“On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—12 drummers drumming.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. This is the last day this year… of giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 24, the first 12 people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 12th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my poetry and music CD—Journey of the Rose. Please use this address: Day12@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—11 pipers piping.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 23, the first 11 people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 11th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my best-selling book,Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day11@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—ten lords a leaping.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 22, the first ten people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 10th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my latest book,Dare to Your Soul on the Outside. Please use this address: Day10@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
My family had great Christmases up until I was six years old. We’d have Christmas trees coated in fake snow, and my mother would paint Christmas scenes on all the windows. It was my favorite time of year. On Christmas morning we’d open our presents, and then my brothers and I would go outside to compare toys with the neighbors.
After my sixth birthday, my parents became pretty serious drug addicts, and we barely had money for food, let alone Christmas presents. On the Christmas of my seventh year, I remember waking to no Christmas presents, and I thought that maybe Santa didn’t bring me something because I misbehaved. The next year, I made a concerted effort to be the perfect daughter. I took baths when I was told. I did all my homework. I ate my collard greens. I didn’t stay up late watching the Million Dollar Movie.
When Christmas came, I was certain that Santa would remember to leave me a present. Unfortunately, I woke up to nothing. I sat in front of our cold bare fireplace and cried. My mother came out and asked me what was wrong. “Santa didn’t leave me anything!” I sobbed. “I was good all year! I made sure! What did I do wrong?” My mother hugged me and said, “You are a good daughter. The best. The reason you have nothing is because there is no Santa, and I didn’t have the money to buy you presents.”
I spent the rest of Christmas day and many Christmas days following looking out the window watching all the neighbor kids play with their new presents. I was too ashamed to go outside with nothing.
When I was ten years old, my parents had my little brother, Victor. Victor was a very loud, exuberant, and happy child. We were in the poorest of circumstances, and he didn’t seem to care. Victor was just happy to have family. When Victor was four almost five, he became consciously aware of Santa Claus and Christmas, and he knew exactly what he wanted from Santa, a Transformer. A Transformer was a toy that could be a car one minute and with a few adjustments turn into a super hero robot. Victor had spoke of nothing for weeks except of how he wanted this Transformer.
Then Christmas Eve came, and Victor was just as excited as I remember being at his age. He was jumping around and yakking at everyone about how he was going to have a Transformer when he woke the next day. He was starting to get on my father’s nerves. My father at the time was trying to relax by watching t.v. and smoking a joint. He pretty much snapped at Victor and told him Santa wasn’t going to bring him anything if he didn’t go to bed. Victor then took off to bed, and I watched my dad continue his high with a line of heroin. It was obvious to me that my father had no plan of getting Victor his Transformer, and my mother didn’t seem to have any plan either.
I thought to myself, “There’s no way I’m going to let him wake up to nothing.” I searched the house for whatever change I could find, but it didn’t amount to much. Then the idea came to me that I could make a Transformer out of things in the house. I found several blocks of wood, springs, and screws. I also found an old brown throw rug in the garage. With the wood and springs, I fashioned together a wooden doll that folded into a makeshift car, and then opened up into a robot. I then made a teddy bear out of the old throw rug. Considering I had neither sewing nor crafts skills, I have to say that they were the ugliest objects ever. I do have to say the wooden robot had a cute sort of ugly about it because the springs made its body parts bob every which way.
I then went out into our back yard where we had a giant pine tree. I cut branches off the tree and fashioned a goofy little Christmas tree, and I decorated with buttons and bobbles I found around the house. I also strung popcorn and hung that on the tree. When Victor woke up, he saw the tree and the presents. I was so nervous that he wouldn’t like the Transformer, but when he opened it up, he a look on his face was as if he were looking at the real thing. He loved it. He carried that wooden robot and ugly teddy bear everywhere he went. He called the robot his Transformer.
There are many things I could choose to remember about my past Christmases because there have been more bad than good, but that Christmas with Victor is the one Christmas that I feel was the only true Christmas of my life. That Christmas with Victor taught me that it didn’t matter what you gave a person for Christmas just as long as you give with your whole heart. That was the only Christmas I ever truly did.
“On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—nine ladies dancing.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 21, the first nine people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 9th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my best-selling book,Legacy Living and aCD of Journey of the Rose. Please use this address: Day9@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—eight maids a milking.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 20, the first eight people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 8th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my best-selling book,Legacy Living and aCD of Journey of the Rose. Please use this address: Day8@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—seven swans a swimming.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 19, the first seven people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 7th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my best-selling book, Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day7@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—six geese a laying.”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. We’re on Day 6!! Only six more to go. Yes, I’m still giving away copies of my books and CDs, and free coaching sessions as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 18, the first six people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 6th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary copy of my best-selling book, Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day6@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—five gold rings…”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Each day for the next 12 days, I’ll give away copies of my books and CDs, and a coaching session as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 17, the first five people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The 5th Day of Christmas” will receive a complimentary half-hour coaching session. Please use this address: Day5@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—four calling birds…”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Each day for the next 12 days, I’ll give away copies of my books and CDs, and a coaching session as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 16, the first four people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The Fourth Day of Christmas” will receive a copy of my poetry and music CD Journey of the Rose. Please use this address: Day4@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
Just in time for the holidays… Send me your most inspiring story about daring to wear your soul on the outside–holiday-themed, of course! I’ll draw a winner, post it on my blog, and send you a copy of my latest book Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside. Entries will be accepted through December 31, 2008. I’ll post the winning entry in January.
