Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

From Psychology Today:
 "All of us--on occasion, at least--overreact to the small stuff, often without even realizing it.  If you find yourself getting overly angry, upset or defensive over little things, take comfort in knowing that there are actions you can take to more effectively manage your emotions. ...Allowing ourselves to acknowledge annoying predicaments and then find constructive ways to express and deal with them serves us much better in the long run.  ...It isn't necessarily good for us to sweat all the small stuff and hype ourselves into overreaction every time we get upset." 

In other words:  Don't sweat the small stuff!  Instead take a deep breath and be thankful that you are not dealing with natural disasters such as floods, fires, hurricanes, child or adult physical abuse or sexual abuse, addictions, tornadoes, or serious crimes.  No one worries about the small things when searching for loved ones after destruction occurs.  It becomes a celebration of life and an opportunity to join together to assist each other until life becomes routine or predictable again.  Appreciate the small, mundane annoyances that are a part of life but not a focus of life. A sense of humor can make our burdens seem lighter and in perspective! Smile and create laugh lines instead of frown crevices! 

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A Special Child

I had the opportunity to spend time with my young grandchild who has Down Syndrome.  I think God sends special children to special families.  I was so impressed with Isaiah's older brothers who not only love their brother, but help with his tube feedings, diabetic checks and behavioral issues.  Isaiah smiles easily, loves hugs and one-on-one attention.

Parents of children with disabilities have issues with finding caregivers, affordable health insurance, jobs with care needs and dealing with constant financial issues. Siblings have to share a significant amount of parental time when the child with the disability needs constant supervision.  It is difficult for siblings to have friends visit with the behavioral issues that may be associated with the disability.

I'm sharing a poem written by Edna Massimilla.

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held so far from Earth.
It was time for another birth.
The Angels said to the Lord above--
"This special child will need much love.
"For progress may be very slow,
"Accomplishments may never show.
"This special child will need much care
"From the people way down there.
"This child may not talk, run or play,
"And thoughts may seem so far away.
"In many ways will not try to adapt
"Known as 'disabled' and 'handicapped'
"Please be careful where this one is sent,
"We want this child to be so content.
"O please, Lord, find the parents who
"Will do a very special job for You.
"They will not realize right away
"The leading role that they have to play.
"But with this child sent from above
"Comes stronger faith and richer love.
"Soon they'll know the privilege given
"In caring for their gift from Heaven.
"Their precious child, so meek and mild
"Is Heaven's very special child."

Isaiah has changed his family in many ways.  I know that every member of the family has developed  empathy, compassion, patience, love and have each acquired skills that they never dreamed of.  Isaiah is both a challenge and a blessing. The world has been given a special gift!

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Privacy

There is a significant amount of news about the sharing of information on the internet with facebook and other social media. 

I recently was involved with an organization that installed new security cameras in their facility.  I was initially encouraged that it would be a safer place for other volunteers like myself.  What I didn't expect was an unanticipated use of the tapes to monitor the daily activities of unpaid and paid staff by the administration.  I thought that the tapes would only be viewed if there were missing items, a police report or identified safety issues.  I was not expecting the tapes to be utilized as a type of 'spy network'. I know I was being naive as the situation unfolded.  I choose to leave the organization rather than feel like someone was watching every move I made. 

One time I was shopping in Walmart and another shopper apparently took a picture of me with her phone.  I later found out that she posted my picture on her facebook page as she thought I looked like her relative.  I found out when my neighbor told me she recognized me from the post. 

It is becoming difficult to trust each other because of the proliferation of scams, audio and visual monitoring systems, and exploitation of each other on social media.  We need to monitor ourselves and make sure our motives and utilization of technology are helpful rather than harmful. We need to co-exist with technology without destroying our ability to trust each other and interact with integrity.  Life and relationships with others is a precious resource that needs to be valued and protected. 

Ethics

Quotes from a news article:  Ron Rollins Ideas and Voices Editor

Jerry O'Ryan states:  "Ethics is much like the definition of character, "It's what you do and how you act when no one is looking."

Unfortunately ethics no longer relate well to how we act whether others are watching or not.  Ethics in business and politics are buried into how much money is donated to the cause, influence, political ambitions, kickbacks, publicity, prestige, deception and profit.

