I’ve always been intrigued by this quote by Anne Frank. Astounded, really. A young girl whose life was destroyed by the Nazi Holocaust states that despite everything — despite losing her home, despite having to hide from people who want to kill her and her family, despite the fear of being caught and taken to a concentration camp (which …
In Others’ Words: What Suffering Requires
Everyone suffers. I don’t think anyone would argue with that statement. We might argue with with how much someone suffers — whether someone’s suffering is worse than another person’s … or ours. We might argue with the wrongness or rightness of the suffering. But no one get’s a bye on suffering. The question then becomes suffering plus what allows us …
In Others’ Words: Never Walk Back
Progress is not about how fast you are going, but it is most definitely about forward motion. We almost always equate progress with success — although sometimes that is debatable — and sometimes we also believe success has to happen quickly. Hence, the term “overnight success,” which is an oxymoron in itself. I’ve achieved some successes in my life …
In Others’ Words: What to Do After Going Halfway
For a long time, I thought 50-50 relationships were the way to go. I do my part to meet the other person halfway and the other person does their part. Equal investments into a relationship should make it work, right? Not necessarily. And then I believed the 100% “go all in” attitude about relationships. It’s not 50-50. It’s 100% plus …
In Others’ Words: Looking for the Good Stuff
What are you looking for today? Me? I’m looking for the good stuff. The good people. The good actions. The good interactions. Kindness. Patience. Smiles. Acts of grace. Laughter. That kind of good stuff. And then I’m going to praise that goodness. I’m going to say “thank you” out loud. I’m going to smile back. I’m going to hug …
In Others’ Words: Being Thankful for Octobers
I know people who say that autumn is their favorite time of year. That’s not the case for me, but I do enjoy autumn and watching the trees change colors. And I especially enjoy the month of October. It’s right in between September and November — the month when we can catch our breath after running full tilt from summer …
In Others’ Words: Personal Investment
Warren Buffett’s net worth is $75.6 billion — he’s #2 on Forbes’ list of “The 12 Notable New Billionaires of 2017.” Bill Gates is #1, if you’re curious. And yet, here’s a billionaire recommending investing in yourself rather then investing in stocks or bonds — even saying this investment is the best kind. This past Sunday, my husband and I …
In Others’ Words: Whatcha’ Gonna Be?
Be silly. Be honest. Be kind. Which one of those “Be’s” jumped out at you today? There are so many things we want to be — smart, pretty, successful, well-liked, athletic — that sometimes we get lost along the way to being. We have so many “be’s” to choose from, we lose track of the important ones. Or someone tells …
In Others’ Words: Active Patience
hey I spent part of Sunday evening at the Olympic Training Center watching the awards ceremony for the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship, where the U.S.A. Men’s Volleyball took the gold medal. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the upper part of the gymnasium wall decorated with quotes. QUOTES. While we waited for the ceremony to start, I alternated between taking …
In Others’ Words: The Power of Kind Words
These days, my thoughts turn more and more to the need for kindness. Kind actions. Kind words. It is all too easy these days to judge another person harshly — to judge an entire group of people harshly. (And no, this is not a political post. Not going there.) I blogged a month ago about how I don’t want …