Here’s an article called Obama Taps into Our Yearning for Meaning, Spirituality by Desiree Cooper. Whether you find meaning and spirituality in religion or elsewhere, Cooper captures the heart of what most of us yearn for—involvement and responsibility that delves into the realms of faith and politics in a way that can engage the very best that is within us–individually and collectively.
My family had great Christmases up until I was six years old. We’d have Christmas trees coated in fake snow, and my mother would paint Christmas scenes on all the windows. It was my favorite time of year. On Christmas morning we’d open our presents, and then my brothers and I would go outside to compare toys with the neighbors.
After my sixth birthday, my parents became pretty serious drug addicts, and we barely had money for food, let alone Christmas presents. Continue Reading »
During my college years I once spent a month skiing in the French, Swiss, and Austrian Alps. For the Christmas week, a group of college friends and I rented a mountain chalet a little south of Innsbruck. We anticipated Christmas to be a quiet, melancholy time, as we had no Christmas tree, hadn’t planned on exchanging presents, and were all away from our families. However, on Christmas Eve… Continue Reading »
Here’s an uplifting thing Barnes & Noble is doing to celebrate Black History Month… highlighting books by African-American authors. Follow this link, Black Authors Speak Out, Continue Reading »
My Book Tour continues… I’ve covered 10 states in just over 15 days, all from the comfort of my office! Take a moment and listen in on my interview with SteveMaraboli, on Blog Talk Radio, as I discuss my latest book, Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside. Continue Reading »
In today’s economy, this is the time to polish your skills or learn new ones? If you’re already a business coach, or an HR, OD, or training professional, perhaps an intensive skill-building seminar is right for you. Learn from one of the best–Mary Beth O’Neill. To see a detailed description of her seminars or for registration details, just follow this link: Executive Coaching. Continue Reading »
Here’s a snippet from a wonderful article by Desiree Cooper for the Detroit Free Press about me: Gloria Burgess In the News. “Life coach Gloria Burgess understands how hard times can grind down the spirit. Raised in Detroit and Ann Arbor, her father had migrated from Mississippi to find a better life, but it wasn’t much better. ‘We had many days of wondering how to put food on the table… but Continue Reading »
In a few days, I’ll be part of a panel of leaders who declare that “You Were Born for Such a Time as This.” We’ll host a community dialogue on this theme. I’d love to hear from you. Given the staggering problems we face today—the failing economic system, global climate change, overwhelming poverty in one of the richest nations in the world, the need for immigration reform, millions losing their homes and their jobs… how can one person make a difference in the face of such daunting challenges and odds? Tell me what you’re doing to live out loud, to wear your soul on the outside, to make a difference in the world.
Tired of settling for a life that’s too small for you? If you have a dream, a goal… put it out there. There is someone out there, and very likely many someones, just waiting to help you reach and realize your dreams.
You Were Born for Such a Time As This! was an evening to remember… and build on. Sarah van Gelder, a phenomenal voice for transformation and Executive Editor of YES! Magazine, skillfully and graciously hosted a culturally diverse panel of transformational leaders who spoke about how to transcend our old ways and embrace change consciously, passionately, and sustainably. Sarah began by asking audience members how they were feeling. Here’s a sampler of what we heard: excited, scared, confused, grateful, hopeful. Continue Reading »
Join me and four other community leaders for a dialogue about navigating today’s challenges with hope and optimism. Community leaders include Gloria Burgess, author, poet, and leadership consultant; Jerry Large, Seattle Times Columnist; Peter Morgan, Executive VP of Group Health; Maria Ramirez, Executive Director of Compaña Quetzal, and Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle. Continue Reading »
Dr. James T. Brown provides an excellent overview of Dr. John Medina’s new book, Brain Rules. Read his review on Basil & Spice, a wonderful web site featuring author and book reviews on healthy life styles. I recently had the good fortune to speak on the same program as Dr. Medina, who spoke for almost an hour on a very complex topic. He was witty, insightful, & engaging…in a winning presentation, supported by a winning book.
One step at a time. One smile at a time. One hug & one handshake at a time. One day at a time.
You make a difference when you say “hello.” You make a difference when you don’t say “hello” …when you keep moving because you’re too busy today… & you figure that someone else will pick up the slack. A few days ago, I sent a greeting card to a friend–a just because kind of card… though I hadn’t seen her in months, she was on my mind. Almost immediately, she sent me an e-mail to let me know that my card made her day… she said it was just what she needed because she was preparing to leave her house to work with some of the counselors who were working with community members following a recent tragedy that involved several murders & a suicide.
You never know who you will touch, or who needs a touch. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s not really our business to know. It’s simply our business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.
How can one person make a difference? You already know… a smile, a hug, a handshake, a warm hello.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Attitude is everything. What we pay attention to multiplies. So listen to the news if you must, but refuse to buy into the doom and gloom. Instead focus on what’s good in your life and share your good news with others—not in a boastful way, but simply and humbly. Focus on your blessings every day and you will rise above the noise and be on your way to beating the blahs so you can successfully get through the months ahead and be stronger as a result.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Say yes to gratitude. Research confirms that when we feel thankful, our body chemistry actually changes. We produce more dopamine, the so-called feel-good hormone, which raises our energy level, reduces fatigue, and attracts other positive people.
