Building Character – Page 10

Birthdays Are Good For You!

Birthdays Are Good For You! The More You Have, The Longer You Live!

I find that for me, birthdays are a better time to do a little self-inventory, rather than the beginning of a new year–after all, our birthdays are so uniquely ours!

I’ll celebrate another birthday this month–and yes, although hard to believe, it’s another reason why I look forward to spring! (My dad always used to point out that the alternative to celebrating another birthday wasn’t a real good option!) One of the things I do love as each birthday comes along is that I feel much more content and at ease with myself–seems like a fair payoff for getting older, right?

If I had a motto for my life right now–this would be it!

Quote printable from “Designed By Maria” on Etsy–one of my favorite shops!

I’m so grateful to everyone within my circle of influence who has helped make my life’s journey so incredibly worthwhile and enjoyable, despite some challenges along the way. I realize, more than ever before, that as hard as I might try, I can’t possibly do it all! (I know, that’s a real head smacker! Ha!) If it takes having a few birthdays to truly understand this…then I welcome every one of them!

What I’m learning now…

The more birthdays we have, I think there’s sometimes a tendency to become nostalgic and think of things in years past–maybe when our parents were young or our children were little. Dr. Suess had some good advice about that too!

By all means, let’s cherish special memories, but what I’m learning now is that living with vibrancy in the here and now should be our goal at any age. I also tend to believe that our “real” age is defined more by the state of our minds and our hearts, rather than the calendar!

Brightest Spring Wishes to Everyone!

What helps you live in the moment and stay young at heart?

–Mary

PS. In anticipation of another great year ahead, here’s a sneak peak of a few new journal entries I’ll be featuring on a regular basis!

I can’t wait…so stay tuned!

Love Is Grand! What I’m Learning From My Children’s Marriages!

When Love Is Grand…!

As my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary today, I remember the words written inside a card he gave me on our anniversary a few years ago that truly touched my heart!

When I was in college, I would occasionally meet my father at his office so we could go to lunch together. On one early, spring afternoon as my dad and I made our way across campus to the cafeteria, we couldn’t help but notice the overtures being made by many young couples as they demonstrated their love for one another. In a kind, fatherly fashion, my dad put his arm across my shoulders and whispered in my ear with a little jest in his voice…

“Isn’t young love grand!”

Indeed it is…but I understand better now, that my dad said this knowing that he was all too happy to be enjoying the seasoned love he shared with my mom that is developed over many years of marriage!

My husband and I have been married for a number of years, and like most couples, we continually strive to do better in our marriage! Today however, I’d like to pay tribute to our children and their spouses and what I’m learning from their marriages. One of the neat things about having older, married children, is that in so many ways, you are their peer as well as their parent!

Each of my children’s weddings were grand celebrations of their young love and as unique as their individual marriages!

What I’m Learning From My Children’s Marriages!

Be calm and carry on!

In other words, be the “easy” button, so to speak, as seen in the funny Staples commercials, where one person assumes the more intuitive role and creates a better situation for others. When my husband exhibits concern, my anxiety level tends to intensify. I’ve witnessed our children and their spouses sensing when one or the other of them needs to rise to the occasion and offer that calm sense of well-being that will help them both brave a worrisome time together.

Chill out!

My dad worked hard all his life, but always used good judgment as to when it was time to take a break. My husband and I sometimes find it hard to know when it’s time to call it a day with projects we’re doing. As a result, tempers can flare and mistakes are more probable. I don’t know if it’s a generational thing, but my children and their spouses seem to inherently know when enough is enough. I admire how they can put things aside and relax, or get cleaned up and then go do something fun together!

It’s all good!

We all have our quirks and idiosyncrasies, and I suppose that the longer we’re married those of our partner’s have a bit more potential to drive us a little berserk! My children seem to naturally be able to focus on the good things they enjoy about their spouses, and although it’s easier said than done, if doing this becomes our habit, the traits we admire will always far outweigh the ones that annoy us.

Last night, my husband and I were watching an interview being conducted with Barbara Bush, the wife of former President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. When asked about what appeared to be their perfect marriage, she just laughed and said,

“Oh, believe me, there are times when George irritates me terribly, but I always respect him, and I’m extremely proud to be his wife!”

My parents were each other’s best cheerleaders through good times and bad–my husband and I try hard, year after year, to be more supportive of each other. It gives me great joy to watch my children doing the same in their own marriages!

When love abounds, it does feel like we can conquer the world! I hope it continues to be a great month of special expressions of love for everyone, and that they continue all year long!

What makes love grand for you? What important things are you learning in your relationships?

–Mary

Thoughtful Kindness! The Polar Vortex Edition!

Thoughtful Kindness! The Polar Vortex Edition!

Click to Download

Even though extreme cold and snowy conditions have inspired the new term, Polar Vortex, to describe the unusual weather that has dominated the winter season this year, it seems the frigid temperatures and deep snow drifts haven’t lessened the abundant outpouring of thoughtful kindness by so many!

On a grand scale, you can read the amazing story here about two Olympic sister biathletes–it is the ultimate story of thoughtful kindness and sacrifice!

Closer to home, I have observed and been the recipient of many acts of good will and thoughtful kindness this winter!

Upon waking up to yet another snow storm last week, knowing that I needed to take my older granddaughter to school while my daughter and her husband took my youngest granddaughter in for surgery on her adenoids and tonsils, I once again geared up for slushy roads and slow traffic!

That same day, I also received word that a dear neighbor had passed away from complications of pneumonia! Despite my best efforts, it was hard to stave off the winter funk I felt setting in! As the snow piled up, my granddaughter and I took refuge inside for the afternoon after I picked her up from school. Later on that day, when I went to glimpse out my front window to see if the worst of the storm had passed in anticipation of going out to shovel snow, (my husband was out of town on business) you can imagine my delight when I saw my neighbor’s son handily taking on the task of snow blowing my driveway!