Voices of Our Story

03/01/2024

Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes. I tried to keep up with individual thank yous but finally had to give up.

It's wonderful to hear from so many friends in places near and far, and times present and past.

I'm grateful that Facebook allows us to be connected and to maintain these connections.

All of your well-wishes are certain to make my 73rd year a wonderful one.

Don't hesitate to reach out all year long for a one-on-one conversation. I'd love that!

Thank you ALL! ❤️

10/06/2023

From Project Happiness

Age brings wisdom.

As we mature, we yearn for more profound connections, refrain from judging others for their mistakes, and cease to find joy in gossip.

Instead, we magnify our accomplishments, seek support when needed, and value the truth above all.

Our journey is one of empowerment and growth.

10/02/2023

From Project Happiness

What we focus on grows.

Focus on the positive and we tend to take in more of it.

Focus on what is troubling us, then that occupies more room in our thoughts.

It’s a choice, which then becomes a habit; and over time can change the neural pathways in our brain.

Simple but powerful.

Send a 🚀if you are ready to choose thoughts that fuel your life forward.

10/02/2023

"Happiness never decreases by being shared."
~ Gautama Buddha

Born Siddhartha Gautama, the philosopher and spiritual leader who founded Buddhism lived sometime between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, along the border of modern Nepal and India.

In Sanskrit, “Buddha” means “awakened one,” and he devoted himself to teaching others how they could achieve a heightened sense of consciousness.

This uplifting quote comes from one of the Buddha’s primary texts, “The Sutra of 42 Sections.”

According to translator Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, the Buddha began by explaining, “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.”

Those who bring light into people’s lives will experience true joy.

Similarly, those who benefit from good deeds will encourage further acts of kindness.

From Inspiring Quotes

09/30/2023

"Sometimes you simply needed someone kind to sit with you while you dealt with things."
~ Gail Honeyman

In her 2017 debut novel, “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” Scottish author Gail Honeyman introduced readers to Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward young woman whose personal journey involves confronting both her deep loneliness and her traumatic past.

This quote by Eleanor beautifully underscores the crucial lesson she learns over the course of her self-discovery: the value of human connection and companionship.

Through her character’s thoughts, Honeyman emphasizes the universal truth that even when others cannot solve our problems, their presence alone can be a source of great solace and comfort during life's most challenging moments.

From Inspiring Quotes

09/30/2023

The philosophy of Ikigai -- beautifully written and illustrated artical in the It's My Life e-Magazine

Have you discovered your ikigai? Please share it in the comments. I'd love to hear.

Ikigai is the Japanese concept of a sense of purpose, a reason for living — something you discover after a long and intense search for why you are here on earth…

09/27/2023

We are nearing the end of the first Life Matters Workshop. . . and people are talking . . .

The next six-week session will begin on October 11th with new topics and presenters, and its open to women, men, and couples.

This is a unique program where you will learn from experts on a variety of important life matters topics, create your own Life Matters Legacy Binder & Playbook which acts as an addendum to your will or trust, and find nurturing connection and support in a community of like-minded individuals.

Please consider joining us. For more information and to register, visit https://lifemattersworkshop.com

09/27/2023

"What is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?" ~ Albert Camus

In French philosopher Albert Camus’ lyrical essay “The Desert,” written in 1938, he discusses what makes people happy.

He advocates for living in the now — "to count on nothing and to see the present as the only truth given to us."

When we stop fighting against the past or striving for the future, we can accept where we are, and what we’re doing in life at this very moment.

That simple harmony can bring about peace and happiness.

Fro. Inspiring Quotes

09/25/2023

"In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on." ~ Robert Frost

On his 80th birthday, Robert Frost was asked, “In all your years and all your travels, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned about life?”

You would think someone like Frost, who won the Pulitzer Prize four times, would give a colorful and poetic response, but his abridged reply was just as moving in its simplicity: “It goes on.”

While Frost’s work is widely celebrated, his personal life was marked with tragedy.

He lost both his parents at a young age and outlived four of his six children before losing his wife.

Yet still, life went on, and Frost found more opportunities for love and laughter.

Regardless of the pain we may face, it is always possible that the best is yet to come.

👆From Inspiring Quotes☝️

Our next Life Matters Workshop is coming up soon. For more information, visit https://lifemattersworkshop.com.

Join the Life Matters Facebook Group, too.
Click here to join: Life Matters .

09/24/2023

From Project Happiness

"We are given signals all the time, yet often ignore the messages our inner guidance is trying to share.

Silence and nature can help a lot. And as for the mind that amplifies fears into a tsunami, let those waves pass.

When you can observe but not get swept up, you can handle anything...

“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

09/22/2023

"We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." ~ Stevie Wonder

Though he was born with a disorder that led to blindness, musician Stevie Wonder was so gifted and passionate about music that by the age of 10, he had already taught himself multiple instruments.

At age 11, he was discovered by a Motown music executive and signed to a record deal.

Still, Wonder never rested on his laurels, choosing instead to push himself.

He studied classical piano, sought out mentors, and promoted social issues through music (including recording the 1985 charity single “We Are the World”).

This quote reminds us that everyone can have an impact, no matter our circumstances — but it’s up to us to harness our unique skills.

From Inspiring Quotes

What is your special ABILITY?

How are you using it?

09/21/2023

You guessed it! From Project Happiness !

Lasting happiness doesn't spring from stuff, trophies, or nods of approval from others.

It's about growing contentment, inner calm, and savoring each moment.

Consider shifting to your own definition of happiness, which may be different than what you see around you.

You have the power to shift your focus to what truly lights up your deepest self.

Send YES if you are open to being guided by your OWN definition of happiness.