Find YOUR ONE person or moment to be thankful for each day. Tell somebody! Say it out loud. Write yourself a note. Call a friend, a sibling or parent and share YOUR ONE with them.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Take stock of what matters. Be honest with yourself. Distinguish between what you want and what you really need. Do you really need that second cup of coffee, another pair of shoes, the latest electronic gizmo? Probably not. Rather than focus on your wants, reach out to someone else who is truly in need. Write a card or send a small care package to young person in a group home for foster care or a man or woman who is serving our country overseas.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Help someone without any expectation of reward. Once a day, open a door for someone, or tell them they look fabulous. Once a week, give up your latte and use those few dollars to buy a can or two of peas to donate to the food bank. Or volunteer at a shelter, school, or community center. Once a month, collect your gently used books or clothing and donate them to the library, shelter, church, or mosque. Whenever you can, smile. Smiles are free. Not only do they boost your own well being, they multiply when you give them away. Your smile might be just the sip of water someone is thirsting for. Remember that the truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Change your outlook with an energy-boosting walk. Even a 10-minute walk is good for you. Shift your pace from slow to brisk, then slow down towards the end. You will be humming in no time while you burn extra calories, improve your circulation, and lift your spirits.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Express yourself with a creative activity—something you really enjoy or that you’ve always wanted to learn. Try dancing, singing, hiking, gardening, cycling, drawing, woodworking, skating, sewing, knitting, reading. Tell a friend and share the joy and benefits of your creativity together.
Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.
Learn something new—a new skill you can use at home or that could lead to a new job. You can find hundreds of free courses on the Internet. Or better yet, go to your local library and ask your librarian to help you find helpful books, videos, and DVDs. They might even suggest other resources, such as social networks, to help you channel your interests and expand your horizons. You will help yourself and help keep our local libraries open and accessible to us at a time when we can all use a boost.
The true meaning of success is defined by only one thing: your capacity to be your authentic self—bringing your whole self to all your relationships and all that you do.
Each of us is called to become a person who is unique in all time. Imagine that! No one, no one else can be or do what you are designed for. You are called to become and contribute what only you can, to bring forth your unique skills, talents, and gifts—your signature presence. When you do so with the intention of being of service to others, you leave the world better off.
This is what it means to dare wear your soul on the outside. This is what it means to live your legacy, now.
The 7 Sacred Promises are tools to help you in all areas of your life: your personal growth, relationships with loved ones and co-workers, raising healthy, happy children. The Sacred Promises are gratitude, faith, love, vision, integrity, creative action, and legacy.
Each one will help you as you begin to say YES to a life of freedom, fulfillment, and joy. Follow Me on Twitter
One of my clients who travels 2 weeks each month makes being away from his family more bearable by writing his wife and each of his 3 children a thank you note for each day he’s away. He thanks his children for helping out with chores without being asked, for looking out for one another while he’s away, for taking time to call to chat about how their day is going. He thanks his wife for loving him even when he forgets to give the dog a bath or take the garbage out. He thanks them and counts his blessings, because he knows that when all is said and done, the things in life that count the most are family, friends, and place to come home to where you are cherished simply for being who you are.
You were created to act on faith. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. This Sacred Promise of Faith allows you to say to yourself and others, “I trust myself. I can do it.” Faith is the sound of your own voice saying to yourself “I believe in you.”
Love invites you to paint on the canvas of your life… love dares you wear your soul on the outside. Self-love means saying YES to your own agenda and loving yourself with the same intensity and immensity that you reserve for others. Unconditional self-love is the basis for loving and serving others. The reality is you cannot honor and love others unless you can honor, love, and respect yourself.
At this moment, I am blessed to be on the paradise island of Molokai, leading a retreat, Legacy of the Heart. In this intimate gathering, we celebrate life… the one we’re living and the one that is waiting–just for us.
For those unable to be here on Molokai with me this summer, I invite you on a virtual vision quest. Choose a time when you will have several hours free from distractions. Review the questions below, then go to a place that feeds your soul, a place of sanctuary, where you will take a long, solo walk. Carry your journal to make notes as you reflect on the questions. When you get home, put on your favorite relaxing music, put your feet up, and write or draw your responses.
What is the presence, or rhythm, of vision in my life?
What is my # 1 goal at this time-for me, for my family?
What have I said “no” to that I’m now ready to say “yes” to?
What must I do to get started? When will I begin?
Who will I ask for support and encouragement?
What image captures the essence of your vision?
Draw it or look in an old magazine for an image to include in your journal. Put your vision board in a place where you can easily see it. Look at it at least once a day. Soon you will begin to notice small and big changes in your life.
Our ultimate destination is not perfection, but wholeness, to become fully human and at home in our skin.
Integrity simply means embracing and honoring all of your diverse facets—acknowledging your beauty and brilliance as well as those areas where have blind spots. Integrity says, “I claim all aspects of my nature–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Integrity also say, it’s OK to be me… and to keep on putting one foot in front of the other as I work to improve myself and be of service to others.
I’ve often wanted to answer my phone with these very words–Yes, You CAN!! You’ve Got the Power. Life is short. And so very precious. What will you do with the rest of your life? If you have a dream, go for it! Ask yourself–what one step can you take today toward that dream? If not you, who? If not now, when?
