Ponderings Along the Pathway...GROWTH

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about GROWTH and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

When I was growing up, there was a closet door in our basement that I and my sisters would stand against each year. My dad would take a ruler and a pen and mark our height to show how much we’d grown throughout the months. It was our growth chart, and long after we each had grown older and moved out, that closet door became a popular topic of discussion at the dinner table when we all gathered together for birthdays and holidays.

I've done the same within my own family, charting my son’s and daughter’s growth throughout the years. Now that they’re grown, I wonder why I didn't chart more than their physical height. Just because they've stopped gaining height doesn't mean that they've stopped growing in other ways. Maybe at the time at which adults reach their true height, we should start our own growth charts that measure how far we've grown in spirituality, wisdom, generosity and creativity.

Deciding on how and what to chart in our lives depends on our goals and the importance we place on events and achievements. Each person is unique in their choices, their plans and where they are in their lives. My chart at 18 years of age would be vastly different than the growth chart I now keep. So, where are you in your life? What choices have you made that got you this far? What are your plans for the future?

I already have a husband of 38 years, children who have grown and left or are preparing to leave the nest, and a job from which I will retire when that time comes. I served in the Army, went to college, married and have children, taught in schools and hospitals, volunteered in Scouting and soup kitchens, and have been published. The choices I have so far made have led me to where I am today, and these and many more life events are recorded on my personal growth chart.

My goals and plans for the future now include financial security when my husband and I retire, spending more time with my grandkids, learning new ways to stretch my creativity in water colors and mixed media, and publishing my book. And those are just the biggies! I have a bucket list of a hundred things I want to do before I go, and as I cross each one off, I will add my milestones to my growth chart.

How you chart your growth depends on how you look at things. Are you list-driven, or do you like visual cues like framed photography or scrapbooking? I myself am wordy (as if you couldn't tell) and chart my growth in diaries and journals, and my personal blog. I also journal in scrapbooks, as I feel the more I write about the photos I keep, the better my five sense of the memory rush back to me.

However you decide to chart your own growth, never lose sight of it. Your charted accomplishments will lift your spirits when you feel depressed or in doubt. It can also spur you on toward goals when you feel the path you’re walking is too difficult. Finally, it will show you just how much you have grown as a thinking, feeling, loving person, because sometimes life makes us forget how truly valuable we are, if not to the whole world, then to our little corner of it.

I hope to see you all making great strides in your lives as our paths criss-cross each other. When they do, I’ll make sure to wave at you in recognition of your growth, and of mine. Don’t forget to wave back!

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  Psst...right now she is towards the end of a 15 day Birthday Bash Blowout.  If you don't already follow her, now is the time!  Be sure to head on over for your chance to win some fabulous prizes.

Well folks, that is it for today but please be sure to stop by again tomorrow evening when we post the top picks for Challenge #24.

May your growth in all areas be forever climbing to reach new levels!

 

Enjoy your week ahead everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...SERENDIPITY

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about SERENDIPITY and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

ser·en·dip·i·ty, ˌserənˈdipədē/, noun

Chances are, when you hear someone ask, “What are the chances that…?” you’re looking serendipity straight in the eye. Serendipity is defined as the “unsought, unintended and/or unexpected discovery, learning experience or good fortune.”

Life is full of serendipity, which I truly believe is destiny’s way of saying “Okay, your life is all planned out, except…” Or maybe it’s destiny giving you that ultimate ah-ha moment.

Whatever it is, I bless the times, small and large, in my life where serendipity had a hand…

…like when I was stationed at Fort Ord in the motor pool and my co-worker’s best friend just happened to be single and just happened to end up married to me for the past 38 years (large)…

…or when I passed up a primo parking spot at a busy WalMart to give it to an elderly couple, and when I found a spot, the car parked in front of me backed up and drove off, and I pulled up for a nice clean “getaway” after my shopping was finished (small).

Four-leaf clovers, rainbows, shootings stars--when you find them, check over your shoulder and you’ll see serendipity winking at you. When life hands you lemons, who do you think is there beside you with a pitcher and a lot of sugar (and a twinkle in her eye)? She knows better than you what you really need.

