Ray's Daily

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Mother Teresa

I have recently come to understand that you can be homeless even if you have a place to live. Home is more than just a physical structure, it is a place where people gather, families share, loved ones nurture, friends visit and memories are made. But these days more and more folks live in isolation, many no longer have the traditional relationships of the past. Too many people seem to be imprisoned in a cocoon that is a home in name only that results in almost solitary confinement.

We cannot afford to let this phenomena grow; society must provide the social environment that is so critical to the maintenance of the human spirit. Yesterday I shared some of the thoughts of the wise 24 year old Erin McNaughton. What I like is that she is not letting herself get sucked into isolation. When I read her thoughts I can almost hear her shout out “Look out world, here I come and I am going to make sure we are going to enjoy life together. As promised here are some more of her list of lessons she has learned in her young life.

Associate with like-minded people. Life is about the people, it’s about the quality of our relationships and interactions. Surround yourself with people who are on the same frequency as you. Connect with those who bring joy into your life, inspire you, and challenge you to better yourself and achieve your goals. You are the average of the five people who you spend the most time with–if you’re not happy with that proposition, consider changing your innermost circle. You can’t please everyone, so pay attention to who you’re trying to appease.

Believe deeply in something, whatever it might be. Whether it’s religion, science, art, or humanity, discover a niche that you can turn to for hope and inspiration. Find something to live for and something worth dying for. When you’ve found your calling, invest yourself  in it. Incorporate that anchor into your dreams. Any fears you may have can be overcome by believing in this something bigger than yourself.

Service to others is an important part of our humanity. Kindness is the most cost-efficient means of impacting your world. Donate money to charity, volunteer your time, mentor a child, or share your compassion and empathy with everyone you meet. Realize that you are more than simply an individual; you are an vital member of an interdependent species.

Everyone is deserving of love. If you love someone tell them, and tell them often. You always lose by holding back.  If you appreciate someone, let them know. If you appreciate nature and art, then take the time to enjoy these things and share them with others. Be empathetic. Listen to people and truly care about what they have to say. Reach out to those who are in need of a friend. Be a good friend. Though digital communication is convenient, nothing compares to a face-to-face conversation, unexpected phone call, or a letter in the mail.

Practice gratitude. Be grateful for what you have. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Live in the moment and take note of life’s little blessings. Forgive others and don’t hold grudges. Write thank you notes. Keep a gratitude journal. Spend a few minutes each day thinking about the things that bring you joy. Thankfulness puts everything into perspective.

~~~

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”

Ruth Reichl

~~~

A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years and felt uneasy, not knowing about all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials.

“Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing,” she said.

“So would I,” replied the technician. “It’s a floor-cleaning machine.”

~~~

I’m the person your mother warned you about.

~~~

Lisa was babysitting Cory and Cody. Finding Cody making faces at Cory, Lisa stopped to warn the child. Smiling Lisa said, “Cody, when I was a child, I was told if I made ugly faces I would stay like that.”

Cody looked up and replied, “Well you can’t say you weren’t warned.”

~~~

A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.

~~~

A city slicker stopped his large, expensive car on a country road and looked about in confusion. He noticed a young farm hand leaning on a fence and called to him, “Hey, you know how far it is to Shrewsbury?”

The farm hand thought about it and said, “Don’t know.”

“Well then, do you know the best way to get there?”

Again, the farm hand thought a bit and said, “Don’t know.”

“Look, can you just tell me where the nearest gas station is so I can pick up a map?”

“‘Fraid I don’t know that either.”

Frustrated, the man in the car snapped, “You don’t know much do you?”

To which the farm hand replied, “I’m not lost.”

~~~

Life is cheap. It’s the accessories that kill you.

~~~

Harry had just reached his 175th birthday last week. Surrounded by reporters, he was asked, “Excuse me, sir, but how did you come to live to be 175?”

Harry answered, “It was easy.  I just never argue with anyone.”

The reporter shot back, “That’s crazy.  It had to be something else –diet, meditation, or *something*.  Just not arguing won’t keep you alive for 175 years!”

The old fella stared hard at the reporter for several seconds.

Then he shrugged.  “Hmmm.  Maybe you’re right.”

~~~

“This life is for loving, sharing, learning, smiling, caring, forgiving, laughing, hugging, helping, dancing, wondering, healing, and even more loving. I choose to live life this way. I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, ‘aw shit, he’s up!”

Steve Maraboli

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

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