THE BASICS

     There is something to be said for basic things- basic exercises and basic designs and basic truths. In our modern, technologically advanced culture, we are prejudiced against the old and out-of-fashion. We scorn the low-tech and critique the tried and true as uninteresting and second-rate.
     But maybe more now than ever we need to be able to return to the basics. They ground us. Their familiarity and simplicity soothe our overwhelmed spirits and they are often more effective than the newfangled gadgets and ideas that we cannot quite understand.
     In all of our forward progress, let's not forget the basics. They are irreplaceable and always in fashion. Truthfully, there are some things, maybe lots of things, that are just right as they are, and don't necessarily need to be improved.

I celebrate the basics. They are the building blocks of good living.

MOODS AND TOLERANCE

     I have times when I am less tolerant than others. I used to blame everyone else for these distempers, but now I am realizing that the issue is not really in them, it's in me. Perhaps I am hungry, or tired, or particularly hormonal. Maybe I need quiet time, or silliness, or to take a walk with the dog.   
     My moods are my business and my responsibility, and it's not up to others to keep me happy, or make sure all of my needs are met. It is not my place to spew judgment and negativity all over anyone. It is my place, when I have nothing nice to say, to say nothing at all.

I take ownership of my moodiness and don't make it anyone else's problem.

NATURE

     It's important that we all take time to be outside every day- in the weather and sunshine. We are creatures of nature, and as such, we are fed spiritually by being in the presence of trees and grass and the sky and wind. We protect ourselves behind glass in our houses and cars and look out at the world instead of actively participating in it. Our "protection" keeps us from what we may need the most.
     We need to feel the air on our face and in our lungs, whether it's hot or cold, humid or dry. And we need to feel the sunshine and absorb it and be out and about in it. It is the source, after all, of our energy and all living growth.

I accept myself as a child of nature and celebrate the sunshine and the fresh air.

THE RULES OF THE GAME

     When I coached, I used to tell my players that if they did three things on the field they would come away from every game as winners no matter the score. If they gave 100% of their best effort, had fun, and were good sports, then they would feel and be successful.
     I know these rules to apply in every life venture, but sometimes I forget about them. I get caught up in numbers, and become so busy keeping score that I forget to have fun. I lose sight of what matters the most.

However things turn out, I'm a good sport in life. I give my best effort and remember to have fun.

REALITY VS OUR EXPECTATIONS

     Sometimes it's the people we least expect who turn out to be the most loyal. We count on best friends and family and certain personality types based on our beliefs about the way things should be- but that's not always the way they are. 
     Let's allow for people to surprise us and not feel let down when those we thought would behave in a certain way do not. Let's be curious instead, and observe the way we rely on our expectations without them having any basis in fact.

I allow people to be who they are, and don't condemn them for not living up to my expectations. I quickly see that the mistake was mine, and change my point-of-view.

LOVE TO GIVE

     I have so much love inside me that it is a daily need to give some away. I see the beauty in people and animals and nature and the world and feel the sweet sadness of it all, as well as the joy. My heart aches for the lonely cow in the field, and the dog who cannot get enough attention, for the withering daisies and the vine covered trees, the man who cannot stand up straight, the child with a dirty face, and the struggling mother. These are the beauties and the sorrows of our world and they speak to me loudly. They make me ache with love.

I feel the sorrow of the earth as well as her glory.

END OF SUMMER

     By the end of summer, I am worn out by it, by the heat and the lack of structure and the widespread quest for fun. I am ready for cool, fresh air and changing leaves; for Canadian Geese honking overhead as they fly south, the first smells of wood smoke, and Sunday afternoon football.
     Everything has its season and I am grateful for that. As soon as one thing wears thin, here comes the new. Nothing stays and nothing lingers. Life and weather and people and moods come and go like birds to a feeder, or waves as they crawl up the beach and recede with the tide.

I am ready for the change of seasons.