Serendipity is all about fortune, luck, providence, happy chance. So, the next time you miss that appointment, get stuck at a long light, trip over someone’s bag…be open to whatever comes your way. It may change your whole life, for the better!

That's all for now. You never know when our paths will cross, all because of a little serendipity!

P.S. Great movies that feature serendipity in action:

• Serendipity starring John Cusack
• Mr. Destiny starring Jim Belushi and Michael Caine
• Sleepless in Seattle starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
• Big Business starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin
• What’s Up, Doc? With Barbara Streisand and Ryan O’Neal
• (Even the classic Little Women has its serendipitous moments)

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we post the top picks for Challenge #23.

May the fates of fortune always be in your favour!

 

Enjoy your week ahead everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...LAUGHTER

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about LAUGHTER and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

Laughter is infectious! Have you ever been in a sour mood and the company you kept eased you right out of it with their funny stories and laughter? So many times I have started out an evening with my sisters in a cranky mood. By the end of the day, we have talked and laughed over our work encounters, medical issues and shared past. Often one of us will start laughing and one by one we’ll all end up crying and howling with laughter (and sometimes we forget what started us off).   

Laughter puts you in a better mood! Have you ever come home stressed from your work day, turned on the TV and found yourself sloughing off those bad vibes as you laughed at your show? There’s a reason why there are so many “sit-coms” (short for situation comedies) on TV. The laughter generated from sitcoms and stand-up comedy shows helps us to deal with stress, to be kind to others, and, on the part of those sitcoms, to purchase from their sponsors! 

Laughter is the best medicine. Studies have shown that people heal faster and handle serious medical side effects when they get their daily dose of humor. The movie “Patch Adams,” about a doctor who used humor as part of patients’ recovery regimens, was based off a true story. 

Humankind is hard-wired to smile often! It takes a lot of facial muscles to manage a frown; but a smile takes only a few. Why waste all that genetic material? Share a smile with a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, even a stranger. It’s the easiest show of good will you can offer others (it’s free and it often takes them by surprise).

So, remember, as you trip along the Path of Positivity, you can give yourself and others a brighter stretch of sunshine if you keep a smile on your face and in your heart. I’m sure I’ll see you somewhere along the way. Just follow the sound of my laughter!

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we post the top picks for Challenge #22.

May you greet each morning with a smile on your face and end each day with a smile in your heart!

 

Enjoy your week ahead everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...UNIQUENESS

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about UNIQUENESS and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

Today let’s talk about uniqueness, and the path we trod to get there.

When we’re very young, we are sure that the world revolves around us. When we sleep, everything stops until we wake up. As we grow older, it’s totally natural to act and think like our families. As we age, our world opens up to many different perspectives and beliefs. We naturally start breaking away from family and into peer groups. Everyone follows these stages on their way to individualism. It’s a slow but (hopefully) steady journey toward our adult selves—unique beings who can stand on our own two feet. We may choose to follow in another’s footprints, but we know we can blaze our own trails as well. We can dance like the rest of them, but can also “travel to the beat of a different drum.”

More often than not, our journey is blocked by advice or criticism -- “act your age,” “keep up with the others,” “color in the lines,”  “try to act normal.” That’s when the famous quote by Shakespeare is helpful: “To thine own self be true.” Don’t let these “suggestions” slow you down or cause you to stumble. It’s easy to take a shortcut and end up like all the others. It’s more difficult but far more valuable to climb over these opinionated obstacles.

Listen to your heart. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions. Be true to yourself. Value the “you-ness” of YOU. And by all means, color outside the lines!

 

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we post the top picks for Challenge #21.

May you always have the strength to be the you, you were meant to be!

 

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...COURAGE

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about COURAGE and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

“One isn’t necessarily born with Courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest.”

This quote from Maya Angelou struck me like an arrow shot to my heart. Everyone has the potential to be courageous. Everyone! It’s only a matter of believing in yourself, of taking that first step, offering that initial “hello” to a stranger, sending in that first manuscript to a publisher.

