#199: Guidelines for Life

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I received this in an email and thought it important enough to pass along:

HANDBOOK 2010

HEALTH:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours daily.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

PERSONALITY:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts over things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her past mistakes. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

SOCIETY:

25. Call your family often!
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

LIFE:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your inner most being is always happy. So, be happy.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEBRITA01 1/22/2010 2:12PM

These are definitely words to live by.Life gets too hectic and the important things get overlooked in the process. I am keeping a copy of this to remind me. Thanks for sharing! Deb Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSTINLOVE1226 1/15/2010 10:12AM

thanks lou... I kept this too. I was already making a list like this to carry around and review daily. this just makes it better! And I do need to call family more often! even if I have nothing to say but I love you. Report Inappropriate Comment

GABY1948 1/15/2010 6:00AM

I am SAVING this one, Lou. This is AWESOME! Report Inappropriate Comment

PEPPERLEAH 1/14/2010 11:14PM

Wonderful blog, Lou. What a great list! I am printing it out and hanging it near my desk. God bless you; Leah Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 1/14/2010 9:30PM

Well, if I read more books than I did in 2009 I won't have to read much. I wish I enjoyed reading more. But I am enjoying the Spark. It's just going slow. Time is just not there. Have a great week and thanks for the list Report Inappropriate Comment

BUSSMOM 1/14/2010 9:25PM

I love this blog! Thanks for sharing. -Maribeth Report Inappropriate Comment

#198: Who Took the Fun Out of Life?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A few evenings ago I watched a young boy, perhaps 4 years old, at a restaurant. He had such a fun time with everything he did, especially when he ordered a cheeseburger without the cheese.

"So you want a hamburger?" the waitress asked.

"No," he giggled, "I want a cheeseburger without the cheese," and he burst out laughing. "Pleeeeaaassseee," he quickly added.

The server and those seated nearby also burst out with smiles and laughter.

As I watched this young man, I noticed that he enjoyed absolutely everything about being in the restaurant -- the balloon he was given, the coloring book and crayons, the French fries that he marched like soldiers through the ketchup.

But it was the look of pure fun on his face that made the night special.

Then I began to wonder -- who took the fun out of our lives?

If we, as adults, were to order a cheeseburger without the cheese, the server would likely think we were bring smart-alecky. So why is it a cute event when a youngster does it but an act of immaturity if done by an adult?

And, if we, as adults, were to ask for a balloon and coloring book? Better call out the straitjackets and take us away for we would be viewed as abnormal.

How many times do you walk past plants outside of a business and reach out to touch the leaves, simply to feel their texture and marvel at their color?

How much time do you spend in your yard watching the clouds pass by? Or any of the other things we did as children to pleasantly while away the hours?

No, can't do those things now. We're adults. We're grown up. People will think we are immature and acting silly and not acting our age if we do silly things.

So sad when you think about it, isn't it? Random moments for fun run through our daily lives and we refuse to take advantage of them because of what other people might think.

Well, I do reach out to stroke the plants and still sit outside to watch the clouds and even play chase with the dogs. Pure, innocent enjoyable times. I refuse to let others take the fun out of my life. Even it is watching the world through the eyes of a four year old.

How about you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATIE4KIDS 1/17/2010 3:09PM

Lou - you're great! You remind me a lot of my Dad. He doesn't care one bit about what others think of him. He bought a bike for my son (when my son was turning 2, so a small bike) and rode it through the store on the way to the check-out stand. When I got engaged, he asked, "Do I have to wear a monkey suit to give you away?" I said yes, but quickly reminded myself that he probably would find a monkey suit and show up to my wedding in it. I told him not to do that. Well - come rehearsal dinner...my Dad showed up in the church parking lot in a full out monkey suit on his motorcycle. (Keep in mind, he is 6'2" and it was 98 degrees outside!) LOL I just adore watching my Dad explore the world and have the best time he can. Keep up the positive attitude, Lou! God sure did make something special in you, didn't he? Comment edited on: 1/17/2010 3:09:48 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEANNE1027 1/14/2010 6:42PM

Actually, that was my New Year's Resolution, to do something fun once a month. I think as adults we've allowed ourselves to become so over burdened with the responsibilities of life that all of the joy has disappeared. Well, I for one want that joy back! Maybe I'll go to the local diner and order a cheeseburger without the cheese... lol Report Inappropriate Comment

