Live a simple life – Day 11
“The goal of life: simple, but not empty.” ~Terri Guillemets
To live a simple life… find simple things to do, while enjoying the company of loved ones.
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Live a simple life – Day 10
“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning”. ~Winston Churchill
Something as simple as a market or grocery list, a “To Do” list or a schedule can help simplify things. To live a simple life… plan ahead.
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Live a simple life – Day 9
“A place for everything, everything in its place.” ~Benjamin Franklin
To live a simple life… stay organized
For some of us, this isn’t as simple as it sounds, simply because we haven’t made a habit out of it. I always tell my kids, it takes less effort to put things back in its place or where they belong as opposed to stacking it on your floor and having to pick it all up later. I need to practice what I preach.
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Live a simple life – Day 8
If you kick a stone in anger, you’ll hurt your own foot. ~Korean Proverb
To live a simple life… pick your battles and keep calm. This reduces the time and energy you spend being angry and frustrated, thus giving you more time to be focused, pleasant and happy. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Live a simple life – Day 7
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
To live a simple life… find beauty in everything and everyone.
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Live a simple life – Day 3
If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today. ~E. Joseph Cossman. To live a simple life… don’t sweat the small stuff.
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Life according to Charlie
You’re not gone… just on another great adventure. ~Christine Sternfels
Today, I picked up Charlie’s ashes and paw print. First I cried, then smiled, then cried, then smiled. Passersby were starting to look concerned (or scared). I finally got myself together, wiping the tears and snot from my face then I started to think about how life is according to how Charlie lived. Thought I’d share…
I know all dogs go to heaven
Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
At 10:47am yesterday, our sweet boy Charlie drew his last breath. He would have been twelve this Thursday.
We got him for Danielle’s thirteenth birthday. She wanted a chocolate Lab so we went to a breeder’s house. When we got there, there were several little chocos running around and people were there trying to pick the next member of their family. That’s when we noticed a little tethered box in the corner. Something was moving under the rags when a head popped out. He was trying so desperately to uncover himself, but his paws were so big and clumsy. The breeder told us to make our pick before they were all gone and we asked him, how about the cute one in the box? He responded “Oh that? You don’t want that, he’s the runt and I can’t give you papers for him. You don’t want him” That’s when we knew, he was ours!
He was three months old and his paws were the size of his head. He always stumbled and his belly was so big that it dragged on the floor. We got him a trainer and she came to the house every week. It took three lessons for us to know, Charlie can’t be trained… he’s so smart he plays dumb so well! He was sweet, sensitive and very funny.
He loved camping and going for hikes but get this… he hates the water. Yes he’s a pure bred Hunting Labrador from the Dakotas and does excellent pointing to ducks, but trying to get him in the water was impossible. He cries when we bathe him, he whines when we take him to the beach but he’ll run around in the shallow water if he thinks we’re chasing each other. When he realizes he’s wet, he walks around as if he was saying “Ewe…ewe..wet..ewe” carefully trotting his way out of there. The first time we took him to the river and tried to get him in the water was fun. It was like playing tug of war. We were on one end and he was on the other. He dug his two front legs into the pebbled beach and anchored his butt down and pulled back. It was funny and it caught everyone’s attention because here was this water dog, afraid to go in. The drag marks was classic. Charlie gave in to trick us because as soon as we thought he was going in and stopped pulling, he ran away really fast.
He loved rolling in dirt, freshly cut grass and sand. He loves to pounce on short girls, get them down to the ground and just lick them. He was a 90 pound lap dog, oh he loved climbing on my husband’s lap all the time. It was a challenge pulling him back on road trips because he wanted to be in the front with hubby. He loved french fries and peanut butter. One time my husband was eating his pb&j sandwich. He had the sandwich in his hand, looked away for a second, turned to take another bite and it was gone! There was Charlie, licking his chops and getting rid of the evidence. He also loved getting his nails done. Good thing dogs are color blind, if he knew the kid was putting fuchsia on his toenails, I doubt he would have just sat there and let her… but then again he loved her so much he probably wouldn’t have cared. It’s fun watching hubby and the kid play catch with him. They will throw a frisbee or a ball, Charlie will look where it went, then look back at them with an expression on his face as if he was saying ” And you want me to do what with that thing?…” Charlie loved life, but most of all… he loved us and we knew it.
