The Red Coat

The red coat. 

One of my favorite children's story is Little Red Riding Hood. Of course, the primary article of clothing was her little red cloak. When my daughter was around two I bought her a precious London Fog red coat which made her look just like Little Red herself. 

Yesterday I pulled my own red coat out of the closet for the first time this year, as the weather had finally turned cold. As I was heading into the library I began to wonder exactly how old that coat actually was? I remember purchasing it at Eddie Bauer at the Outlet Mall in Allen. To be honest, I fell in love with it immediately. I loved the color, the weight of the coat and its classic style. It was just perfect for me. 

Well apparently, it has been too perfect because I honestly think that coat might be pushing fifteen years old. Now, it's not that I can't afford a new coat, but there really is nothing wrong with it, and as long as it makes a trip to the cleaners it still seems to work and wear just fine. 

I guess Eddie Bauer must make a quality product, although I don't even know if they are in business anymore. I suppose some day I will replace it, but until then I'll enjoy wearing it. 

Two Random Chairs

Two random chairs. 

One of the things I love about my husband is that he always keeps me laughing. Yesterday did not disappoint. The day before he had spent time getting our backyard ready for winter. In the process he decided that two faded plastic lawn chairs would serve us better at the farm. He put them in the bed of the truck to take to the farm the next time we were there. 

Yesterday he took his truck to the Toyota dealership to have a sensor light checked, and figured he'd take advantage of their complementary car wash while he was at it.  It just so

happened that I was down the street helping purchase books for my retired teachers organization, and decided to stop by and check on him before I headed home. 

After visiting for a while I hopped in my car ready for some lunch.  Along the way home I couldn't help but notice out of the corner of my eye two random chairs tucked away on the side of the road. Those chairs looked awfully familiar. I immediately called my husband to inquire if his chairs had accidently flown out of the bed of his truck on his way to the dealership? 

He burst out laughing and informed me that he had actually left them there on purpose. You see he wasn't sure that he could get his truck washed if the chairs were in the bed. When it was all said and done he was completely amazed that I had noticed them, and I reminded him that very little gets past me. 

After the truck was finished my husband apparently stopped by and retrieved the two renegade chairs. All was well in the universe again, and I had a big laugh that day. 

Be Creative

Be creative. 

I've always considered myself a creative person. As a child my imagination ran freely as my favorite kind of play was make-believe. As a teacher I took great pleasure in creating engaging activities that made learning enjoyable. I always encouraged my students to utilize their creativity as well. 

Starting this blog almost two years ago was a way to channel my creativity through writing. What I have noticed lately, though, is that I have been so busy with other things that creativity seems to have taken a back seat. Consequently, I've found myself struggling to come up with ideas for the blog. What once seemed to flow like water now became difficult. 

Perhaps it might have something to do with me not reading much over the last couple of months. I have been busy taking care of house related projects, and my books have remained untouched. Reading seems to be the catalyst to my reflection and creativity. 

In a recent study published by The Journal of Positive Psychology it was discovered that, "People who engage in creative pursuits today felt more energetic, enthusiastic, and excited the next day." I can certainly relate to this in my life. 

Creativity can encompass many areas, and is a personal pursuit, but its benefits enhance our lives. It's easy to push creativity to the side as not quite as important, but in fact it might just be the most important. Make room for creativity today. 

Milestones

Milestones. 

I was thinking about the importance of milestones that happen in a lifetime. This past weekend we celebrated my grandson's first birthday and his baptism. Both of these would be considered milestones. We celebrated with friends and family and my daughter had planned everything perfectly. Her mother-in-law prepared a Pinterest perfect birthday cake just made for smashing. 

As important as those milestones are I thought the words of Rose Kennedy were worth reflection, "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

I'm happy to say that we have had many of those moments this past year. Children have a way of reminding us that things don't have to be big or elaborate to be memorable. I count my blessings for all the moments of laughter and all the hugs that have come along the way.  

I look forward to all the other milestones that life will bring, but am happy that the ordinary moments are special too.  

An Interesting Combination

An interesting combination. 

When Mark Twain said, "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure," he may have been speaking tongue in cheek, but there is a lot of truth in his observations. 

Nightly news might find you scratching your head wondering if the inmates are running the asylum? Often times I've wondered how or why someone thought they were the perfect person for the job, and why I felt such little confidence in my abilities  to accomplish the same thing? I think sometimes the more you know about something, the more you realize how little you actually know. 

You discount your expertise because you think there is probably someone else who knows more than you. This very well may be true, but you still may have something of value to contribute. It's interesting how confidence can overshadow ability, and allow some to tackle tasks that are way beyond their capacity to do so. 

My thinking here is that if you happen to know more about something than the average person, then you might have a contribution that needs to be shared. Don't allow those with less expertise be the ones to call all the shots. Stand up and share your gifts. 

Destination

Destination. 

Author Henry Miller wrote, "One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of seeing things." This is an interesting way of looking at things. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about the future. The next new home, vacation or move, and how somehow that next new place is going to be better than today. You might be correct, but as good as it might sound nothing is ever perfect.  There will always be pros and cons to any destination. 

As my husband and I dream about our retirement years we like to envision ourselves living the country life on our farm. Although, there are many advantages to that life our beloved city conviences will be no more. On the other hand my daily struggle with the surrounding traffic makes the peace and solitude of the country even more appealing. 

But, the reality is that this move will probably not happen anytime soon, so placing today on hold is not really a wise decision. What I have learned and have to agree with Mr. Miller is that life is really more about the way you choose to look at it. My happiness does not have to be based on a destination I may or may not reach. What is more valuable is the time I am given wherever I might reside. That is the resource that cannot be renewed. 

I don't want to waste the time that I've been given wishing for a different life. I'd rather adjust my attitude and enjoy the journey.

The Right to be Wrong

The right to be wrong. 

Author and professor David M. Burns has an interesting take on life. "Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life." 

When you are so concerned about not getting it wrong, you limit the risks you are willing to take. When you stake your reputation on always being right you begin to lose your approachability. 

Aspiring to high standards is honorable, but allowing yourself some grace is better still. Being willing to put yourself out there in the name of new learning may require some courage on your part, but the payoff could be immense. 

We learn early in life about success and failure, and find ourselves gravitating toward what we know we can do well. However, it is in our failures that we become wise. 

One of the beauties of getting older is the opportunity to be less concerned about what everyone else thinks. It is a chance "to move forward" as Burns suggest to a less perfect life, but a successful one at that.