who are calm and can help you work through things. Keep yourself under control.
Here is a picture of a child on a fire engine. The puppy was evoking a happy response for her. In other circumstances, it was good for her to learn that not all dogs are friendly. Emotions are contagious and can be meant to help us enjoy life!
Enjoy your weekend and “Delight in Living”!
Disappointed?
Dealing with Disappointments?
Have you run to the mailbox in anticipation for something special? It isn’t there.
Have you been checking the front door to see if your package came? No package arrives.
Are you looking at that cell phone all day in anticipation of getting a new job? Just sales calls!
How about checking the email every hour in hopes of an invitation? Nothing you’re waiting for is coming!
The raise you were waiting for has been put on a “freeze”. No raises for 6 months.
The only day off and it is sleeting out. So much for that motorcycle ride to Wisconsin.
Don’t let a disappointment hang over your head like this threatening cloud! Do something to get over it fast.
Well disappointments come in all different packages. As kids we are disappointed we can’t go swimming, because of the rain and lightening. Our field trip was cancelled due to the buses breaking down. The day to leave on vacation and one of our siblings gets the chicken pox; the vacation is delayed.
Don’t let a disappointment hang over your head!
So I offer 3 ways to deal with disappointments.
First, share the disappointments with someone. Even if it’s in passing with the grocery store clerk. Simply say, “This has been one tough day, I have been so disappointed. Do you ever feel that way?”
It is so healthy to bring things up like this and get it out. Sounds simple and it is. A conversation can help deal with these minor issues. Or call a friend, if the disappointment is more personal. Share with a clergy person or someone you trust. Share the incident and your feelings too!
2ndly, put things into perspective. Tomorrow is another day and things happen for a reason. If necessary make a call to follow up on the failed delivery or whatever the situation is if that can help. If not, move on. We don’t want to hold on to grudges. It is bad for us to internalize and it distorts the way we act, as well.
3rdly, focus on something else of greater importance. Can you help someone else in need? Is there something else to do?
Finally, be part of the resolution in whatever way possible so you don’t make yourself the victim. Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!
Why Am I So Loaded with Projects?
I looked at this puzzle today.
This puzzle sits in the kitchen of my office. Periodically, I’ll put in a few pieces when I need to relax. I realized how puzzling our lives are much of the time. There are many things to think about and to do! Our agendas are self created and depend on our schooling, work, and home responsibilities. They can become overwhelming. Add in doctors appointments, church functions, family members needs, and boom the day is done.
If you are like me, there are always have plenty of things to do. I walk into the office and I am on fast forward. Lots of projects to do even before I see patients. Catch up on phone messages. Get the computer boosted up. Turn on the music playlists. Return phone calls. Add magazines to the foyer for patients to enjoy. Open the windows for fresh air or turn on the air. Sit down and blog or work on sheets for handouts.
Days go quickly when there is much to be done. Billing is done and files are refiled. The pieces of each day are put together to form the daily, weekly, monthly puzzle of life.
Honestly, I love this sort of lifestyle and it keeps me going. Type A achievers are self energized! Our lists continue on. Even as one scratches things off the list, more are added onto the list.
So how about you?
If you are not a self starter, tell me how does that work? Do you put yourself into groups to help? Do you let others initiate the process of living for you? Do you let each day just evolve? What do you do to relax during the busy day? Is it seeing a friend over lunch?
Whatever you do to make life happier, “delight in living” and enjoy the small minutes of grace!
Are You Who You Want to Be?
Are You Who You Want to Be?
When I was in high school, my father was insistent that I took Business courses. He was adamant that this was necessary for future employment, whether I went on to college or not. In keeping with his wishes, I took Economics, Typing, Shorthand, and Math classes.
In my Senior year I was hired by an advertising newspaper. I typed classified ads while people gave me them over the phone and helped around the office. During the Summer between High School and College, I was a Statistical Typist for an Artificial Flower Manufacturer. As the years went on I’d fill in for all the Secretaries there during the summers. Eventually working an International Switchboard and covering their offices. They paid me well and it paid for my tuition at De Paul University.
Throughout the school years, I worked for Attorney’s, an Insurance Company, and at the University offices to continue to earn my way through school. In College the first two years were no different in trying to be compliant with Dad’s wishes, I took Accounting. Economics, and Calculus to add to my skills. I had one perpetual headache and was losing motivation.
The problem was that I disliked being behind the scenes. I love people and wanted to do more and be more involved, so I finally switched over to Education and Sociology. I needed to be doing something I really loved; somethings I felt confident in doing. Never-the-less, I graduated without any student loans! 
So my dad’s hunch was a good one that has not left me. No one can take our education away from us. I am glad I followed his guidance. In the years following, I always had a backup for jobs in offices or on Community Boards. It helped me be organized in whatever I forged ahead in doing. It helped me set up my own business.
So many times, we try to live up to the expectations of another person. In many cases, it is for a boss or someone who has a personal stake and their own agenda. Knowing that is important. Often we have to make a living and do whatever job is available to keep up with our fiscal responsibilities.
What are you doing in your life? What do you want to do? Have you figured how to merge both needs? Have you talked with a Counselor or Life Coach to work these things out? What decisions do you need to make? I encourage you to do that! “Delight in Living”!
Keep Moving
Keep Moving
Move, eat well, and be involved.
