The first piece of advice is to have a positive-forward thinking mindset.

Be very calm and peaceful. (Hard to do.)

And adopt her saying, “This too shall pass.”

This outlook got her through the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Great Depression and World War II.

Although a surprise to me, she said this is the best decade she has ever lived!

There are many reasons to learn a foreign language before you travel.

Maybe you’re venturing beyond major tourist centers or want to be prepared for an emergency.

Speaking a few words of the local language will help open doors.

Owner of the tour company, Tour Guy, said you should focus on a few essential verbs.

They are; “”go,” “see,” “do” and “be.”

Then, learn a small vocabulary of words centered on your interests.

Google has an app “Translate,” which is already indispensible for travelers.

And it just released Little Language Lessons, an interactive tool that uses A.I. (NYT)

If you’re in boot camp, the drill instructor sets your limits.

But, for most of us, we set our limits.

And we are usually very conservative when deciding upon self-imposed limits.

And those limits are much less than we could have achieved throughout our lives.

And at the end of our lives, we may be quite dismayed when we look back.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Don’t let others set your limits!

It’s not too late to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

If not today, when?

Your child’s life in school is a different world.

There are are many dynamics at play.

And your child must cope with these dynamics every day.

Unfortunately these dynamics follow your child home on a cell phone.

Many kids are reluctant to tell their parents what is really going on.

The greatest chance parents have to learn more about their child is parent-teacher conferences.

Many schools still make them available.

These meetings allow teachers to discuss the child’s progress, address concerns and collaborate on supporting the child’s learning.

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend your child’s parent-teacher conference.

If not today, when?

You must take some time to “chill.”

In order to do that, how about designating a certain day as a DAY OF REST?

Life is so hectic that many of you are on the edge of burnout!

What should you do on your DAY OF REST?

Anything that can take you away from those things that cause you stress.

An activity that allows you to think of nothing else while your are doing it.

When my wife is gardening, she is in her own thoughts and thinks of nothing else.

When some people exercise, the same thing happens.

It is very relaxing for your mind and your body.

If you don’t have a favorite activity, create one.

Sitting on your front step or putting a chair in your backyard just to look around is a way to start.

Reading for enjoyment is also an easy activity to get started.

There must be something you’d enjoy if you had the time.

Just GET STARTED today.

You might find that the time spent slowly extends as you practice it giving you more relaxing moments to enjoy.

We all have had to rise above misfortune of some magnitude in our lives.

When we accomplish that feat, we must tuck it away for future use.

I say this because it will serve us well when new challenges come our way.

We’re not done dealing with adversity. No, not yet!

There’s always something just around the corner.

As we age, we’re not as strong physically, but, hopefully, stronger mentally.

And ready to put new adversity into perspective.

It’s a lens through which we experience life.

And often we can share our traumas with those just beginning to deal with life so they will know it is possible to get through and come out the better for it.

It’s an old saying, but I’m actually asking you to count your blessings.

I think you’ll be surprised at how blest you are.

The irony is that things you take for granted belong on your list.

Here are some categories: Health, Availability of medical care, Parents, Spouse, Children, Siblings Friends, Personal Safety, A place to live, Employment Opportunities, Life in the U.S.

Yes, we have many blessings and we must be thankful for them every day!

(Unknown)

So, the message today is: “Trust Yourself!”

Yes, you’ve made mistakes. Who hasn’t?

Learn from your mistakes and your victories!

And take time to learn about yourself.

You have strengths and weaknesses.

Trust your strengths and correct your weaknesses.

We are all a work in process.

Keep working!

Keep trusting!

Well, who is it?

The oldest in the family

Or the first one who grabs it?

But, it’s actually a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

There is a lot of programming that is unfit for certain audiences.

There should be some restraints because exposure to certain age groups can be harmful.

The problem is that younger kids have cell phones that have much of the same content as tv.

It may not be a bad idea to have the tv turned off after a certain time.

My mother had a solution for the remote situatiion.

TWO TV’S!

There’s a special relationship between moms and sons.

And it seems to grow stronger as the boys become fathers themselves.

Once they become a father, they begin to better understand the many sacrifices of motherhood.

And there are many!

So, it’s important to stay in touch with mom.

She won’t be here forever.

Always remind her that you love her.

And always thank her for being your mom!

If not today, when?