I will miss waking up to big eyes staring back at me after getting a whiff of his stale breath. I will miss having my morning cup of coffee outside when he does his morning business. When we watch scary movies, he will sit on the couch, bury his head under the blankets and shake like a baby. I will miss having to hide my gum or anything minty in a high place because he loves it so much. One time I was in the hallway passing by my daughter’s room when I saw him in there quietly (as if on stealth mode) unzipping her back pack to get to her gum. He even got into my aunt’s luggage and bit into the can of Altoids… that was a bit too much for him because he didn’t finish it. But no matter how much gum or mint he ate, he always had bad breath! I will miss his stinky farts, especially when the family is intensely watching a movie… everyone is quiet and concentrated until we all scream “Ewe, Charlie!”. I will miss making salad because he loved the bottoms of romaine hearts. I will miss him walking into my office in the middle of the day to rest his head on my lap or nag me with his paws to go outside. Packing lunch for the kid won’t be the same without him waiting for me to drop something on the floor. I will miss our therapy sessions where he sits there, paws crossed, listening to me while I complain about the little petty things. He always made me feel better, with his wise and quiet reassurance that life is so much more than that and everything will be okay. He was such a gentle giant, I think I’ve only heard him bark at most 4 times in his post puppy life. But when he barked, he meant business and they were times he was protecting us from squirrels, raccoons and stuff.
I could write a book on our life with him and all the things we’ll miss about him, he was so special. I will miss you terribly my sweet boy and my heart is hurting so much right now. You will be in our hearts and thoughts always… we love you Charlie!
Random acts of kindness – Day 30
Don’t choose who to be kind to, be kind to everyone. Don’t decide when to be kind, be kind at all times. Don’t worry about how small it may seem, to someone it makes a big difference. Don’t limit yourself to the easy acts, kindness is supposed to be selfless. ~Christine Sternfels
When I started this series, I thought “Piece of cake! I can do random acts of kindness with my eyes closed.” It was ok at first because I was doing things I wanted to do, when I wanted. The more I got into it, the harder it got because I could not come up with things that fit my schedule. I wasn’t trying to change the world, but why was I looking for grander gestures to make a difference? I learned it had to start with small acts, at any given time, anywhere and with anyone.
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” ~Mother Teresa
I hope this series’ posts have somehow inspired you to do something kind by nature and frequently. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 29
Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, ‘Til in Heaven the deed appears – Pass it on. ~Henry Burton
What act of kindness will you pass on today? I’d love to hear about them!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 28
No matter how nice you are, there will always be someone to criticize you. ~Author unknown
Can you go a day without criticizing someone no matter how blatantly funny they look? Why not give it a try?
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Random acts of kindness – Day 27
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia
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Random acts of kindness – Day 25
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~James Matthew Barrie
I will be a baking fool in the next few days to make goodies for local senior centers so my daughter and her friends can visit and chat with them. I’ve placed a call to some places and I’m hoping someone will get back to me because the girls are really looking forward to it. Have a great day everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 24
To give and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving. ~Max Beerbohm
Today’s exercise is to stuff small stockings with simple items. In it, include a note that says “This gift is for whoever finds it. Please take its contents and replace it with a gift from you. Leave the note in the stocking and place it where ever you want to. Happy giving!”
I also stuffed some stockings for my mailman. I put in a personal note from our family. We often take them for granted but their job is very important and regardless of the weather, your mail arrives. Take time to thank them even with a holiday card and gift card or just a thank you note.