WALEB1002 1/14/2010 2:45PM

Great blog!!! I know exactly what you mean. i have two boys...a 3 year old and a 7 month old,and i stay home with them, so i act silly and child-like constantly...and i love it! my 3 year old likes to sit out on the porch at night and look at the stars and see how high he can get counting them before they mix together and he has to start all over...but we love to play hide n seek in the house, wrestling on floor, make silly faces and talk in silly voices! Im much happier acting like a 3 year old, then i am adult! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BUSSMOM 1/14/2010 9:38AM

I retired from a job where I worked with children ages 0 - 12/13. One thing I learned is to enjoy every moment you can. Take it all in. Sometimes I can be walking down the sidewalk but I am skipping in my heart with a smile on my face and people will sometimes just give me a look for smiling....others will smile back. (I am looking forward to the day that I can actually skip again, hee,hee.) I too, stop by a beautiful tree or flower to take in it's beauty. Living in Colorado, I have been known to pull off the road just to look at the mountains when they are having a particularly beautiful day. I like to chew bubble gum and blow bubbles. I like to smile at strangers and say hi to them....it really is interesting some of the responses or looks you can get. I don't stand still while waiting in line. If I am at a playground, you may see me swinging or sliding down the slide. Having worked so many years with children.....thankfully.....I am still in touch with my child inside.....she likes to have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 1/14/2010 8:08AM

We've always had a house full of kids. That was easy. Now there are none, but we still race through the house hollering "Come see this caterpillar!" We still go to the park to eat lunch. The good thing about being a grown up is that you can race a child to the swings and win. (But you also know how to take turns!!!) I've noticed sideways glances from the adults when our antics go public. I hope we remain forever a child at heart. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSTINLOVE1226 1/14/2010 7:57AM

i am thankful i have kids, it makes it easier to color, or play on the playground or go sledding, but it does make me wonder when the merriment will end. i am such a goof off and get in tickle fights with my husband at least once a month,and playfully tease with friends regularly. maybe i am lucky, my friends are like kids we are forever stuck as 16 years old in our heads but work like adults, this weekend we are going to an indoor water facility for a little slides and water basketball. exercise and fun. good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

GABY1948 1/14/2010 6:56AM

Yep, I am right there with you, Lou. I also enjoy the clouds outside and the stars at night on a clear night AND I LOVE to color (glad to see I am not alone), it is so relaxing even though I don't have anyone that will color with me anymore. It is always great how your blogs make us think. Thanks, Gaye Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIES_PLACE 1/13/2010 11:42PM

Ooh, how right you are! but I still color, and even have my own color books. It is therapeutic, stress relieving to just lie on my tummy and color. And yes, I do reach out and feel the leaves and flowers. Perhaps that is because I am a gardener, and I love plants. Maybe it is because I enjoy nature, the beautiful, wondrous gifts G-d has given us. In my family, I am always the one to notice the change in the leaves, the clouds, the temperature. It is all glorious! On top of all that, I like it when people do not treat me like an "old lady." That "Miss Laurie" thing has got to go!!! Even if all the physical things I do at work don't help me to be seen as a person rather than "older," perhaps I should bring a color book to the break room at lunch. How are you feeling, Lou? Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIES_PLACE 1/13/2010 11:42PM

Good grief--sorry, Lou! Comment edited on: 1/13/2010 11:52:06 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIES_PLACE 1/13/2010 11:42PM

Oops Comment edited on: 1/13/2010 11:51:21 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIES_PLACE 1/13/2010 11:42PM

Uh oh! Comment edited on: 1/13/2010 11:47:03 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

PEPPERLEAH 1/13/2010 11:13PM

It is a wonderful thing to keep the wonder and amusement of childhood alive within us! Such a sad thing that the world doesn't see it that way. Great blog, Lou. Report Inappropriate Comment

YATMAMA 1/13/2010 10:44PM

Even the year before my mother died, she would get on the floor and color with my oldest, who was a toddler at the time. My brother, now in his sixties, still gets down on the floor and plays cars with his grandsons. At the family Christmas party, I spent a portion of my time at the table playing Connect Four with my great-niece, Katie, who is three. I pray we always have children in our family so we never lose the joy of playfulness. Even Jesus recognized the importance of being childlike when He admonished us to come as little children. Such wisdom from our Beloved. Thank you again for another fine blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 1/13/2010 9:15PM

