Dear Reader:

Have you ever considered that the personality and conduct of a person go hand in hand with their life experiences…which, in turn, either add up to longevity through kindness or are shortened by negative thoughts and behaviors ruled over by anger and intolerance?

Simply put…kindness extends life…and not just life for the sake of breathing…but a life filled with joys, happiness, giving, sharing, and making a difference in the world.

When I pulled this topic on-line I was amazed by the number of articles available…all agreeing to the connection between kindness and fruitful longevity… via the perspectives of medical conditions, to psychological applications, to increases in the “feel good” hormones like Endorphins and the “happy” hormones like Dopamines.

*(On a personal note I long ago figured out since breast cancer is all about eradicating the bad hormones -that carry and spread cancer- we should focus on letting our “feel good” and “happy” hormones take dominance within our bodies over the negative hormones…we are then happier in our daily lives and yes… we do live longer! 🙂 )

For all of us, medically speaking…the act of being unkind fosters negative thoughts that increases our blood pressure and our fatigue. It also causes lost sleep, distracts us from important and enjoyable activities and affects other relationships. Plus, it makes us feel badly and has an adverse impact on our quality of work, life and health.

One particular article spoke to me by condensing this topic into three simple truths about the connection between kindness and enjoying longer life spans. It boils down to letting go of our reactions to others who aren’t kind.

Three Truths to Make you Happier and Healthier

Truth # 1: You can’t control the actions of others, so don’t try.

Truth# 2: You can’t get angry enough to make things right.

Truth: 3: You can never go wrong being kind. Ever!

All of this is leading into a Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend, Libby Clarkson today! She is the epitome of kindness, making a difference in the world through caring about others and always, always being there for you when you need a friend.

Libby…for your birthday Pip didn’t know whether to bring you a flower or a drink…so he trotted through rain and storm to wish you a very Happy Birthday! (Looks like he might have gotten thirsty along the way- He prefers Irish ale. 🙂 )

(Do let me take a minute to thank those of you who have voted for our little Pip…and even updated me on this fact! Earlier… a voter had to be on Facebook to participate… but the rules have changed… no longer.

Remember the contest isn’t over until June 15 but only one voting opportunity is allowed. The family would love your support in this endeavor for our beloved Pip.

https://1.shortstack.com/MnpPN0   (Just click in- hit submit and look for this adorable photo of Pip…hitting the heart vote next to him.)

I think Libby… you should play Happy Birthday on your piano today for all of us and just imagine us standing beside you…singing it as loudly (and off-key) as possible! 🙂

“Happy Birthday Dear Libby (“Tima”) Happy Birthday to you.”

LOVE YOU LIBBY- OUR QUEEN-AGER….From ALL THE YA’S!

Libby…I want you to know that I studied several other articles on living longer and how best to accomplish it..before experiencing an  epiphany …thus coming to the conclusion of the concept defined and identified in the picture to the left.

So until tomorrow…Be kind everyone and find joy and gratefulness in every day for the many, many, days that  comprise our life!

“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

***Libby…the gardenia bush burst into blooms this morning for your birthday …can you smell them? Enticingly wonderful!