Powerful Lessons Shared

We watched Senator Ted Kennedy's Funeral today. The Eulogy of his son, Teddy Jr. was poignant and particularly meaningful because it captured two of my key beliefs: be positive and treat everyone with kindness.

Teddy Jr. spoke about the difficulties he faced losing a leg at the age of 12. He remembered when his father told him: "Even our most profound losses are survivable. It is what we do with that loss - our ability to transform it into a positive event.”  It is one of my father’s greatest lessons.  He said nothing is impossible.”

Another important value his father taught him early in life was “Greet everyone you meet – no matter what the station – with the same dignity and respect.”

These are powerful principles to instill in our children and embrace in our lives. Senator Kennedy’s hard work and great achievements made a difference.  He will always be remembered by the people he touched.

A Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into our lives for a reason, season, or lifetime.  Some people play a pivotal role in our life and then they are gone.  Others are connected during a chapter in our life.  The friendships that last a lifetime are especially the most cherished.

Our friends make us laugh - embrace us when we cry - support us when we need help - encourage our dreams.

I am so grateful for all of the amazing people and true friends in my life.  We all get by with a little help from our friends. 

Make Someone's Day

Yesterday, my partner said to me, "See what a difference being nice makes?"   I just gave someone a compliment on their work.  He thanked me and said, “You just made my day!”  

His morale and confidence were down from a recent change in management.  One simple act of kindness turned his day around.

A friend told me a long time ago that she was very depressed for some time. One day, she went to the market and a stranger smiled at her.  That one little smile had a huge impact. It pulled her out of depression and gave her hope.

"Pay it forward."   You are kind to someone, then they are kind to someone.

Attitude is contagious ... spread Kindness. 

Experiences Imprinted On Your Heart and Soul

When my Mom died in 2007, it left an imprint on my heart and soul. Her health had deteriorated rapidly in less than a year. We brought her home from the hospital and on the 3rd day, we all knew she was "passing into the next life."

In the last days and hours of her life, she would awake with a beautiful smile on her face. It was an unusually windy, balmy October day. Her passing was peaceful with many touching and divine experiences. I can still hear her exclaiming, "I heard it," when I asked her if she heard her wind chimes. 

The Hospice Chaplain prayed and sang softly to her. My brother and I were by her side, telling her we loved her and what a wonderful mother, friend, and partner she had been. We repeated one of her favorite sayings:

“Let Go and Let God” … She slipped peacefully away into the Angels’ arms.

I miss her so much.

Things You Remember

I think it's profound that something someone said to you once, stays with you forever.

Like one time when I told my friend Sharon that it was unbelievable I would be 40 when I finished my Bachelor's degree. She replied, "how old would you be if you didn't get your degree?"   It was a different perspective that I always remember.

Your Attitude Makes a Difference

Attitudes are contagious.  Would someone want to catch yours? 

Ever notice when you are in a good mood and you smile at everyone, they smile back?

Just as true, if you are stressed or angry, other people feed right into your tension.  Even our pets pick up our stress.

I just watched Deepak Chopra on Ellen and he said that studies show that when we make other people happy, we are happy.

Be kind and and do what makes you smile ... it  makes such a difference!

Inspirations from Mother Nature

Last night, we watched the moon light its path across the ocean.

Tonight, gazing at the ocean ... the sun sets on one side of the horizon and Catalina Island's dark silhouette is on the other.   Blissfully blessed!