RemarkAble Women Speak

Thank You is Not Enough

Somehow Happy and Memorial in the same sentence seems a bit awkward, especially when the reference is to lives lost in the pursuit of military service to our country.  Young and old, male and female, their dedication and heroism permit us to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today.

And yet, I am happy for those families whose sons and daughters left a legacy of allegiance to this country that continues to inspire and warm the spirits of many across this nation.  These families deserve just recognition for the sacrifices they endured because of their loss. 

I am happy that generations continue to learn the lessons of how devastating war can be, in the hope that peaceful solutions will one day be recognized as the only way to remedy intense differences of perspectives.

Today I honor the 24 hours set aside as a memorial to the special souls who gave their lives for our liberties.  As I hung the flag from our porch railing this morning, the wind whipped the Stars and Stripes to attention, causing a slight lump in my throat as I thought of my family's fortune that both my brothers came home from Vietnam.

Let us remember the true meaning of today. I am happy that, between the picnics, and the yard work, and the festivals in the parks, our deceased military members are remembered in ceremonies and parades recounting their unselfish deeds and courageous acts.

To all the RemarkAble military forces of this country, past, current, and future, a heartfelt Thank You.  Happy Memorial Day.

Will You Hold Me Accountable?

My home office is so clean now!  Gone are the piles of papers.  Piles on the floor, in two spots.  Piles on the desk.  Both the left and the right sides.  Mind you, these weren't heaping piles spilling out into the hallway.  But they brought enough clutter into my room, that I began to feel creatively stifled.

I was determined to do something about it, and dedicated one morning to getting through the piles.  Do you know what it feels like to get rid of something, permanently, and acknowledge that life still goes on without a hiccup?  That was my experience, and I was loving it. 

With every piece of paper that ended up in a binder, a file, or the recycle bin, the air felt lighter and I felt renewed.  By the time my clearing was complete, I was compelled to maintain this new look, to make it a habit.  And now that I've told you, I will hold myself accountable to you. I will keep you apprised of my progress, and you can check in with me anytime. 

Do you have a habit you want to keep over time?  Then find an Accountability Partner, someone who will hold you responsible for your follow through.  Someone who will forgive you for a minor slip-up.  Someone who will hold your hand when the going gets tough.  Someone who will celebrate when the habit has stuck.

What new habit do you want to create? 

NOTE: It looks like Spring is holding true as the season for clean-ups.  My good friend and fellow coach, Sandra Jones, wrote about her Clean Sweep on her blog.  Check it out.

A Simple Game, A Big Lesson

I was playing Scrabble (R) with my husband and mother-in-law, when my eyes suddenly told me I was seeing a long word.  All I would have to do is move the letter tiles around, and the word would emerge.  I felt the possibility even before the semblance of the word appeared.  I just knew it was there.  Wow!  A five, maybe even six, letter word. 

PASTE? PASTED? STAMP?

Deep breath.  And another.  Wait a minute!  STAMPED!  I can use all 7 tiles.  But I needed to connect them to another tile already on the board.  Hmmm.  Another deep breath. 

I Love My Job!

Last week, while shopping in the produce section at Safeway, I heard two employees engaged in a conversation.  It went like this:

He: I really like my job.  I've learned so much.  I look forward to coming here, and the work's not hard.

She: I know what you mean.  I really love my job, being around all the healthy foods, the colors, and all the people.

He: Yeah.  It's the best job ever.