THE CINDERELLA PACT

I recently read a book where the characters formed a pact to support one another through good and difficult times.  Some of the rules for this pact were that each person had to discover who they were deep inside and love the person they discovered there.  The whole idea was based on a "fairy tale" concept and their motto was, "True love is born of experience, not fairy dust".  The whole concept was cute, but perhaps somewhat over the top; but then again... it was just a story.  Finding yourself is an enlightening experience, a journey which I took "once upon a time".  It is not a journey for the weak at heart, let me tell you that up front.  There is definitely wallowing involved!

Thinking of myself as a chameleon through most of this era, I wondered if the real Lonnie D. would ever stand up!  I have been someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's wife, someone's mother, and someone's grandmother.  So... at the heart of finding myself I then wanted to re-invent myself.  In so doing, I chose four words to describe the person I wanted to be:  loving, honest, understanding and dependable.  I then began this journey which is constantly a work in progress, sometimes falling and stumbling along the way.  Nonetheless, I feel that I have made progress and it has been worth it.  Mahatma Gandhi once said, "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others".

Have you found the real you?

New Wisdom

The new year is upon us and I think about New Year's resolutions but know they will probably never formulate into reality. It can be discouraging to realize how many times I have failed at improvement! I then wonder if it is just too late to change anything about me... I am just pretty much who I am at this stage of my life. Even though I cannot always live up to my own expectations, I do like to read inspirations which encourage me to be better. I recently read a quote from Julie Ann Ford which I shared with my readers in my January Newsletter. There are a couple of thoughts from that quote that I have chosen to share with you. 

Julie Anne states, "Learn to Love. Make commitments to what's important to you. Take risks for the things that truly matter. Remember love is not just something you feel, but the things you do. Give others the very best you have to offer, and leave the world a better place for what you have done and who you have been. Learn to live. Don't be afraid of growing, changing, or living your life. No matter where you go or what you do, the true joy of life lies in the journey---not the destination. Search for your purpose, seek out your passions, and do what you love. It's not how long you live, but how you choose to live the days you are given, so choose to make the most of every opportunity you receive."

So... to my loyal family, friends and readers, when making your New Years resolutions, think about what is important to you, what makes you happy, what inspires you, and think of what you want your journey to look like. God bless and Happy New Year.

Life's Boundaries

We are officially in the Christmas season and one witnesses all the activities that belong to that season.  After watching several Hallmark Christmas movies, I am amazed at how many ways they create the meaning of Christmas.  In one of the movies yesterday, there was a phrase that caught my attention:  "If a man's life is measured by the joy he brings to others, then his life has no boundaries". We develop our boundaries at an early age through parental disciplines and our own self image, worth and esteem.  It may take years for us to develop new boundaries, breaking down old walls and building new ones.  It is all about how we want to live our life and deciding what kind of person we want to be.  Christmas is always a good starting point as there are abundant opportunities to help other people, bring some small token of joy to a person's life, and create new friendships.  If you know of someone who is spending the holiday without family, invite them into your family and share your joy.......your life will be enriched and your boundaries will be diminished.  God bless and have a wonderful Christmas Season.

Life's baggage

When I was in my husband's shop this morning, I took time to notice exactly what was important to a man in his shop.  The usual items one would expect such as ladders, saws, tools, TV, lawn games, wood, items that belonged to his dad and other momentos of the past.  There were also multiple items that were of no use and I wondered why they are still a part of his life.  Why do we hold on to things that do not serve a purpose anymore?  As I thought and reasoned through this question, it seemed to resemble life in general.  How many of us go through life carrying years of inner baggage?  That baggage can resemble sadness, anger, guilt, resentment, jealousy and/or hurt to name a few.  Cleaning out that baggage is not as easy as cleaning out our tool shed.  We first have to take a look and identify what the inner baggage holds and why it is there.  What is your guilt from and how could you remedy it?  Why are you angry and how can you resolve the issue?  It is impossible to clear all your baggage quickly because it has taken years to accumulate it, so take things slowly one step at a time.  You will feel so much better when the  baggage is gone.

A Patient's Room of Requirement

It all begins with the question, "What are your goals?"  To our patient, it was a simple answer, "I would like to go shopping."  Now, if anyone is familiar with the magical world, we all know that the Room of Requirement is a magical room which can only be discovered by someone in need.  When discovered, the room is mysteriously equipped with everything the person needs.  Such was the case for the patient.  Upon the request for a shopping trip, her nurse presented the request to the rest of the hospice team and the wheels were put into motion.  Through a team effort, transportation was arranged, volunteers called, and staff responded with all the necessary arrangements to make this wish happen.  This week the patient's goal was reached.  Since the room was magically equipped for her, she was able to find everything she needed in the store of her choice.  Following the shopping, her day continued when the Room of Requirement was extended to the restaurant across the street where ten of the hospice team members gathered to celebrate her upcoming birthday.  It was similar to a family gathering where laughter was heard, food was wonderful, and stories were shared.  Staff members had purchased roses, a corsage, cupcakes and a few other personal items in order to make her birthday memorable.  The smile on the patient's face throughout the day told the story of how happy a met goal can make a hospice patient.  Sometimes life puts things in your path to show you where you belong.  Don't miss the opportunities that are presented to you.... the smiles are worth it!

Play With Your Pain

Charlie Chaplin once said, "To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it."
How do you play with your pain?  When I read this quote, my thoughts immediately went to a gentleman we referred to has Frogge.  He would share with us through humor his stories of mistakes, problems, dreams and life.  He always entertained us with his abilities to make his pain into a funny story.  I remember thinking at the time that this was a gift to be able to laugh at yourself and share those stories.  We see things not as they are, but as we are.  To Frogge, he chose to live, laugh, learn and move on.  I realize now that he was probably the most burden-free person in class!  When Charlie Chaplin refers to playing with your pain, I do not think it necessarily means to make humor out of it..... I think he refers to working with it to see where it takes you.  Where is your pain taking you?

Nature's Paths

Today as I sit in "My Room", I look out over the property and notice the changes in nature.  The weather has been hot and dry causing gardens to diminish in their produce, the grass shows paths of little critters, and flowers have lost their thriving capabilities.  One morning there were deer crossing the "fun" garden and with graceful movements jumped the fence and moved on.  A beautiful sight to have seen. Throughout my life, whenever I was struggling with problems, I had found my answers and solace by spending time in nature.  It is like there is no place to hide. ... the world is at my feet and nothing can bring me down.   Sometimes life puts things in our path to show us where we belong.  Don't miss what is right in front of you.