Yes, you’re happy she got accepted to the college of her choice.

Yes, you know how difficult it was to conquer all the little & big challenges along the way.

Yes, it’s going to be very expensive to pay for all four years.

Yes, when you return to an empty house, it hits you.

Yes, she was your baby and now she has become an adult.

So, why are you so sad?

Because she is a different person with grown up challenges.

And yes, she’s really gone!

And you, for the first time are an EMPTY NESTER!

It’s been 10 years since Maggie Doyne was named the 2015 CNN Hero of the Year for her work caring for and educating vulnerable children and orphans in rural Nepal.

What started with a plot of land that she purchased with her BABY SITTING MONEY has become a global model for poverty alleviation and development through her nonprofit, BlinkNow Foundation.

“It’s really a community vision for care and what children need to thrive,” Doyne, 38, said.

After high school, Doyne began her work after meeting a young girl in Surkhet, Nepal, whose life was ravaged during the country’s decades-long civil conflict.  (CNN)

We all know of people who need a helping hand.

Lift them up!

If not today, when?

It was a joyous occasion because we believe it is a good match.

The couple have known each other for quite awhile as friends and started thinking of marriage in the last year.

We hope they will remain close throughout their wedded years.

They planned a celebration and we were glad to be included.

Everyone was happy to be there.

We enjoyed great food, good upbeat music and a real wedding cake.

The bride and groom were grinning all night long.

It was so nice to have a break from national news and downer events elsewhere in our country.

We went to sleep last night smiling!

Yes, it’s true!

Another one of our granddaughters received word that she has been hired.

After an enormous effort, she will be working in her dream job.

A recent graduate of Michigan State University, she secured a degree in Hospitality.

It wasn’t easy as she faced disappointment and rejection along the way.

But, during summer breaks from school, she was building the blocks of success.

It is very obvious that she built the credentials needed in her resume.

She obtained internships in her chosen field by working at two high end country clubs.

Yesterday the offer was made and accepted!

It is a lesson for all of us.

Major success requires a major effort!

It was a difficult journey for one of our granddaughters.

First came the challenge of admission to her chosen major at Uuiversity of Michigan.

Then four arduous years of study in which she got very high grades.

Then various internships which gave her practical experience in her chosen field.

Then saving up money with multiple jobs to pay for expenses after graduation.

Even before graduation, she pursued interviews to find the kind of job she wanted.

Rejection and disappointment followed despite her credentials.

This story, however, has a happy ending.

She was hired yesterday by a premier company in New York!

Her perseverence paid off!

She got the exact job she wanted with the perfect company in the heart of Manhattan.

(Aristotle)

Do you feel examining some of your issues would be helpful?

If so, create a written hierarchy of those that are most important.

Separate those that are working well from those that aren’t?

Which will you work on first?

Those that are good and can be better?

Those that require a correction?

Just a few simple steps to create an examined life.

I hope you find them helpful!

If not today, when?

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Have you ever thought of changes you would make to yourself if you could?

A new haircut, losing weight, dressing better?

How about changes in personality?

Being more outgoing? more patient? more studious?

What about changes in your career?

More effort on the job? More interaction with other employees, more education?

What about changes in your family life?

More effort to participate in family discussions? Interest in the condition of your home, better relationship with your spouse?

Change is possible in all these areas.

What is necessary is that YOU ARE WILLING TO DO SO!

If not today, when

(A new book)

Many of us are getting burned out while using technology.

There is even some evidence that teenagers are using less social media.

It can be tiring switching from one app to another.

And when interrupted by a phone call, your mind has to jump into tech again.

The use of technology has powerful impacts on us.

It shapes our attention, emotions and thinking.

This leads to feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed.

My Dad always said, “Everything in moderation.”

Seems like we should take his advice!

If not today, when?

We can express our love for someone in many different ways.

It all depends on the circumstances.

One necessary companion of love is kindness.

Of course, love is best expressed when giving forgiveness.

Love must be expressed in actions, not words only.

In these uncertain times, love is the answer!

If not today, when?

The good Samaritans had a little difficulty getting the SUV’s door open. But they eventually did.

And together they pulled the man to safety.

He was taken to a local hospital and reunited with his son.

It was just one of many instances where ordinary citizens banded together to help others amidst the devastation of a hurricane.

This was an example of SPONTANEOUS COURAGE.