Have a great time spreading the love everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 22
The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur
Today’s exercise is to find someone who needs holiday decorations. Some families don’t have a tree or any ornaments for it. If you have gently used ornaments you no longer want, there is someone out there who needs it and will want it. Maybe ask around? Have a great day everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 21
Eventually you come to realize that most people aren’t looking for a fight but for someone to surrender to. ~Robert Brault
Today’s exercise is to make peace with someone you have a disagreement with. Pick up the phone, don’t text, IM or email. It’s not a matter of who’s right or wrong, whose fault it is, who started it. What matters is you mend what’s broken. And if you have nobody you need to make peace with, I’m sure you have someone to call, text or email to let them know how much you care. Have a beautiful day everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 20
If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. ~Bob Hope
Today’s exercise is to gather some toys for needy or ill children. Contact your local hospitals if they are taking donations for kids or participate in a toy drive. Start a toy drive with your friends, neighbors or co-workers. There are children out there who would love something as simple as a stuffed toy. Have a great day everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 19
Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up. ~Jesse Jackson
Today’s exercise is to help fix something, pack or unpack boxes, carry groceries to the car. The goal is to give a helping hand to someone. Have a beautiful day everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 18
Good nature will always supply the absence of beauty; but beauty cannot supply the absence of good nature. ~Joseph Addison
Today’s exercise is to be kind to your environment and surroundings. How many times have you seen litter and just walked by it? Well ok, if it’s gross I wouldn’t touch it either but if you can, why not pick it up and throw it in the trash? Have a great day everyone and happy trash picking!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 17
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. ~John Ruskin
Today’s exercise is to donate clothing, shoes and stuff sitting in the garage. I’d rather clothe someone than feed rats. Have a great day everyone and happy giving!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 15
A fellow who does things that count, doesn’t usually stop to count them. ~Albert Einstein
Today’s exercise is to write to someone to remind them how special they are. Whether you mail it, drop it off or hand it to them, it will be a nice surprise. Have a great week everyone!
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Random acts of kindness – Day 14
The true essence of humankind is kindness. There are other qualities which come from education or knowledge, but it is essential, if one wishes to be a genuine human being and impart satisfying meaning to one’s existence, to have a good heart. ~Tenzin Gyatso (The 14th Dalai Lama)
Today’s exercise is to encourage someone. Here’s a poem I’d like to share to help encourage you on days when you feel like quitting. Have a great weekend!
“DON’T QUIT”
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
… And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow–
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out–
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit–
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown
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Random acts of kindness – Day 13
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~Dalai Lama
Today’s exercise, pay someone a sincere compliment. Say something nice and mean it. I know, it’s much easier to make fun of someone while you’re huddled in a co-worker’s cubicle but guess what… that’s just mean! I’m guilty of it and do it without really thinking sometimes, but there’s always a story behind the why and how. We are judgmental creatures and it’s time to break that ugly habit. Now, be a sweetheart and go say something nice to someone. Have a great day and please try not to get slapped.
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Random acts of kindness – Day 11
Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference. ~Kevin Heath
Once the clouds have lifted and the sunrise is a beautiful sight once more, it’s difficult to imagine life going back to normal while in the midst of devastation. With the help of others, hardships are eased and the weary are comforted. Today’s exercise is to give. If you want to know what you can do to help victims of super storm Sandy on the Eastern seaboard, here’s a list of some ideas:
Donate blood
The Red Cross had to cancel about 300 blood drives because of the storm and supplies are running low. Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation appointment in your area. The New York Blood Center is also collecting blood donations in the New York/New Jersey area.
Give food and shelter
The Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing emergency shelter and meals for evacuees.
Help children in need
Save the Children and World Vision are paying special attention to the needs of children affected by the storm.
Care for animals
The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association have teams working to save the lives of animals caught in the storm.
Provide emergency supplies
AmeriCares, Direct Relief International and Feeding America are providing food, medical supplies and emergency kits for people in need.
Join in the cleanup
Team Rubicon has dispatched veteran field teams to start working right away, and Samaritan’s Purse is looking for volunteers to help rebuild after the storm passes.
Source Credit: CNN’s Impact your world site
Feel free to add suggestions on the comment thread of this post. I hope everyone is doing well, take care.
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Live a simple life
Random acts of kindness
The little things
The re-discovery of happiness
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