It’s been a good ride. Thanks for coming along for these 30 odd years. But there comes a time to close the gate and move to another pasture. Thanks for all you’ve taught me. For the words of encouragement and appreciation, and yes, even the occasional hate mail, because it let me know that my goal to make you think was working. For comments that spurred me to think deeply and respond to. So, a few thoughts to travel on.
Nothing is a mistake if you learned from it.
We are all put here with a skill set and meant to use it. Getting out of our lanes and muddying up someone else’s path is at best, unhelpful.
We are put here to change the world; it’s up to us to decide how make the world better.
You are the only person you can change; efforts to remake others is a waste of your life,
Love is more powerful than hate. Love is action, but it’s important to say the words too.
Love involves listening, paying attention, knowing when to speak and when to shut up. It means asking hard questions and avoiding assumptions.
We can’t help others until we take care of ourselves.
Small things matter. Saying a silent blessing for someone passing on the street. Sending that text, making that call, a momentary greeting instead of hurrying past the person in the grocery aisle. You never know whose day was enhanced, and it’s not your business anyway.
Never miss a chance to admit you’re wrong. Or to forgive. Freedom for all parties is the reward for forgiving.
Laugh a lot, mostly at yourself, never at the expense of others.
Expect the best of others and yourself. You’ll be disappointed less often than you think.
A hand up when someone is down beats a handout that encourages them to stay down.
Speaking quietly gets more attention than shouting.
Small acts of love and caring done in your little corner of the world have a greater effect for good than protests and marching ever will. The spotlight is overrated.
Doing good is contagious. Let us do good.
Hate and contempt are contagious too. What outcome are you hoping for?
Be the person you want to attract.
You’re probably thinking, “there she goes again, a woman always wants the last word.”
Wrong. I won’t be meeting you here next week so it’s your turn now. What words do you have that will make a difference in our broken world?
I’m counting on you to do your best, and confident that you and lots of others will like it.