Yup, you don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old, because you stop laughing! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIGHT2SURVIVE 1/13/2010 8:37PM

The innocence f children is magical. I'm glad you got to see it. Erin Report Inappropriate Comment

#197: Insanity Thinking

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

There is nothing that is a more certain sign of insanity than to do the same thing over and over and expect the results to be different." Albert Einstein

* * * * *

Have you noticed how innovative young children are? A simple cardboard box becomes an invincible fortress. A sawed-off broom handle turns into a magic sword. A towel tied around the neck and spread over the shoulders allows a child to fly, even if only in his or her imagination.

But then the child becomes an adult and is afraid of being embarrassed by such innovative thinking. Except for companies that thrive on new ideas such as computer and cellphone firms, many businesses and, consequently, their employees, are stifled and taught overtly and subtly that being different is frowned upon.

We are trained to obey rules. At home, at school at work and in society in general. Often this is good, such as with laws and rules of the road.

However, doing things as they have always been done simply for the sake of continuing the status quo is stifling, restrictive and boring.

What's wrong with eating a sandwich or spaghetti for breakfast or cereal for lunch?

What's wrong with doing our circuit training in the gym in a different rotation than usual?

Nothing, except for our fear of not doing things the "right" way.

Who's to say, though, what the right way is?

Take the simple game of tic-tac-toe. Winning often seems impossible. But winning at this game is easy if you use innovative strategies such a "wild-card" where you can use your opponent's symbol to create your three-in-a-row winning pattern. So what if you have two "X"s and a "O"? Who says the game can't be played that way?

Many people play Monopoly by putting fines in the center of the board and paying it out to whomever lands on Free Parking. But, that's breaking the rules, isn't it? Makes the game more fun, though.

So, when it comes to eating and exercise and life, think like a child and don't be afraid of breaking the "rules."

Often, it's good to be innovative.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BUSSMOM 1/13/2010 5:34PM

Lou, You are AWESOME! I used to work with kids and loved the way they would look at the world. Since retiring, that's what I try to do. I don't care what other people think about me as a person. I care about representing Christ in the best possible way and to take advantage of the joy He has out there for me and for others. I subscribed to your blog and look forward to more of your inspirational thoughts. -Maribeth Report Inappropriate Comment

NBLNBL 1/13/2010 3:51PM

Lou, Your suggestions are a great way to boost creativity. Thanks for posting! Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSTINLOVE1226 1/13/2010 12:04PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSTINLOVE1226 1/13/2010 12:04PM

Your so right Lou, and I often come across these issues myself. When the kids want a waffle for dinner, I am quick to say no, but when they've already got all the nutrients they need why not? Your so on about this! And i have got to get more innovative myself. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEANNE1027 1/13/2010 10:42AM

My mom always used to say to me when growing up, "You know? There's the right way, the wrong way, and then there's your way. I don't understand it but your way always seems to work!" Never quite understood if that was a compliment or not, but, here's to doing things differently! Comment edited on: 1/13/2010 10:44:04 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYATLAST 1/13/2010 2:00AM

You are speaking to me, again. My plan is to break some rules AND lose weight doing it! My heart is soaring and this blog just confirmed the direction I am heading. I Love It! Thanks, Lou. Report Inappropriate Comment

YATMAMA 1/12/2010 11:06PM

I need to think about this some more, Lou. Thank you for stirring my thoughts, as ever, and even when you are not feeling well. You rock, my friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

#196: Patience

Monday, January 11, 2010

"All great achievements require time." David Schwartz

* * * * *

Are you a patient person? Or do you want results, NOW? Are you disappointed when a week's worth of workouts and eating sensibly only results in a small weight loss and clothes that are still too tight?

Remember that it takes time. The end results do not always follow the effort we expend. Haven't you had those days or weeks where you felt you had pigged out with your eating and slacked off on your exercise and the scale went DOWN?

How to explain it? Likely an accumulation of positive effort that's finally caught up with you.

"Success consists of a series of little daily victories." Laddie Hutar

It is too bad that results do not follow lock-step in proportion to our effort, but day by day, exercise by exercise, meal by meal, success is built.

