Life is too short

"Life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself." (Unknown)

     I always feel a bit melancholy after Christmas, especially looking at the beautiful lighted tree. We simply don't know if we are going to be around for another Christmas. I don't plan to leave, but who knows what may happen in the next 362 days!?!? This leads me to the beginning quote, please re-read it.
     And I offer these words by Jim Lockard for your consideration:

"Why are so many of us at war with ourselves? It is really baffling, isn't it? Perhaps it is about feeling diminished when we were young by the words, actions and omissions of others. But those others are not the main influences in our lives anymore, are they? When did we take over the job of diminishing ourselves? When and why?

 "It is time to say 'no more.' Not one more self-deprecating thought. It's over. Declare peace. Since we each have become both sides of the conflict, that shouldn't be too hard. Declare a peace treaty and live in peace with yourself. You deserve no less."

Wishing you a peaceful 2015.
          Leta

 

What One Thing...?

     For many folks, December is a crazy time of year, with lots more stuff to do, events to attend, and emotions of all variety running rampant. Does this time of year HAVE to be that way? Really!?!?
     Ya gotta start somewhere. What is one thing that you can stop doing to simplify your life in December? There is something. And I can guarantee that the world will not stop turning because you made the decision to stop doing some thing. Give yourself a gift of think time to see what it is that would lighten your load by giving it up.
     I know from personal experience that this works very well. I have a calm, fun, full December without stress, because I'm only doing those things that are really meaningful to me. It is possible!
                 Peace and serenity,
                       Leta

TED Talk by Timber Hawkeye--a great start to your week

"Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does." Timber Hawkeye
Here's the link to his TED Talk--an excellent reminder of the power of gratitude. It's definitely worth the 10-minute break to listen and watch. Enjoy!
     http://youtu.be/LIFTxRJfLTM
                   Leta

Reminder for "the Holidays"

     There is a very common tendency to set all good eating habits aside during "the Holidays," possibly starting as early as Halloween. I have been no stranger to such wild abandon, and let's just say, the results were unsatisfying.
     What I routinely remind myself this time of the year is that Thanksgiving Day is a holiday and Christmas Day is a holiday, but all the other days between and around them are NOT holidays. This is a strong motivator to eat in my usual healthy manner on those non-holidays, so that when I do indulge on a holiday, it's not months of recovery to get back to normal.
      Also, I have a few (2-3) Christmas-party type of events this year. At those I allow myself to eat whatever I want, with the goal of simply not making myself uncomfortable with quantities. That way I don't feel deprived through the season, which is a real danger mode for me.
      We take care of what we value, and I value my great health. Today is not a holiday, and I will eat well. And as a result, I will enjoy Christmas Day more than ever.
      Happy non-holiday to you!
              Leta

Who Knew?!?!?

      Holy cow! My car grieving period was quite short. Here's the photo of my new car, a 2013 Nissan Altima. I never would have thought I would utter these words, but I love this car even more than the BMW! An amazing sequence of events happened, and it was less than 48 hours from the first time I saw it, till I was driving it home to stay. I am feeling awesomely blessed and outrageously thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
   Leta

There She Went...

     Yesterday was the first time I saw my car drive away and I was not in it. My "baby" of 10+ years, my dream car, headed off yesterday to her second home. I cried, a lot. There are very good reasons for selling her: high miles, maintenance hassle and EXPENSE, wanting something way more fuel efficient. But then there was parting with her, which my head was ready for, but my heart was not. I don't know if I'll ever have another one. (I don't know if I even WANT another one!) Everything else, including whatever I get to replace her, is just a car (not necessarily a bad thing).
     So now the search for another car begins. Photos forthcoming...
                Leta

Since it's November...

     Despite the fact that there is already Christmas stuff prominent in every store, I am still generally focused on Thanksgiving. And it wouldn't be November without a blog on gratitude.
     I'm thinking of the less obvious (tend-to-take-for-granted) stuff that I am thankful for:

• ability to read
• so many magnificent vacation places around our world
• the opportunity to brighten another person's life
• ability to sew
• ability to walk without aids
• ability to use both hands and arms
• 12-step programs
• young people, new ideas, new inventions
• I have everything I need and most everything I want
• healthy, happy sons
• outstanding husband
• even more loving family

     Most of all, I am grateful for a loving, close relationship with my Higher Power that sustains me through all the adventures of life. I am loved, always and all ways, and so are you!
     Thanks for reading!
              Leta