Creative action is all of the baby steps and giant steps you take to reach and realize your goals, your hopes. your dreams. What one step will you take today? And what will you do to help someone else do the same?
The heart of legacy is captured in a wonderful African Wisdom Saying that says, “The world was not given to us by our parents. It was loaned to us by our children.” Think about it.
When someone else’s future becomes more important than your own, you make different daily choices. That what it means to live a life of service, to live you legacy–now.
Life is short… & oh so precious. How many times have you heard that? Yet how many times have we really stopped to take stock of our lives.
In the last few months, I”ve lost two dear friends to cancer. I know I’m not alone. Do you have a dream you’ve been putting off until your children are older, you get a better job, you retire? What are you waiting for? Go for it!
Ask yourself–what one step can I take today? Tomorrow, ask yourself the same thing. Then the next day, then the next. I’m cheering for you–all the way!
Just say thanks! You feel great & life just goes better–for you & those you love. You almost postively impact others–with your warmth, smile, goodwill, & the vibe you put out into the air around you. Bless someone today. Pass it on.
Here’s a great recipe for health & resilience. Cranio-sacral therapist, Vera McEwen, recommends something we can all benefit from any time, especially in these challenging times. It’s even simple to remember. Just think “HEART,” which means:
Hydrate – drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day
Exercise – start today, slowly at first then work up to 20 min. 4-5/week
Awareness – increase your self awareness
Rest – the body needs an ample supply
Transform your mind – make healthy, life-affirming choices
Check out this wonderful site on creativity & innovation, hosted by David Bullock. He’s smart, witty, & oh so creative, a wonderful man who dares to wear his soul on the outside. Check out his web site & take a look at him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidBullock.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Today… help someone without any expectation of reward.
Once a day, open a door for someone, or tell them they look fabulous.
Once a week, give up your latte and use those few dollars to buy a can or two of peas to donate to the food bank. Or volunteer at a shelter, school, or community center.
Once a month, collect your gently used books or clothing and donate them to the library, shelter, church, or mosque.
Whenever you see someone, smile. Smiles are free. Not only do they boost your own feel-good vibe, they multiply when you give them away!!! ) Your smile might be just the sip of water someone is thirsting for.
Remember the truly wealthy are those who give not dollars or euros or yens or pesos. The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Next week–on TUESDAY–I’ll begin posting tips to make you feel good. Each Tuesday, look for additional tips.
Each week, look for blurbs on reaching out, giving back, being of service, radical acts of kindness… or as my 78-year old mom would say, “making yourself useful.” Yes, some advice never goes out of style.
Remember: the truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Bless yourself & me by writing a comment. Bless somebody, & pass it on!
Expect to be amazed by regular folks, by ordinary events, in everyday places… while you make morning coffee, when you pick up your paper, as you greet your bus driver, when you take your kids to the park.
Each day live & love with a sense of:
- gratitude… begin by thanking the folks who love & support you… embrace it as a lifestyle—every day
- wonder… look at the world through the eyes of a child & say ahhh/awe
- abundance… know that there’s enough of everything for everyone
- curiosity… learn something new today & every day
- no worries… put the squeeze on bad news & turn your lemons into lemonade
- adventure… take a different route home today & tomorrow… tell somebody
- service… do something for someone else today without any expectation of reward
- new beginnings… accidentally step on someone’s toes? say I’m sorry & ask only—what’s possible NOW
Take a page from my good friend Madge. The other day she confided, “You know when my kids where younger, I was too busy making a living to teach them these things, but it’s not too late to teach my grandchildren.”
And I said, You Go Girl!
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Beautiful… moving. Make your heart swell… with one of my favorite videos - Stand By Me.
After 10 years of traveling the globe to record virtually unknown musicians, Mark Johnson, Grammy-winning music producer and engineer, & his wonderful organization, Playing for Change,** now use the power of music to spread the message of peace, love, & our shared humanity. If you have not seen Stand By Me, their signature video… do yourself a favor… TAKE 5! Revel in the power of music. Do it now.
If you’ve seen Stand By Me, see it again & experience the magic all over. Then tell somebody! Share the LUV with others.
Some people change the weather in your life simply by their presence. My dad, my mom, & a few teachers come to mind. Tell me, what are you doing to change someone’s world today?
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Listen to this… & if you’re really busy—WOW—like you don’t have a minute & a half… listen only. If you can spare a minute & a half, watch & witness ARTISTRY IN MOTION. Jazz buffs will revel in Charlie Parker & his back-up crew. Others… well, I hope you delight in these dudes who dare to wear their soul on the outside… & that this little 75 second time out of time will light your fire!
Enjoy!!
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Teachers have a profound impact on us. The right words at the right time can make all the difference in making, or shaking, our young lives.
Years ago, one teacher dramatically changed my life—because of four simple words offered at the right time in the right way.
My teacher simply said, “I believe in you.”
She said it by giving me a small book of poems by Langston Hughes—The Dream Keeper. This book changed my life. It was the first time I’d ever held a book where the words sounded like words that came out of my mouth. Where the words had the swing & sway of the kitchen-table talk I heard in my own home. Where there were pictures of people who looked like me, who had lips like mine. For the very first time in my life, I saw images that reflected my world… my rhythms, my life. For the first time, someone in a position of authority who did not look like me affirmed my presence, my value, my person.