Mary Collier states:   Greed, ignorance, abuse of power and maintaining status quo seem to be enemies of ethics and difficult to fight."

The only way to make a positive difference in the world of business associates, family, friends, church members, neighbors, and to ourselves is to rediscover the value of honesty and ethics in our own lives.  We are not responsible for the actions of others.  Blaming others does not let us off the hook. We are responsible for our own actions and reactions.  We can live our lives ethically and become a living example of character and demonstrate ethics for others.  It has to begin somewhere and it starts now with us.    It is a challenge that frees us from uncertainty and guilt and enables trust!  

Check out my book, e book and very soon my audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live"

Cave Rescue in Thailand

It has been a long wait for the rescued, their families and rescuers when all of the soccer team members and their coach were finally saved from their underwater ordeal.  Their plight captured the attention and compassion of the world news as the daily saga was reported.  Everyone was so relieved when the entire group was finally out of the cave. 

This was an amazing rescue that was filled with decisions and risks that easily could have ended poorly. There were many courageous people in this story.  The coach and the team players could have easily given up.  Instead they were able to literally keep their heads above water and continued to have hope for a rescue. There was the tremendous bravery of the rescuers who risked travelling through dark, unlit, narrow and hazardous passages with no emergency escapes to locate the lost group and return numerous times to bring supplies, support staff, encouragement and eventually to guide individuals to safety. 

I was so sad to know that one of the divers died in his attempt to reach the location of the trapped team.  While everyone was rejoicing that all of the team and the coach survived, the family and friends of the deceased rescuer were grieving. This story is about faith, hope and love.

What greater love is there for a man or a woman to lay down their life for other human beings that they probably had never known before?  These amazing individuals put their lives in danger to rescue others and faced the real fear of losing their own lives. 

The world is united in one way.  We are all human beings and we can relate to others who are suffering.  We are one world with human beings who experience the same feelings, needs, fears and joys.  We are hope to each other.  There are many "caves" that people are "trapped" in.  We all have opportunities to assist each other without national headlines and notoriety. Each effort on behalf of another is very significant to the person who is experiencing a crisis and meets an earth angel.   

Perfect Strategy

Check out my book, e book and video!Linda Sealock, Reno, Nevada writes:

"When I was four, my mother had her hands full with six children. Luckily, there was our neighbor Berla. Berla 48, had no children, so I had her full attention.  She taught me simple things, like how to care for my teeth, as well as big things, like a love of long walks.  She also taught me to play cribbage, which came with these words of advice.  "There is a perfect strategy for every hand dealt."  That concept has impacted every aspect of my life."

No matter what happens to us in our life, there is a way to make the best of it and come out on top.  We can learn from our mistakes as much as we learn from our successes.  If we take the time to look at our options, it is surprising how creativity and ingenuity can allow us to realize our full potential.

I remember one time, as a single mother, my gas oven quit working. It was hard to function without an oven with multiple children. I didn't have funds to call a repair person. I actually took my oven apart. There were two major components that I took out and I didn't even know their technical names.  I took them to a parts store and asked the employees to check them. One of them was broken and I bought and reinstalled the new one.  I made my children leave our home when I tested the gas oven.  I was afraid it would blow up!  Afterwards, when it worked well, I was amazed at what I was capable of doing.  It took a crisis of sorts to force me to try something I had never done before.  Life challenges make us grow emotionally, psychologically and spiritually as we face potential problems with courage and perseverance. I hope you find your perfect strategy for every hand that you are dealt!

Fourth of July

" I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is.  Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world."
President Ronald Reagan

As we enjoy fireworks, cookouts and celebrations, it is important to remember everyone who made this holiday possible.  It is also our responsibility make sure that we continue to protect this liberty and freedom for our children and grandchildren.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." President Thomas Jefferson

Thank you to the men and women who have the courage, training and willingness to serve. They and their families sacrifice every day as they move unexpectedly and frequently, have long separations with added stress to marriages and relationships, experience fear, injury, and stress. 

"Courage is nothing more than taking one step more than you think you can." 
Holly Lisle, American writer and poet
Our heroes have taken "one step more than you think you can" as they carry on the ongoing battle for freedom for all Americans. 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!  Especially all of those who served or are serving in the military and their families! 

Check out my book and E book, The Dying Teach Us How to Live