Dear Reader:

I believe the longer we live the greater our respect for time and change become. As much as we profess to dislike change… with all its uncertainties.. the more we realize that it is the changes in us, throughout our lives, that have made this life journey so fresh each day.

It is only when we recognize the impermanence of life that we are free to live. As wonderful as some memories are of my past…I would not have wanted to be stuck there forever….in order to have grandchildren…we must first have children. If I had never grown up…I would not have had children…if my children had never grown up… I wouldn’t now have grandchildren…and so on and so on and so on. How much I would have missed out on.

Even when we are just sitting or sleeping the cells in our bodies are ever-changing. Everything that comes into our lives, categorized seemingly good or bad, are there for a purpose. It is only later, upon reflection,  we realize that the polar opposites of good and bad turned out differently than we first assumed.

Bob and Fran German say the “meaning of life” is a life lived with meaning. Every day we have the opportunity to take a normal, daily routine and turn it into something meaningful…for ourelves and others.

Today we hear more and more terms about life-threatening diseases and the people who have them…as those “living” with cancer or whatever disease… when just years ago this term would have meant”terminal” patients with little life left. Changes. Good changes…but only if we use our “living” time wisely.

Some medical reports now cite that people aren’t living longer…they are dying longer. The quality of life is not matching the longer lifespans of life. What a sad commentary on modern life!

So how do we turn around the quality of life (within us) to match the quantity of life we are being given? Obviously taking time to eat, exercise, take care of our bodies (our physical shells) and live healthy is one..but it means even more than that…

It all comes down to how we wish to live our lives each and every day with a higher purpose and respect for life and everyone in it. Like the popular mantra says “ Die young…as late as possible.”

In Bob and Fran German’s book ( 101 Ways to Be Young at Any Age) one idea includes making a specific intention, each and every day, to touch the hearts of others. (And with Valentines coming tomorrow) what better time to start.

1. Pay a compliment to three people you never interacted with before….”Nice shirt, great smile, thanks for helping out the community by giving used books to it.”
2. Call someone to walk with you…have lunch…or just talk.
3. Do something for someone else that you know will lift their spirits.

These acts of kindness not only lift their spirits and ‘make’ their day but ours too.

So until tomorrow (Valentines Day)…why don’t we all give away a little more of our heart this year…and let the “beat go on” for ourselves and others “in the most delightful way.”

“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

Yesterday’s neighborhood walk…”Happy Beauties”