Keep the big, long-term picture in mind. Don't hope for instant success like in the scam ads when they tout "Lose 14 pounds in a week without dieting or exercise."

Sorry, it doesn't work that way. We must put forth the work, often causing sore muscles, and we must control our eating, and we must do this constantly throughout every day and then, when we least expect it, results will appear. On the scale, in looser fitting clothes, from a compliment paid by a co-worker or friend.

Patience.

As Saint Francis de Sales said, "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.

"Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly start remedying them - every day begin the task anew."

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

YATMAMA 1/12/2010 8:55PM

Weary not in well doing. In due season you will reap if you faint not. Hard words but God's promise just the same. Weariness is an enemy I've faced so far this year and I think patience is a big part of it. Thank you for that reminder. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEPPERLEAH 1/12/2010 1:05AM

Patience is such an important virtue! Thanks for this great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEANNE1027 1/11/2010 8:47PM

I've been told over and over that I have "the patience of a saint". Seems like I have patience with everyone EXCEPT myself. Guess that's something I have to work on still.. Thanks for the post! Report Inappropriate Comment

THEADMIRAL 1/11/2010 7:57PM

Thank you! Another timely message that I needed! Report Inappropriate Comment

GABY1948 1/11/2010 7:54PM

A simple word but so true...PATIENCE. It is basically the answer to everything. Thanks, Lou. Report Inappropriate Comment

#195: Checks and Balances

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Some years ago a species of cactus was planted in Australia as a protective fence. It had no insect enemies and thus grew prodigiously until the plants covered an area as long and as wide as England. It crowded inhabitants out of towns and villages and destroyed their farms.

Entomologists searched worldwide for a defense and one day discovered an insect that lived exclusively on cactus and nothing else. It would breed freely and had no enemies in Australia.

Soon, animal conquered vegetable until the cactus retreated and with it all but a small protective amount of the insects, just enough to hold the cactus in check forever.

Such checks and balances are necessary in the animal and plant kingdoms. But checks and balances are also essential in our daily lives to avoid the onset of depression, stress, health problems, physical ailments and relationship difficulties.

Is your life balanced?

Do you schedule time to exercise and meditate? Or are you so rushed you complain about not having enough time for yourself? Do you never seem to have time to get anything done?

Does life have to be that way?

Work, play, relationships. Aren't these important areas of our lives? But, how much of our days do we devote to them? How often do you find yourself frustrated and harried because there seems to be so much to do and so little time in which to do it?

Does life have to be that way?

No, it doesn't. Once we recognize that time for ourselves and for our friends and family is important, and once we begin focusing on the others in our lives and ourselves, we move toward a more balanced, integrated lifestyle, one filled with more peace and tranquility and self-satisfaction.

Do we want to be like the out-of-control cactus or lead a balanced life?

The choice is ours to make.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PEPPERLEAH 1/12/2010 1:07AM

As always, you have hit the nail right on the head. Thank you, Lou. Report Inappropriate Comment

GABY1948 1/11/2010 8:55AM

Awesome word as always, Lou. I have become very balanced since I work on HEALTH and not SKINNY, but the one thing I still have to watch or it overtakes me like the cacti above is computer/Spark time. It can quickly grow out of proportion for me so every so often I cut back. Thanks for another wonderful blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

NTRICK 1/11/2010 12:45AM

AHAHAHAHAHAH WHERE WAS THIS BLOG 12 MONTH AGO?!?!?!? oh, right, I would have ignored it or stun it away with my catcus needles! This is absolutely the path I have put myself on for 2010. More time for the "big stones" and less time for the "others". This is exactly my goal for 2010 (yes, I know I just said that twice, but I'm just in stunned mode here). WOW. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

YATMAMA 1/10/2010 10:45PM

R&R is a very valid part of military life, and with good reason. Without it we become ineffective. I think part of what makes SP so effective is the program incorporates body, soul, and spirit. Leave any component's well being out of the recipe and we lose that all important balance. Having private time in prayer, studying God's word, and doing spiritual journaling are key factors in my life and I cannot imagine how much the physical and emotional arenas of my life, including relationships, would suffer without that time for personal devotions. Thank you again for a provocative blog, my friend. *hugs* Missy Report Inappropriate Comment