I watch young people who are full of energy. The more they do, the more they want to do. At the end of the day they rest well for the night. As we age, our bodies go through changes. In many cases, we are not as active as we once were. Our jobs changes and the amount of activity does too. The secret is to make exercise part of the day. A challenge for all of us. How do you do it?
For two years in a row, I had problems with my hands. I accidentally hit one very hard and although it was not broken, it seemed to take forever to heal. A year later I fell while outside with my dog and hurt the other hand. That one healed a little faster with therapy. It kept me from playing the piano and guitar. Now I have to get back to practicing and taking lessons again. But the secret is making it a regular part of my week so it seems natural. I hate adding another “to do” into my schedule.
I am thankful for being able to move and walk easily, but my stamina needs work. How about you? Are you limber? Do you work out? Do you have a partner or someone to do things with each day? I think that might be good, so I have to seek out another walker.
Know where you are going? Mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally make a plan.
Our health is a major thing. When we have health, mobility, and our working senses, we can do many wonderful things in the course of a day. I was in the vegetable aisle today. I was busy looking at the freshness dates. A lady came up next to me and we began discussing health drinks. Her comment was that it is good to eat well, because illnesses are so hard to heal.
Even those people reading this may be in good health, some wear glasses, hearing aids or orthotics to enable us them to function well. We want to intentionally promote good health. Good walking shoes, well fitting hats, and gloves make our activities safe. Whether it is our bones, eyes, ears, internal organs, or skin, we need to be protective.
It is hard to be consistent with our eating. Unless we are propelled along by someone or something it’s easy to slip up. Right now I am in the middle of a detox trip! I love vegetables, salads, and soups. Hopefully since this program is based on vegetables and fruits, I think I’ll be fine. It will help me to keep moving forward. There are daily video feeds that help with the mindset.
Last week I had an event to attend. I think of the people I met there? I’d loved listening to their lives and what they were trying How did you keep motivated? Did they help? Did you reach your goals and have you maintained them?
Here is a photo of a young man hiking. He was one of a group and probably enjoyed it. He also regularly is active in soccer and wrestling so the variation of hiking was fun. I think finding your passion for a sport helps immensely.
In the next few weeks, I will share some recipes I find to be delicious and helpful.
Meantime, keep moving and “Delight in Living”!
It’s OK to be Happy . . .
It’s OK to be Happy . . .
Somewhere people learn that one must be entitled to be happy. But that is part of who we are! We are born to be people with great dispositions and the potential to experience joy. We also experience pain and a host of other emotions as they occur!
Here, this child is enjoying an apple! What joy the simple act of eating brings to her. We all learn to love some foods. Often we transfer that to mean we turn to food for relief from problems and that definitely is not the purpose of food. Food is a means of nourishing ourselves and in the process, we can come to enjoy it.
Happiness is contagious. When one is in a good mood it flows over the edges like a glass of highly carbonated soda. It just can’t stay bottled up inside. Think of a time you had wonderful news and you wanted to share it with everyone. Or the times people came to share good things with you. Hopefully you rallied around for them as they won that football game or had that new baby.
Do you know what makes you happy? Is it running a marathon after weeks of preparation? Is it getting the car washed after a rough winter when it has been covered with salt and dirt? Is it getting up in the morning feeling rested?
Name your moments of happiness and they seem to bounce back and make you grateful.
Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!
Rediscovering Monday
Monday could be any day …
Monday is a great kickoff day to enjoying the mini miracles that happen! I addressed this in an earlier blog, but from a different angle. I am one of the rare people who absolutely love Mondays! I think it is an opportunity to get back into the swing of things. A day to absorb warmth and encouragement from others. This day of mini miracles that will not return, so embrace it.
Several years ago, I had daily encounters with a very wonderful friend. We worked together daily for about 3 years and I think I fell under her spell. She was lively and always willing to do whatever needed to be done to keep things moving well. She was tidy at her desk and lively on the telephone with whoever called in with their problems or concerns. She was one of those rare and loving people who could be direct in a loving way.
We shared recipes, discussed the weather, got annoyed with daily happenstance and just seemed to jive well. I lived in Illinois; she in Wisconsin. I have a few of her notes she wrote to me that I hold on to, for her penmanship and choice of words were full of joy. 
I was walking in the backyard picking weeds when my cell phone went off. She had called to tell me goodbye, that she had exhausted her options for getting more help.
I got off the phone and cried. They were tears of joy that she had taken time to call me. This is the pathway I stood on while talking with her. I felt peace in her voice and I hope I bounced it back to her. I stood there for several minutes after the call ended.
She had lost her husband of a heart attack when her son was very small, as a toddler I believe. She taught him to be strong and resilient. He was involved in local sports throughout high school and went on to college. Eventually, he married and had children. She would talk about them and all their successes. She loved to see others succeed and had a great Irish laugh.
What I learned was she had conquered cancer when her son was little. It had returned again in her near retirement years in one form after another until it entered her brain. Even then she kept to a schedule and tried to ignore it.
This was her last call to me as I was standing in my yard. It was warm and intimate. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in her voice. I am so thankful and see my connection with her as a mini-miracle that has helped me appreciate every day. I can still feel her presence in my life as I forge ahead. I thought of her this Monday morning. Let’s all count each day as a separate life of its own with promise and a time to enjoy whether it is Monday or Sunday.
Lord be with all those who have set wonderful examples on how we should live. Bring us laughter and appreciation for every moment!
Remembering today those who lived with reverence for life and sparkled every day!
Enjoy and “Delight in Living”!