It’s only a matter of determination that convinces you that one failure doesn’t prove anything, that your first canvas doesn’t mean you haven’t got a masterpiece in you, that one unsuccessful job interview doesn't mean you’ll be unemployed all your life.

Life is full of stumbling blocks. Your attitude toward them will either keep you on the path or trip you up. By continuing the journey, by putting one foot in front of the other, you strengthen your courage. By remembering that the journey is as important as the end, you practice the art of positivity. By keeping positive, you will not only reach journey’s end, but enjoy everything life has for you along the way.

So take heart, tighten those shoestrings, and delve deep into the woods. Follow your own unique path, practicing kindness, honesty, mercy and generosity. I hope to cross paths with you along the way!
 

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the midway projects for Challenge #19.

May you always find the courage to do what needs doing.

 

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...DETERMINATION

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about DETERMINATION and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

Every plan, every goal, every little thing a person wants out of life starts with DETERMINATION, followed by that dreadful word, WORK. It’s easy to wish for a better job, someone to share your life, money for that trip you’ve always wanted to take-- it’s more difficult to make that happen. That’s where determination comes in.

Determination is described as firmness of purpose (Google) or the quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult for you. In order to achieve your goals, you must start with a plan:

1. Determine exactly what it is you want to do or to have
2. Understand what you need to make this happen
3. Make short term goals toward your major goal
4. Research exactly what, when and where you want your goal to happen
5. Celebrate your short term goals
6. Re-evaluate how much you want/need this goal
7. Find like-minded people who are working toward their own goals

For instance, I was determined to teach myself water color painting:

1. I wanted to paint with a medium I had never tried, and to create paintings I’d be proud enough to put my name on.
2. I had enough brushes, I just needed some paints and papers and instruction.
3. I bought supplies, carved out time to watch YouTube videos, and started with painting backgrounds using techniques I had seen online.
4. Reading through library books I had borrowed, I painted 2-3 times a week, trying different methods, using different papers.
5. I learned some pretty cool techniques and learned how the paint interacts with water. I posted my attempts on my blog and received advice and encouragement there.
6. I purchased liquid paints and real watercolor paper. I started seeing focal points in the backgrounds I painted. I felt happy when I painted.
7. I joined a Facebook group whose artists use all kinds of media, including water colors. I get a lot of guidance and inspiration from members there.

I have seen improvement in my art, have grown from simple backgrounds to painting waterscapes and taking inspiration from photos I have taken, and have signed my name to some of my finished projects. I continue to practice, brushes in hand.

Remember, determination is a quality that you can strengthen with practice. I am determined to keep improving on my water colors, and to celebrate the learning process as much as the finished canvases! Hope to see you along the way as your determination paves the path toward your goals! Above you will find one of my latest watercolors. I used Copic marker and white gel pen for the quote.

“Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.” ~William James

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #17 and open the voting up to you.

May you always find the determination you need to achieve your own goals.  

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...POSSIBILITIES

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about POSSIBILITIES and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

It’s hard to stay positive when we are bombarded with negativity from TV, newspapers, websites and social media. Fortunately, there is escape from the negativity. Challenges met, goals achieved, laughter shared, and positive reinforcement from friends, family and blogs like ours that radiate positivity like beacons in the night. The possibilities are endless!

It all comes down to choices. We can choose to moan about the world’s woes, or we can do something about them. We can tune in to feel-good news and be assured that hope is always out there. We can pity the homeless or we can volunteer at soup kitchens and food pantries. We can veg on the couch or take up a hobby that may just turn into a passion.

Open your eyes to the possibilities of positivity, because they’re right in front of your nose…a sunny day, a child’s laughter, an unexpected call from a friend. Turn this around and you can spread the positivity to others by calling a friend, smiling while you shop, donating time to a good cause.

Possibilities create action. It takes practice to recognize possibilities and determination to act on them. Every path has several forks on the way. It is up to you to choose wisely, step forward and maintain a steady pace. Sure, there are obstacles along the way, but you can turn them into learning experiences, inspiration and the opportunity to clear the path for others.

All you have to do is take that first step. Possibilities lead to opportunities; opportunities lead to action...action leads to possibilities…and the circle is endless."

