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Your grass is green enough
“Get busy taking care of your own grass, and you won’t notice whether it’s greener elsewhere.” ~Karon Waddell Whenever I’m fully engaged in my own life, I’m practically oblivious to what’s going on around me. Some psychologists refer to this state as being in the flow. Whatever it’s called, I’m happiest when I’m focusing on my own stuff — and free of competitive impulses. Jealousy and envy tend to sprout when we’ve lost confidence in our own abilities and gifts. That’s when we look over our shoulders to see what others have. That’s when we start comparing ourselves and feeling “less than” — even when we shouldn’t. The remedy? Be too…
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Illuminate the ordinary
“To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” ~Henry David Thoreau Sometimes we’re so focused on preparing for a vacation — or any special occasion — that we forget to celebrate the “ordinary” day we’re experiencing right now. And then we wonder why we feel such a letdown after an event is over. Life is so much more than a series of special events and high expectations. In today’s quote, Thoreau suggests that we have the power to transform our ordinary days into something more beautiful. We can start by appreciating what’s around us, and then look for opportunities to brighten the day for someone…
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Funny Friday: “Knowledge”
“Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, while others just gargle.” ~Robert Anthony Fiction and fact can get tangled and stretched, or completely twisted, if we’re not careful. How does this happen? It happens when we don’t play close attention; when we don’t take the time to research the story. It happens when we insist on believing instead what we want to believe or what some crazy neighbor told us. ~CL
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Active listening
“Active listening and communication will aid you in the ability to understand and relate to others’ feelings and circumstances.” ~Shannen Zitz, Prevention magazine Have you noticed lately that most people simply wait for others to stop talking so that they can start reciting their own monologues? That’s not active listening. What does it mean to be an active listener? Active listeners are curious and have a sincere interest in other people. They hush their own egos and pay attention when other people speak; they’re not preoccupied with themselves. Active listening requires discipline. It means we have to focus on the content of what the other person is saying — and…
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Do clothes matter?
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” —Bill Cunningham, American fashion photographer Writing about Greta Gerwig’s Barbie last week,* I jokingly credited Mattel’s Barbie dolls for fueling my interest in clothing and accessories. But that wasn’t far from my truth. I’ve learned over the years that it takes as much effort to throw on an old T-shirt as it does to throw on a beautiful top. I believe the whole idea of “dressing down” — to appear as if you’re not trying too hard — can make as much of a statement as dressing to impress. Consider the fact that some people are willing to pay…
