Thursday, November 26, 2015

Being Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude is just as important today as it will be going forward. Showing ourselves grateful and thankful is something we should make a life long goal. It should also be a daily practice. Something of utmost importance to remember is we can never move backwards. We can never take back something we wish had never occurred, but we can move forward doing better. Yesterday was the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift, that's why it is called the present. We want to be thankful for this gift.  We want to express love and kindness as well as appreciation to those who are a part of our present and close to us that need to feel and know it. Tomorrow is promised to no one. This may not always be simple to do but must be done. Life is so uncertain, as the saying goes : Here today, gone tomorrow! Many people speak of a future time as though its a promise. But the fact remains, we have the present, life can change from one moment to the next. Sadly the other day I watched a man on  T.V. on the one year anniversary of his wife's death pass out cards to virtual stranger's telling them they were loved and special. He outwardly admitted that he felt bad because during the time his wife was alive, He never showed love, appreciation and gratitude for her that he should have.  He appeared to be a really nice man.  Also  he told the world now what a wonderful loving, generous and caring person she had been in her life to other's. Some people was moved to tears, as I was also.  I guess somehow doing this helped ease the guilt of his conscience he must have felt for not being the person for her should or could have been.  Although he told the world, apparently, She never knew. How sad.  We don't always get second chance's. Sometimes we get what we deserve, and sometimes we just get what we get.  Life is best lived with fewest regret;'s as possible. As a reminder to myself and other's, be grateful, show love and appreciation in the present.  Let others in our life know now while they are alive and can appreciate just how they are regarded and how we feel about them. Remember now is the time. Don't let the world know, let them know.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Hearing & Listening

Listening is an art. It's kinda funny, many people feel they have this particular quality nailed. But in actually, not many of us have learned this  quality or  practice it the way we think we do. Also it is so important most times when we talk to people, we really need them to listen to what we are saying, especially in close relationships. Life has taught me  from personal experience that probably only one person out of ten people  we talk too are actually listening to what we say.  They may be hearing it, but not listening to it.  Do you agree with that? The one comment a person can make to me that tells me that they are not listening is "I heard you. "  That reply tells me first hand hearing only. This applies especially to our spouse ,children, family. Yes, typically to those who need to be not only hearing but  listening.  We are trying to convey our thoughts, feelings and even motives and even teaching. However there are others, outside these circles who fall into the hearing but not really listening category also whom we deal with in our life that really need to be listening.  There are so many other matters of importance we need to deal with in our life.  Yes, our health and welfare. The doctor,we tell them many things, did you ever walk away saying to yourself, "He completely ignored me, or they never heard a word I said!" Down to even going through the drive thru at a fast  food restaurant.  It's something we really need to pay attention too. It's a two way street.  Do we listen when others talk?  Because as I said it can affect our very lives and of those whom we love as well as relationships.  But it's not our fault people don't listen. What can we do to get people,to listen to what we say? There are ways we can get more of a listening ear of most.  I've learned that we cannot talk to anyone if we are angry, they tend to feel the wrath but never listen to whats being said , it's like the anger is a distraction. So we always need to be calm, not that this has worked for me every time, because we all lose our cool sometime. Yep me too. We need their attention, one sure way is to have it is  eye to eye contact with whom ever we are speaking, children spouse, doctor, etc.  We need to speak at a moderate pace. Our voice need to be low or at least match the topic we are discussing.  If a thought to an idea or response is interjected, we need to remain silent until it is complete. Our words need to be the choicest, and tactfully delivered. Never talk to a persons back, or share attention with a T.V. or book etc. your conversation will be less effective. And I guarantee they will never listen to your speech.  Take your leave till a more convenient time.   I always like to share my life learning tips  and reflections with you.  It's been my experience when I practice these tips, I have had my best communication possible with those I've needed.   Hearing  and listening is something we can all improve in. Hope you find these tips helpful!!

Monday, November 2, 2015

For Your Entertainment!

Dancing is something that makes us all feel good. The one common emotion connected with dancing is happiness.   We enjoy dancing  as well as watching others do it. Dancing like love is universal.  It sends the exact same message each time it's displayed.  Its feeling transcends all national boundaries. In this descriptive song by Pharrel Williams, Happy, we all get happy when we hear it and it makes us want to dance because we are happy!  It moves us to be happy. Have you danced today? Enjoy this short entertaining video as a change of pace and on a lighter side.  Remember if we allow our selves to be happy, we will dance! When we are happy we thrive!!