Hmmmmm...11/26/12

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

                                                                   -Maya Angelou

Just for a moment, think of one thing that you would like to change about yourself. 

Maybe you’d like to be more patient, or less of a human doormat.  Would you like to be more organized, or less of a neat freak?  Perhaps you’re trying to lose weight, stick to an exercise program, quit smoking, or even give up chocolate.  Now imagine that someone insists that you change.   

When you stop to consider how difficult it is to change your own habits or idiosyncrasies, you’ll quickly abandon the prospect of trying to change someone else.  Most of us don’t respond well to force, threats, or ultimatums.    

You are not obligated to change anyone.  It just can’t be done. You can, however, change your responses to people who push your buttons.  This may be as simple as knowing when to change the subject.  Or it could be as complicated as recognizing when it is healthier for you to love someone from a distance.

If someone’s true colors are showing and they’re just not palatable to you, don’t tell yourself white lies about what you’re seeing.  Who deserves your honesty more than you?   

Seeing is believing,

Gina J

Hmmmmm...11/19/12

Hmmmmm…

" We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -Sir Winston Churchill 

Lest we not forget, Thanksgiving is not only a holiday, it is also a verb.  How best to be thankful for our blessings?  The answer is right in the word itself: by giving.

In these tough economic times, we may wonder exactly what it is that we can afford to give.  There is one gift that only you can give—and that is the present of your presence.  And though it will cost you nothing, the return on your investment will be astounding.

Where to start?  Give the gift of a smile, a hug, or kind words.  Give the gift of your time.  Lend a hand or a listening ear, without expecting either to return.  Hold out an olive branch.  Hold a hand.  Hold your tongue.  Share a laugh.  Share a meal.  Share in someone’s joy or sorrow.

Kindness knows no enemy.  Invite it to the dinner table this Thanksgiving as your saving grace.  Renew the invitation daily.    

Get a life.  Give.

Gina J

PS: Happy Thanksgiving!

Hmmmmm...11/12/12

Hmmmmm…

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many."–Winston Churchill

Calling all free agents and free spirits: it’s time to celebrate Veteran’s Day!

There are approximately 21.5 million military veterans living in the United States.  These heroes and she-roes served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, and the Afghanistan War.  Just as importantly, many of them served during peace time, keeping our country safe.

There are currently about 314 million citizens of the United States.  This means that less than seven percent of our men and women are responsible for protecting the freedoms that many of us take for granted.

Remember those precious few who have defended and continue to defend your rights to the Big Three: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. When you also consider the freedoms of speech, press, and religion, the rights to vote and bear arms—and don’t forget the right to equality—saying ‘thank you’ hardly seems like enough.    

I think we’re going to need a bigger parade!

Gina J

Hmmmmm...11/05/12

Hmmmmm…

“Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be.” –Sydney Harris

Election Day is almost here.  After months of being interrupted during dinner by computer-assisted telephone calls, it’s finally time to go to the polls.

If you are one of the 35% of Americans who choose not to exercise your right to vote, take a moment to ponder these peculiar points.  It was estimated that 66 million people watched the debates between President Obama and Mitt Romney in October.  

However, this year on the lowest rated ever season of American Idol, 132 million votes were cast in the grand finale.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”  While it certainly is nice for the talented Phillip Phillips to skyrocket to number one on America’s Top 40, the fate of our country surely trumps his musical career.

Stand up and be counted as one of the lucky citizens of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.  Face the music.  Vote.

Make this place your ‘Home’,

Gina J