Top 10 Words of Wisdom from Gandhi

1. Be the change.

2. What you think you become.

3. Where there is love there is life.

4. Learn as if you’ll live forever.

5. Your health is your real wealth.

6. Have a sense of humour.

7. Your life is your message.

8. Action expresses priorities.

9. Our greatness is being able to remake ourselves.

10. Find yourself in the service of others.

What would the world be like if we followed even half of these principles?

Wants and Needs

We all have things we need and things we want. Working out...need. Junk food... want. I was staying at a hotel last week and there was a vending machine selling Butterfingers and Hostess cupcakes in the workout room. How often are we faced with the choice of what we know would be best for us though it takes some serious effort versus what would give us immediate satisfaction. The next time you're making a decision to do something, ask yourself if it is a want or need. Taking that extra moment to think and breathe will allow for some perspective. 

A Good Life

A friend posted this saying on their Facebook page.  

"A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are."

Pick one to try today.

Advice from a Six Year Old, Part 2

My six year old and I were riding in the car.  Here's the conversation we had.

Trevor: Mom, what people do you like?
Me: I guess I like nice people.  Who do you like?
Trevor:  I like all people in the world.

A sign of a kind, pure heart.  What if all people in the world had this view?

The Rules of Bike Riding

I was running with my six year old last week while he rode his bike.  He thought it would be important to make some rules for riding his bike with me.  Here are the rules he brainstormed.

*Always look forward.  If you look back too long, you'll crash.
*Wait for others even if they're slower.
*Stay on your side so you can give everyone space.
*Try your hardest when you get to a hill.  It's ok if you have to walk your bike.
*Try not to get wet.  If you get wet, it's ok.

I was thinking about these rules of the road.  What if we used these rules as a personal guide.  I was thinking about a mistake I made at work last week.  I didn't want to get wet, make a mistake.  I did and really it is ok.  Sometimes I think my six year old is wise beyond his years.

Most Important Virtues

I have a student teacher this year.  As a beginning of the year bonding activity with her university, we had a stack of cards with one virtue written on each.  We sorted out each virtue into three piles: most important, somewhat important, and not important. In the end we had to choose 4 cards that represented our most important virtues.  

feedback

power

leisure

comfort

service to others

variety

simplicity

change

safety

clear expectations

problem solving

arts

routine

wisdom

sincerity

punctuality

challenge

independence

health

self-improvement

How do you prioritize and put one over another?

Wiped Out

Wouldn't it be great to crash when you're really tired?  The freedom of youth.  These are my boys after their third day back at school.  I'm not a napper but there is something to be said for that quick 20 minute nap.  Maybe today is your day!