I still have that little blue book. And I still feel the glow sparked by my teacher, Ms. Mary Jane Gillespie, who offered this thirsty, languishing soul a long drink a water when I most needed it. When she reached out to say, I believe in you.
I’ve been blessed with many wonderful teachers in my life—in the classroom, at home, & beyond. Have you? If so, tell me, who has made a profound impact on you. Tell me about a teacher who made a difference in your life.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
One step at a time. One smile at a time. One hug & one handshake at a time. One day at a time. It is what my African brothers & sisters would call the spirit of “unbutu” (pronouned oo-boon-to).
You make a difference when you say “hello.” Ubuntu. You make a difference when you don’t say “hello” …when you keep moving because you’re too busy today… & you figure that someone else will pick up the slack.
Ubuntu.
A few days ago, I sent an e-mail to a friend in Botswana. She’s almost 70… serving in the Peace Corps. Almost immediately, she sent me an e-mail back to let me know that my note made her day… she also told me about a friend, a young man who stepped out of his childhood to care for his siblings because they’d lost their mom & dad to HIV/AIDS. Among his many fine qualities, he’s a poet. “Poetry,” he said, “allows God’s light to shine through me…” In this way, he shares his light with other youth to inspire them to make something of themselves & their lives. I sent him a poem… & he was so deeply moved that I’d take the time to do this. Such a simple act… reaching out to embrace someone with a blessing of words, a blessing of soul. Now we share our poems across the miles. This is what Nelson Mandela & others would as the spirit of “ubuntu.”
You never know who you will touch, or who needs a touch. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s not really our business to know. It’s simply our business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.
How can one person make a difference? You already know… a smile, a hug, a handshake, a warm hello. Ubuntu.
Mighty blessings–to you & yours.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
As summer fades into fall, I reflect on the Book of Ecclesiastes**, which reminds us: To everything there is a season… a time to sow, a time to reap… a time for all things under the heavens.
As Summer Fades Into Fall
Here are just a few examples of what I’ve been hearing about wonderful seeds planted this year:
A retired teacher: “I started walking 4-5 times a week. I carry a couple cans of peas as “weights.” On my way back, I drop them off at my local food bank.”
A home-school mom: “Twice a month I sort & fold clothes at my church & take them to an agency that provides clothes for those who are homeless. I take my 7-year old daughter with me so she knows what community is all about.”
A florist: “My business has been hit really hard by the recession. Though I’ve moved to a much smaller space to cut costs, I still donate flowers once a week to a local all-volunteer charity.”
A hairdresser: “It’s been about 10 years since I last spoke to my dad. Back then, I said some pretty hateful things to him. A few days ago, I called. I told him how sorry I was. He told me to forget about it… that he loved me. It was so good to hear his voice.”
A teenager: “I cut my neighbor’s grass & trim her hedges since she can’t get around as easily as she used to. She always tries to pay me a little something, but I always say, No thank you, ma’am… I’ll see you again next week.”
Tell me, what wonderful seeds have you sown, & how will you share your harvest of blessings with others?
To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal …
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance …
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
** Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
A is for… Apples, Applecider, Apple strudel, Awesome Autumn Afternoons, & Artists.
Let’s celebrate Amazing vocal Artist & Awesome, beautiful creatrix& cancer survivor… Barbara Padilla. Experience her Angelic presence & voice as she sings AveMaria:
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
Today we celebrate the letter B… for Brothers, babies, bells, bubbles, ballroom dancing, & beauty
Let’s celebratethe amazing Beauty of the season—autumn, which reminds me of brilliantly-colored leaves, barns, and bales of hay… & frosty mornings when you can see the brush of your breath as it lingers in the air.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME
for Courage, Chutzpah, Community, & Carol sChillios… a woman determined & bound to raise $1,000,000 to support our sisters & brothers in AfriCa, Cambodia, & beyond. Founder & Executive Director of the Fabric of Life Foundation, Carol needs just $1 from you… that’s just one buCk in Cold Cash or a Checkfrom you… please help CarolreaCh her goal!
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
All you need is love… & a heart of service. That’s what Quinn has in spades. Like so many other young people these days, she’s often strapped for cash. Even so, Quinn wanted to do something to contribute to breast cancer research & lend her support in finding a cure. How do I know? Because she’s my daughter.
As a theater arts grad student, she’s got her hands full… when she’s not in class, keeping up with her own studies, or getting ready for a theater production, Quinn teaches the fundamentals of costume production to undergrads & works at a nearby bookstore to make ends meet. In her spare time (“Yeah, right, mom!”), she’s a competitive ballroom dancer & creative artist who enjoys making things. Quinn pours her heart & soul into designing & making ballroom costumes, curating antique clothing, & designing & making quilts—from scratch. Take a peek at Quinn’s Portfolio.
To do her part to contribute to the cure, Quinn took to heart C Arts Gallery’s invitation to create a work of art using only shades of pink. She designed & made a beautiful quilted wall hanging, which is now on view & for sale at the gallery. All or a portion of the proceeds of Quinn’s & other artists’ work will support breast cancer research.
Big hugs & mighty blessings to the courageous women & men & their families who face breast cancer day after day, month after month, year after year… & to Cheryl for her heart & vision… & to all the artists for their imagination & beautiful works of art for the cure.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
A picture is worth 1000 words. An exquisite picture simply defies words. So many of you enjoyed this picture, so here it is again.
