And so it goes.

Endings can be sad or joyful and Beginnings can also be one or the other.

When something comes to an End, we can look back with regrets or with a sense of accomplishment with 20-20 vision.

Beginnings are an entirely different experience because we don’t know what to expect.

So, everything going forward  is uncertain.

Needless to say, the juncture of an Ending and a Beginning can be traumatic for any of us.

Yet, these experiences help us grow and hopefully gain more WISDOM in the process.

Are you growing in wisdom?

If not, you’re not paying attention.

 

 

There is a family who’s only income is from the sale of Christmas Trees.

They grow the trees on their 24 acres of land.

Every year, they must plant new trees in order to replace those that are sold.

Three years ago, the owner was cutting down a tree for a customer, had a heart attack and died.

When one of our sons and daughter-in-law heard about this, they volunteered to help.

Ever since then, he dresses up like Santa and entertains the 150 kids who come with their parents to pick out a tree. She handles the cash register and some of their children also volunteer. It is hard, exhausting work.

I know it’s a complicated world, but some things are very simple.

The simplest truth is, “It is in giving that you receive!”

Reach out this holiday season and make someone’s load a little lighter.

If not today, when?

We all have differences with loved ones, friends and business associates.

When bringing up the topic of COMPROMISE, we must be able to differentiate one disagreement from another.

My ultimate goal is to maintain a good relationship with the other person even though we are currently at odds.

Relationships may take time to create, but can be quickly destroyed in a heated exchange.

Having said this, as eager as I am to prioritize the relationship higher than the current issue,

“I will not compromise my values because IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING, YOU’LL FALL FOR ANYTHING!”

When in disagreement, be a good listener and seek common ground, if possible.

If not today, when?

When asked, upon departing after her 16 year tenure as Chancellor of Germany, how she should be remembered, Angela Merkel replied, “She Tried.”

Not having been cursed with the MALE EGO, her numerous accomplishments were never about herself.

No, they were all about solving problems and getting results. 

If she was a man she probably would have spoken of her many, noteworthy accomplishments.

And therein lies the difference between the male and female species!

Decisions, that are motivated by the need to serve one’s ego, are usually a detriment to others.

At the age of 80, I’ve witnessed the MALE EGO at its worst.

It’s not a pretty site.

Let me repeat, “WOMEN SHOULD RULE THE WORLD!”

If not today, when?

I woke up this morning with no pain!

What a blessed way to start the day.

If you look for it, you’ll find SOMETHING GOOD IN EVERY DAY.

Only you can decide if your glass is half empty or half full.

Life is not so much events as it is your ongoing attitude toward all events, good and bad.

You see, how you react to life is just another decision, admittingly a big one.

Would you believe me if I told you there is SOMETHING GOOD IN EVERY ONE OF YOUR DAYS?

The only thing you are totally in charge of is your attitude!

Most of us, thank God, have healthy bodies.

Most of us have at least one person who loves us.

Most of us have enough food each day.

Most of us live in safe neighborhoods.

Most of us have at least a high school diploma.

Most of us are employable.

Most of us have the use of a car.

SOME OF US HAVE NONE OF THE ABOVE!

So, most of us have NO EXCUSE for not being thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Choking on smog

A police officer directing traffic at one of Delhi’s busy junctions says pollution levels have become “unbearable” this winter.

“I’ve taken off my mask because I need to blow the whistle to stop traffic, but it’s been horrible,” said the 48-year-old officer, who didn’t reveal his name because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Exhaust fumes flow from the rows of vehicles around him.

“My eyes hurt. It’s hard to breathe. It’s not easy,” he said.

Social worker Neelam Joshi, 39, says she feels the pollution every time she steps out of her house to catch the train to work.

“When you leave the house in the morning, that’s the first thing which hits you,” Joshi said.

By the end of the day, she says her body seems to have adjusted, but the next day, it happens all over again. (CNN)

The pollution in Delhi goes into the atmosphere we all share.

Our children and grand children will pay the price for our inaction.

So, the question is, “Do you give it your all?”

I guess it depends upon how badly you want it.

If it comes easily, it probably isn’t worth it.

No, the truly worthwhile goals in life come with a price tag attached.

The higher the goal, the higher the price tag.

Sometimes, you have to be “ALL IN!”

It’s very fulfilling to be “ALL IN” when pursuing a worthy cause win or lose.

Don’t live this short life of yours on the fringe.

Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE!

If not today, when?

There have been 110 FOLLOW-HOME ROBBERIES in Los Angeles.

The above photo shows two men breaking into the home of a REAL HOUSEWIVES STAR.

They threatened her and her young children.

So, fearing for her life and those of her children, she led them to her valuables.

The gang watches people leaving expensive jewelry stores or restaurants and follows them home.

Also, in a coordinated smash and grab attack, 80 masked men broke into a Nordstrom Store outside San Francisco.

All of us must be on the lookout to help keep our civil society CIVIL!

If not today, when?

Want to wake up EVERY MORNING with joy?

Get a birdhouse and feed.

Now, don’t expect them to arrive immediately.

No, they’re smarter than that.

They will observe from a distance for up to 48 hours until they become regular visitors.

BTW, this is the perfect time of year to erect a birdhouse with winter approaching.

Their regular sources of food are not as plentiful.

We see Blue Jays, Cardinals and all kinds coming and going from our feeder{s}.

It’s fun and entertaining to watch.

Try it!

If not today, when?