In Others’ Words: Just Say No

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, perspective, Quotes 15 Comments

“‘No’ is a complete sentence.” I read today’s quote and thought, “Huh.” Author Anne Lamott spoke a whole lot of truth with those five words. We can say “no” to someone and not feel obligated to offer our reasons for declining an invitation or for stepping away from an opportunity. We can say “no” and resist someone’s second and third …

In Others’ Words: Make a Wish

Beth Vogtdreams, In Others' Words, Quotes 6 Comments

Wishes can come true …  … but only if you stop wishing and do something about them. How’s that for a practical thought to start your day? And yes, there’s a certain energy to wishes and dreams … a creative buzz, if you will. Dreaming isn’t a waste of time unless that’s all we ever do. Dreams are meant to …

In Others’ Words: A Quote for July 4, 2018

Beth Vogt4th of July, In Others' Words, Quotes 7 Comments

I am proud to be an American. I am thankful to be an American. And on Wednesday, July 4, I will celebrate being an American. America is not perfect — but I don’t think it was ever set up to be so. This country was established on ideals such as courage and freedom and equality, but imperfect people founded this …

In Others’ Words: The Hardest Arithmetic

Beth Vogtgratitude, In Others' Words, Quotes 13 Comments

I’m not a math person. Start talking about any kind of math — algebra, geometry, statistics — and there’s instant white noise in my head. “I’m sorry but I can’t hear you any longer . . . “ But the challenge of counting my blessings? That’s the kind of math I want to conquer. Counting blessings … that should be …

In Others’ Words: Don’t Stop Playing

Beth VogtFun, In Others' Words, Quotes 8 Comments

It seems the older we get, the more serious life becomes. Or is George Bernard Shaw correct that becoming so serious is what ages us?  I admit that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to remind myself more and more often to have fun. Life demands so much of me — and when I say “life,”I mean “adulting.”  There’s no …

In Others’ Words: Are You Interested?

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes, Relationships 14 Comments

Take a close look at the graphic for today’s blog. Do you see what I see … the shape etched in that insignificant stone? When I saw it during my early morning walk a few days ago, I stopped and stared and yes, took a photo. There’s a heart shape outlined in that stone. It’s not perfect, but it’s there. …

In Others’ Words: The Illusion of Communication

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes, Relationships 9 Comments

  Have you ever experienced this odd form of  communication where someone has a conversation with you — but forgot to include you in the exchange? You know what I mean: It’s the kind of dialogue between you and someone else, but it takes place entirely in the other person’s head. Things are said — some of them supposedly by …

In Others’ Words: When Rain is Grace

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, perspective, Quotes 15 Comments

Several people in my family love rainy days … and I have to admit, I don’t. I don’t like driving in the rain when I can’t see the lines in the road. I don’t like having to be out and about in the rain when my shoes get wet. I don’t like what the rain does to my hair. Don’t …

In Others’ Words: The Uniqueness of Sister Relationships

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes, sisters, Uncategorized 6 Comments

  Ah, the complicated bonds between sisters … The shared history of family memories can pull sisters closer … and at other times, the same events can push sisters apart. As sisters grow up and become independent, comparison and competition may flare, straining once comfortable familial closeness. Add a secret to the mix — like I do with the Thatcher …

In Others’ Words: Listen Carefully

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes, Relationships 10 Comments

Do you prefer to talk or to listen? I admit it: I love participating in a good conversation. A conversation between friends or family, sometimes interlaced with laughter or perhaps tears, can be refreshing. Healing. But more and more over the years, I’ve learned to talk less and listen more. I had to be intentional about being quiet and listening. …