I just read a post where a girl said she didn’t care what people thought of her.  She was on her path and just being herself.  I actually care what people think of me.  I realize this is a bit morbid but I wonder, what if I were to die tomorrow?  What would people say about me at my funeral?  They won’t talk about my business; my failures and my successes; my yo-yo dieting; my love life; or my wardrobe.  They’ll jest that I love to Snoopy Dance in random spots and can’t stay awake past 9pm (even in a restaurant.)  They will talk about the person I aspired to be- reliable, honest, kind, open. Hopefully, friends and maybe even acquaintances will say that though their time with me was brief, they found me to be inspirational, motivational, supportive and positive.  Wow, if this isn’t what people think of me, then I’ve just set another goal for myself-to live with purpose and do GOOD.  What do you think people say about you?

Ever go to coffee and the cashier asks you if you’d like to buy a charity star or dove for $1 or $5?  Well, my rule is if I’m in line and someone is beside me, then I always say yes.  Even if I go everyday and have given each time, I still buy one.

I don’t think it’s right for the person next to me to hear “No.”  If I say “yes” then they may buy one too.  If they hear “no’ they may think it’s okay not to be charitable.

When they hear my YES and then they choose not to contribute then that action is solely theirs.

Pay attention to who is around you.  You don’t want to be the one that let’s them off the hook from doing the right thing.

Catching up with old friends is one of my most favorite things to do.  You throw out the “hi, how are you?” expecting “great and you?”  But the response is unexpected and the conversation isn’t light.  “Mom is dying in hospice.” “We’re getting a divorce.” “I can’t find a job after all these months.”
Wow, what do you say?  Actually, you don’t have to say anything.  You simply just have to be present and listen.  It’s the best gift you can give and the most appreciated.
I was just chatting on Facebook and “listening” to my friend’s issues.  Of course, I tried to point out the light in the darkness, as I always look for the good in everything.
“ok, gotta run. I’ll be back later…and on text too. Miss you, tara. You’re the best. you really have helped me in so many ways—if not to simply take my mind off of it’s bad habits and on to the more positive things in life.xoxo”
Reach out to an old friend today. Be present. Listen. Do some good.

“You have to do what you believe in and stay with it.  Never give it up.  Not everyone will agree with you.  Don’t worry about the next guy.  Don’t look over your shoulder.  Don’t worry that he may be right.  You know how to do it.  Keep going.”  Ralph Lauren 1992