We all know that saying thank you is more than good manners… expressing thanks is a way of being, a lifestyle. Does that mean no more random acts of kindness? Well, yes… if your acts are really random.
An attitude of gratitude can change your life. Here are just a few of the many arms of gratitude:
- Being receptive to and acknowledging others. Give somebody a high-5 today. They’ll glow & so will you.
- Seeing the inherent good in others. Expect the best & you’ll get that & more.
- Respecting your kinship with the natural world. Treat all of nature as you expect to be treated.
- Learning from all experiences. When you hit a snag, try this: raise your eyebrows, instead of the roof.
- Living your life with an attitude of gratitude. Don’t worry, be happy… it will change your hormones, which will change your life.
- Slowing down to recognize & honor what’s important in your life. When you stop, look, listen, & enjoy, you usher in grace, courtesy, & intention–qualities that are often missing in our lives.
- Giving thanks for the blessings all around & within. When you count your blessings, you provide food for your soul.
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
The other day, a friend sent me an e-mail called, “Lest We Ever Forget.” Attached to the e-mail were a dozen or so photos of a woman I’d never heard of before—Mrs. Irena Sendlerowa. Who was this smiling, gentle-faced woman?
As I read my friend’s e-mail I learned that Irena was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for her role in saving hundreds of children from almost certain death in the Nazi concentration camps—2500 children in all. Throughout her long life, Irena insisted that she did nothing special. In fact, she said she’d been brought up to believe that a drowning person must be rescued, regardless of religion and nationality. Mrs. Sendlerowa declared, “The term ‘hero’ irritates me greatly…. I continue to have pangs of conscience that I did so little.” Truly amazing!
Though I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Mrs. Sendlerowa, I was also brought up to help others, to reach out to those who had even less than we did, to give back with our heart & hands. I was taught that true wealth had nothing to do with how much money you had. True wealth was about investing in others not because it was the right thing to do… but like Irena, it was the only thing to do.
You never know whose life you will touch. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s not really your business to know. It’s simply your business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.
Ask yourself, whose life is different today because of your touch?
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
The other day, a friend sent me an e-mail called, “Lest We Forget.” Attached to the e-mail were a dozen or so photos of a woman I’d never heard of before—Mrs. Irena Sendlerowa. Who was this smiling, gentle-faced woman? As I read my friend’s e-mail I learned that Irena was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for her role in saving hundreds of children from almost certain death in the Nazi concentration camps—2500 children in all. Throughout her long life, Irena insisted that she did nothing special. In fact, she said she’d been brought up to believe that a drowning person must be rescued, regardless of religion and nationality. Mrs. Sendlerowa declared, “The term ‘hero’ irritates me greatly…. I continue to have pangs of conscience that I did so little.” Truly amazing!
Though I wouldn’t dare compare myself to Mrs. Sendlerowa, I was also brought up to help others, to reach out to those who had even less than we did, to give back with our heart & hands. I was taught that true wealth had nothing to do with how much money you had. True wealth was about investing in others not because it was the right thing to do… but like Irena, it was the only thing to do.
You never know whose life you will touch. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s not really your business to know. It’s simply your business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.
Ask yourself, whose life is different today because of your touch?
The truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.
A few weeks ago, a friend & fellow poet asked me… how I was doing, especially given my devotion to lifting up others. “Gloria,” she asked, “How do you turn your FEEL GOOD vibe around for yourself?” Lovely question. Here’s how I do it:
I count my blessings—every single day… many times a day! My health, my family, treasured friends, moments of solitude, a glorious soak at the end of a long day.
I count my blessings for sun or rain. Each day is extravagantly wonderful.
I acknowledge the blessings all around me. When I do, I get the added reward of increasing my awareness so I can see & experience even more blessings. A blade of grass pushing up through a crack in the sidewalk. A blazing sunset. A child’s laughter.
I count the blessings of gratitude & faith… water & bread, super-rich nourishment for body & soul.
I know that blessings, like love, multiply when you give them away—when you pass them on to someone else.
And because I know each day I’ll meet someone who loves the way I do… & someone who doesn’t.
You never know who needs your touch. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s not really your business to know. It’s simply your business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.
How can YOU feel good every day? It’s simple. Count your blessings & pass them on. When you do, you’ll make a difference that makes all the difference to someone else.
If you’re like most people, you want your life to count for something. But you wonder, “what can I possibly do to make a difference?” Here are a few simple things you can do… ask yourself*:
- What did I share or give away today—love, a wink, a warm smile?
- Did I say thank you or appreciate someone today?
- Did I see joy in someone else’s eyes… did I share their joy or pass them by?
- If I saw sadness or terror, did I ease someone else’s sorrow or fear?
- Did I hurt someone’s feelings… if so, did I say I’m sorry?
- Did I correct any negative thoughts or actions?
- Did I pray for someone else’s spiritual, emotional, or physical wellbeing?
- Did I dare to say Yes to myself AND reach out to others?
- Did I dare to be fully me… to wear my soul on the outside?
If you said Yes to any of these small acts of kindness & mercy, you made a difference today. By reading this post, you made a difference… in yourself.
Learn more. Join me for my free teleclass—Legacy Living: Make Your Life Count: Tuesday, November 10, 6pm PST (Pacific Standard Time).
