Yes I Can

Have you ever noticed how people sometimes seem to be their own worst enemies?  I have.  We tend to put limits on ourselves.  Often when we're presented with a new opportunity, our first response is. "No." or, "I can't."  Without even trying, we say we can't.  It might be something that's a little out of our comfort zone so we're afraid or apprehensive.  Most people have convinced themselves it is not possible so they don't have to put forth the effort to even try.

So what's our problem?  Are we lazy?  Afraid?  Shy?  No self confidence?  What?

Do you know anyone who's not afraid to at least TRY to do new things?  I do..  They're my heros.  They embrace life.  They live more fully.  They have interesting experiences.  They're fun to be around.  They're fearless.

As the old saying goes, "If you say you can or if you say you can't, you're right."  Let's start living our lives more fully with a new "can do" attitude.  The next time an interesting, different, or fun opportunity comes our way, let's fearlessly answer, "Yes I can".

Love,  Paula

Encouraging Success

I joined Weight Watchers at the end of February.  After being inactive because of my bunion surgery, I "blossomed".  I finally got to the point where I knew I had to do something.  My something is Weight Watchers and it's working out well for me.

As part of the Weight Watchers meeting we're asked, "Who's celebrating this week?"  Basically that means who has lost any weight?  And no matter if it's 5 pounds, 2 pounds or .2 pounds, everyone celebrates with you.  They applaud and are genuinely happy for and supportive of each other's accomplishments big AND small.  Then we're asked what we did to accomplish our success.  In this way maybe we can help others be successful too.

When I was at last week's meeting being applauded for a .6 pound weight loss, it hit me.  Shouldn't ALL life be like that?  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could ALL be supported, encouraged and applauded for the big and small accomplishments in our lives?  Wouldn't it be fantastic if people were genuinely happy for each other's successes and not jealous or envious?  Wouldn't it be great to then try to help others be successful too?

I feel like Weight Watchers meetings are a good example that the world could benefit from.  Let's all support, encourage and applaud everyone's successes and then try to help others be successful too.  If we all did that, we could change our world.

Love,  Paula

People of Age

The other day I was messaging with my oldest grandson.  He sent me a picture and article about the cremation tree.  Although that really interests me and I think it's a great idea, my husband and I have already made our arrangements and I told him that.  We were back and forth on the subject.  He thought it was nice that we could talk about such things.  I told him that death is just another part of life.  He agreed but said that sometimes "people of age" don't want to talk about it.

PEOPLE OF AGE!!!  What? Is that what I am?  When did THAT happen?  I certainly don't feel like a person of age.  What does that even mean?

I talk about my father's "wisdoms" a lot, but my mother also imparted much wisdom to me.  When I was in high school she told me to really enjoy that time.  She said, "Once you graduate, time goes fast.  All of a sudden, you're old."  I tried to remember that and live accordingly.  Now, all of a sudden I'm a "person of age".  When mom was nearing her death I remember her commenting, "How did this 18 year old girl get into this 88 year old body?"  That's kind of how I feel.  In spite of what is going on chronologically, I still feel young.  I don't feel like I'm winding down.  I feel like I'm just starting to wind up.  Even though I'm a "person of age", I've decided to make the rest of my life, the best of my life.

Love,  Paula

Gardens

It's the beginning of June.  My garden is planted.  I actually planted it a couple of weeks ago because we were having such unusually warm weather.  Since I planted it, I've only had to water it once.  I know it's early in the season, but so far "Mother Nature" is taking care of everything.  It rains, it's sunny, it rains, it's sunny... this is all in one day.  Everything is growing nicely and I fully expect a fruitful, productive garden this year.

As we watch nature, we can translate this into  every area of our lives.  If we pay attention we realize that we're every bit as taken care of.  We have food, shelter, clothing, sunshine, rain, the beauty of flowers in the summer, snow in the winter, colored leaves in autumn, and blossoms in the spring.  There's SO MUCH to be grateful for.

Our life is like a garden.  As we look forward with expectation, anticipation and excitement about what is growing and when it's going to "pop up" in our gardens, we should also expect, anticipate and be excited about what's growing and what's going to "pop up" in our lives each and every moment of each and every day.  We should fully expect fruitful and productive lives.

Love,  Paula