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #16 and open the voting up to you.

May you always see the possibilities before you and choose the positive path!  Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Ponderings Along the Pathway...DREAMS

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about DREAMS and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

“We are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers
And sitting by desolate streams;—
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.”
      (-excerpt from the poem Ode by Arthur O’Shaugnessy) 

Where would the world be without dreamers?
Would we still be living in caves and living meal to meal?
Would we have reason to laugh and play?
Would our lives be shorter, our work drudgery, our improvement at a standstill?
Dreams lead to change, improvement and creativity.
Thomas Edison dreamt a way to light our darkest nights to keep our fears at bay.
Alexander Graham Bell dreamt of an instant way to communicate over distance, shrinking the world.
If it weren’t for dreamers, we wouldn’t have music to listen and dance to, books to laugh and cry over, and art on which to feast our eyes and dream our own dreams.
If it weren’t for dreamers, we would have shortened lifespans, higher mortality rate and the plague would make a comeback every century or so.
So what do you dream of? A world free of cancer? The next great novel? The newest fashion craze? Whatever your dream, reach for it, work for it, never lose sight of it. Keep dreaming, keep moving and shaking the world, and your dreams will give birth to other dreamers, on and on, forever…

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by tomorrow when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #15 and open the voting up to you.

Wherever you are, whatever you desire, may all your dreams come true!  Have a great week ahead everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...HAPPINESS

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about HAPPINESS and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

There are a multitude of self-help books out there, and I have been flipping through several in the last few months (library sale). Everyone has an opinion (and apparently a book) on how to parent, organize, slim down, tone up, find happiness, etc. My family has been subjected to my involvement in these books and articles. They’ve watched me take inventory of all the food in my fridge, freezer and pantry (that lasted two weeks). They’ve helped carry out bags of donations from my closet purges (after plundering for things they wanted to keep). They’ve run from the smells coming from my blender as I tried juicing to “clean out” the unhealthy foods still in my system (that lasted two days).

The more I read, the more I like the Buddhist way of living (and my family appreciates the break in “improvements”). I really think that by striving toward a peaceful, positive life, happiness will just come naturally. 

Here are some great tips for achieving happiness no matter who you are or where you live:

• Spend time with nice people who reflect the person you would like to be. Choose friends who make your day a little brighter just by being in it. Weed out those who use or neglect you; let them go without regret and what you’ll have left are people you can count on.
• Everyone deserves kindness. Treat everyone with the same level of respect and patience as you would like to be treated yourself. Be happy for them; cheer them on; be thankful for their blessings. Appreciate the possibility of new relationships; they might just change your life forever.
• Find the courage to be yourself. You are not perfect for everyone, but you are perfect for those who love you for who you are.
• Let go of resentment. Forgiveness isn’t accepting hurtful behavior but facing the hurt and not letting it ruin your life.
• Arguments don’t have to end with someone winning and someone losing; no matter what you say, there will always be a person who thinks differently. Let it go.
• And finally, doing little things for others can make big differences in their lives and yours. You’ll be so busy making others happy that karma will bring it right back to you!

These suggestions are a lot less extreme than those I’ve recently tried, and more often than not, I find happiness a more frequent companion on my path. I hope you do, too.

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when it is time to open the voting up to you for Challenge #14.

May happiness ever be a companion with you on your own personal pathway.   Have a great weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...WISDOM

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about WISDOM and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference...
    -From the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr

Wisdom is not just about being smart, nor is it about having all the answers.  It is determining what to do with what you know, what you’ve learned from your experiences and what your gut feelings are telling you. Knowing what is coming is not enough -- you must anticipate the consequences as well.  Knowing what must be done is only the beginning- you must have the courage and determination to do it.

Some people are math whizzes, some write eloquently, and some have lightning-fast reasoning. Not all these people are wise, but I think they can be.  I think wisdom is another path in our own self-discovery. Learning from mistakes and applying knowledge with experience are stepping stones to becoming wiser.  Patience, responsibility and experimentation are the wildflowers that make our paths sweet-smelling and colorful.  I think we can all be wise if we let ourselves wander up this path. I’d love to find you there waiting for me when I finish my course. If I don’t, no worries-- I’ll wait for you!