During this hour of power, I’ll show you how to shift your focus from “me” to “we.” I’ll also discuss practical steps you can apply today to make a difference one step at a time, one person at a time, one day at a time. If you’re ready to transform your ordinary life into an extraordinary one, join me. To register, just click this link: http://www.globalteleclass.com. Share this special opportunity with others… tell a friend!
Be one of the first five participants to call or log in to my teleclass, & I’ll send you a complimentary copy of my best-selling book—Legacy Living: The Six Covenants for Personal & Professional Excellence. You’ll also need to send me your contact information, so you can receive your free book.
* Big hugs & hallelujahs to my dear friend Joan, a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Kasane, Botswana. Thank you, Joan, for sharing your great big heart & these questions as we learn from one another to be the difference that makes a difference.
If you’re like me… & most other folks, you want to make a difference… you want to leave the world better off than the way you found it. In short, you want to make your life to count for something. But how? Especially when you’re up to your ears with the many demands of life–your job or trying to find one, raising children, tending to key relationships, caring for aging parents, & on & on. Not only are you exhausted at the end of the day, but you wonder, “what can I possibly do to make a difference?” First, take a deep breath & know you don’t have to find a solution for world peace. All you have to do is express yourself in a way that works for you. Here are a simple things you can do… ask yourself:
- Who has supported me this month or this year?
- Have I called or written a note of gratitude to him or her?
- Who has said “I believe in you” to encourage you?
- Have I passed this blessing of faith on to someone else–to a child, a peer, or an elder?
- What did I do to support the environment today?
- Have I forgiven someone today who has hurt me?
- Did I pray for someone else’s spiritual, emotional, intellectual, or physical wellbeing?
- Did I dare to say Yes to myself today… to be fully me… to wear my soul on the outside?
If you said Yes to any of these small acts of compassion & kindness, you made a difference today. And by reading this post, you also made a difference… in yourself. And that’s always the best place to begin.
Learn more. Join me for my free teleclass—Legacy Living: Make Your Life Count: Tuesday, November 10, 6pm PST (Pacific Standard Time).
During this hour of power, I’ll show you how to shift your focus from “me” to “we” I’ll also discuss practical steps you can apply today to make a difference one step at a time, one person at a time, one day at a time. If you’re ready to transform your ordinary life into an extraordinary one, join me. To register, just click this link: http://www.globalteleclass.com.
Share this special opportunity with others… tell a friend!
Be one of the first five participants to call or log in to my teleclass, & I’ll send you a complimentary copy of my best-selling book-Legacy Living: The Six Covenants for Personal & Professional Excellence. You’ll also need to send me your contact information, so you can receive your free book.
Today I was talking with a friend, a young mother of three. She told me that in the past several days, she was overcome with a spell of grumpiness… brought on by who knows what. When she was at her grumpiest, her husband reminded her that what we pay attention to multiplies. Not surprisingly, when she remembered the gift of gratitude & focused on her blessings… her grumpiness was replaced with thanksgiving… & joy!
In this harvest season, many of us in the U.S. are preparing for the Thanksgiving holidays. Time with loved ones, a savory meal, shared memories. Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, know that gratitude changes everything.
This is a season to pause… & to thank God for all the goodness He has blessed you with—your family, friends, health, employment, & whatever talents you have.
In each of our lives, there are so many good things we take for granted.
When you pause, ask yourself: who or what are you grateful for in your life? Your children, wife, husband, parents, special friends? Your health, job, home? All the wonderful people in your life who cherish you simply for being you?
In this season, let us remember to count our blessings & to humbly give thanks. And let us remember that gratitude is as necessary as air. In fact, it is essential “…for human growth, joy, and creativity. Take away the daily experience and expression of gratitude, and life is quickly diminished. Like a weakened immune system, the spirit is left vulnerable to the diseases of cynicism, anger, low-grade depression, or at least an edgy sense of dissatisfaction. Gratitude-deprived, we suffer a relentless loss of vitality and delight.”**
Gratitude changes everything.
Pass It On!
** Excerpt from Seasons of Grace, by Alan Jones, former Dean of Grace Cathedral, & John O’Neill, President of the Center for Leadership Renewal
Just as exercising regularly will help keep you physically fit, having a sense of purpose will keep you spiritually fit—& it will also keep you unruffled when faced with stress.
During the holidays, more than any other time, it’s critical to focus on who & what has heart & meaning in your life. This Thanksgiving, slow down, pause, & reflect on these affirmations:
- I am authentic & full-hearted in what I say & do.
- I say Yes to what & who has heart & meaning for me.
- I can & do say No to others… & say it as a complete sentence.
- I align my priorities with how I spend my time.
- I invest in making a difference in others’ lives.
- I do what I love for work & leisure.
Ask yourself, which of these affirmations apply to you… & what can you do to focus on those that give you a lift & a sense of forward momentum.
Consider the affirmations you can turn into goals—not just for today but throughout the upcoming holidays & into the New Year—to help you stay focused, unruffled, & on track so you can enjoy your loved ones & the many other blessings of the season.
As we segue from the season of harvest to the winter holidays, may you enjoy the blessings of Sanctuary. A few days ago, when my daughter was home for the Thanksgiving holidays, we reminisced about our long-ago annual retreat to one of the great rain forests of the Pacific Northwest.
When she was a youngster, we’d go to a lovely lodge on the edge of the forest and enjoy a few days of quiet before the rush of the holiday season. Beside the warmth of the fire in the main lodge, we’d play cribbage, Scrabble, and Yahtze… and spend long hours writing letters and cards to family and other loved ones to honor Christmas and Kwanzaa. As my daughter grew older, she’d take her cello and practice in one of the rustic gathering rooms. We even played their old piano… serenading the staff and the few other guests who, like us, had come to pause and unwind.
That’s what Sanctuary is all about.
During this season of festivities and frenzied shopping, it’s important to pause, reflect on who and what’s important in your life, and take time to care for yourself.
Here are a few simple ways to pause for Sanctuary this season:
- Embrace the holidays with an open heart, mind, and spirit.
- Look at this season through the eyes of a child—filled with joy and excitement.
- Give the gift that keeps on giving—your kindness and a heart-felt smile.
- Reach out to others with a word of encouragement… or a simple prayer, to help them feel better and you feel more connected and joyful.
I hope you enjoy the blessings of Sanctuary and of the season—Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Sanctuaryrenews our spirit and feeds our soul. Not only is Sanctuary a time-out-of-time for self-care, it’s also a universal, time-honored way to care for others. Sanctuary is about “me” and “we.” When I was a little girl, my mother used to tell me and my four sisters to “make yourself useful”… even though we were still doing our chores.
Little did I know, my mom was teaching us not busyness for busyness sake, she was planting seeds of Sanctuary. By giving, reaching out, and being of service to others, we received gifts that money can’t buy—blessings of Sanctuary: compassion, abundance, and joy.
Here are a few simple ways to take care of yourself and make yourself useful to others—at the same time:
- As the days grow shorter, take time to pause… and say a simple thank you for the many blessings of each day—a roof over your head, friends, food on your table… maybe even a few extra bucks to buy some beans or a loaf of bread for someone else.
- Put on some soothing music and light a candle to remind yourself of the many miracles in your life… and to bring much-needed light and prayer into some of the darkest corners of our world—the 75% of people around the world who don’t have a roof over their head, who sleep each night hungry, hopeless, and afraid… who walk miles every single day in search of clean drinking water.
- Read an inspirational book—and then send it and a few more of your other gently used books to our service men and women. Take a moment and include a note of gratitude for all they do to defend our country.
- Give thanks. Gratitude changes us. Literally! When you say thanks with a full, joyful heart, your body produces more dopamine, which is why you just feel better when you reach out to others. As you extend gratitude to others—join us in the Seattle community on Tuesday, December 8, as we express our deep gratitude and keep vigil for four slain officers and their families. Put a blue light in your window or on your front porch in gratitude and remembrance.
- Take a walk—alone or with a friend or another loved one. In silence, as you walk, count your blessings… share them with your companion along your way—and for every step you take, consider donating some amount of your time to a local community center, school, church, mosque, synagogue, group home, or shelter… knowing that getting involved is just as important as your money, if not more so.
- Spend time in nature, focusing your attention on something you don’t normally notice—birds, leafless trees with nests in them, rocks, colors, the sound of wind, rain, snow beneath your feet, your own mighty heartbeat—and remember that you’re part of nature, not separate from it. Care for all of nature as if it belonged to you, because indeed it does.
Enjoy the blessings of Sanctuary and the season—Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Most of us remember the lovely song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It begins, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.” On the second day, two turtle doves and on the third day, three French hens, and so on.
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Each day for the next 12 days, I’ll give away copies of my books and CDs, and a coaching session as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 12, the first person who sends an e-mail with the subject line “The First Day of Christmas” will receive a copy of my best-selling book Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day1@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
Pass It On!
Most of us remember the lovely song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It begins, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.” On the second day, two turtle doves and on the third day, three French hens, and so on.
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Each day for the next 12 days, I’ll give away copies of my books and CDs, and a coaching session as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 12, the first person who sends an e-mail with the subject line “The First Day of Christmas” will receive a copy of my best-selling book Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day1@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
“On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me–two turtle doves…”
In this season of blessings, I’m celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas by sharing some of my blessings with you. Each day for the next 12 days, I’ll give away copies of my books and CDs, and a coaching session as a way of saying THANK YOU for your abiding faith and support.
Today, December 13, the first two people who send an e-mail with the subject line “The Second Day of Christmas” will receive a copy of my best-selling book Legacy Living. Please use this address: Day2@gloriaburgesscom.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and wondrous New Year!
Stop. Look. Listen. Remember these life-saving words we learned as children to guide us before crossing a busy street? ‘Tis the season to slow down and heed this simple yet profound advice, a life-giving way to create Sanctuary for yourself.
Stop. Press the pause button… so you can let go of the busyness of your day.
Look. Take time to really look at your busyness… and commit to set aside a few routine chores and responsibilities.
Listen. Take a few deep breaths. As you breathe in and out, tune in to yourself… and with an open heart, listen to what is present for you.
When your day seems to be spinning out of control, remember the life-giving blessings of Sanctuary… and remember to Stop. Look. Listen.
Enjoy the blessings of the season and of Sanctuary.
) Your smile might be just the sip of water someone is thirsting for.
Years ago, one teacher dramatically changed my life—because of four simple words offered at the right time in the right way.
We all know that saying thank you is more than good manners… expressing thanks is a way of being, a lifestyle. Does that mean no more random acts of kindness? Well, yes… if your acts are really random.