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #13 and open the voting up to you.

May you always be guided by wisdom. Have a great weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...PEACE

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about PEACE and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

“Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me…”  

~Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," 1955

Easy to imagine, but how difficult to attain!  Then again, the path toward any destination starts with a single step.  So the path towards peace in the world begins with a single person.  Why not be the trailblazer?
Never been a trailblazer before?  Don’t know how to take that first step? 

Cultivate peace in your speech, in your thoughts, and in your emotions.  If everyone followed this advice, there would be less violence, less depression, less self-doubt in the world.  More arguments have died out before getting to the point of no return through peacefully-spoken words.  Fighting against things beyond your control can be depressing; rather, peacefully accept those things and try to change what you are in control of.  Replace emotions that lead to hurtful, aggressive behavior and turn self-doubt into self-esteem.  Blaze a trail of peace so that others may follow in your footsteps.  Give the power of peace to others so that they can broaden the path for even more people.  Allow peace to make the flowers along the path sweeter as the world changes and improves...one step at a time.  Starting with you!

 

Please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #12 and open the voting up to you.

May you always find yourself surrounded by peace and take steps towards spreading that peace out to others. Have a great weekend everyone!

Ponderings Along the Pathway...THOUGHTFULNESS

Welcome to this month's edition of Ponderings Along the Pathway, an exclusive feature over here on the Path of Positivity.  The purpose of this column is to continue with the goal of this blog which is to create a space "designed to inspire, nurture and provide support for the soul by creating a positive path to follow, one project or post at a time".  Providing some motivational introspection on the themes we cover each challenge period, is one way of achieving this goal.

This month it is all about THOUGHTFULNESS and PAT is here to share her thoughts on the subject...

Wiktionary defines THOUGHTFULNESS as “thoughtful and considerate attention”, but also as “careful deliberation before action.” I’d like to add, “careful deliberation before speaking”,  because when I start my work day with Diet Coke, I have been accused of talking before I consider all the  parameters of a problem or suggestion. Of course, that is a quality (I’m sorry, a negative behavior) that many have. It would be nice to be labeled as a “quick thinker, but unfortunately Diet Coke doesn’t give me that super power. It just gives me the power to open my mouth before my brain is finished sending an appropriate response to the conversation. So I have been “thinking” a lot about “thinking"…thinking before speaking or posting.
Words have so much power! How many times have you felt prettier, smarter, skinnier, when someone complimented you? How many times have you commented on a person’s hair style, clothing, artwork or project and seen them stand up taller or beam with delight?

My daughter is a thoughtful person. She knows how powerful words are, and she started a tradition in our house. For the last year, we have been leaving post-it notes for each other in the oddest places, like under a pillow or in the make-up drawer, etc. The thoughtful words bring smiles to our faces and give us a sweeter start to our days; words like “Caution: Objects in the mirror are more beautiful than they appear” and “You put the Good in Good Morning.”

I love that we can use our words to show our love even when our schedules might not let us see each other often. It’s a nice surprise to receive one, and it empowers us when we write them. And all it takes is a little thought.

Words can lift a person's self-esteem. Here’s a safe link I discovered on Facebook about the power of words:  http://drkellyflanagan.com/2014/01/15/words-from-a-father-to-his-daughter-from-the-makeup-aisle.  It is a letter from a father to his daughter while he stands in dismay in the make-up aisle of a store. He sees the “writing on the wall” and wants us to take a stand by guarding what words we say to our children, and how they’re going to react when they are old enough to feel the force of them.

Go ahead, "make my day" by using your words thoughtfully.

 

I hope that you get a chance to follow the link that Pat has suggested and read what this particular father had to say to his daughter.  The power of words indeed!  Also, please be sure to pop over to Pat's personal blog, Patacake Pages, for more inspiration.  That is it for today but please be sure to stop by on Monday when we showcase the top seven for Challenge #11 and open the voting up to you.

May you always think and act with thoughtful intentions and be blessed to interact with people who do the same. Have a great weekend everyone!