“KITTING AROUND”
        BLOG 239–The Job You Love!
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

     
*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** After living in my van and traveling to all US states, I married Beth in SC.
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!
In the photo to the right you see me at age three,
with my little brother, Gary. >>>>>
I’m on the right.
Thanks for getting this photo to me, my sisters, Sandy and Willow.

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Work with Joy!
At 15, I learned to juggle; I found my passion at a young age. After winning “The Gong Show” after just one year of practice, I knew that juggling was my choice for my life.

Performing in and around San Diego, I loved my life. Eventually, I sent a videotape of my act to an agent in Hollywood, who booked me as a star performer at Ballys in Atlantic City. Getting paid to do what I loved was excellent.
   
I had been at Ballys for nine months. I received excellent reviews for my performance. A new show would be coming in; I had put together a new act with all new routines and comedy. I was told that I would be in this new show.
 
Then, on April 3, 1982, I had just parked my vehicle and was walking to Ballys. Atlantic City had not seen such a big storm in a long time–I was right in it. While crossing busy Atlantic Avenue, I was hit by a truck. After 37-days of sleep, I was slowly coming back to life.
 
I thought I would be right back to juggling and performing, and my brain injury would not let that occur. I returned to juggling and eventually gave a big comeback performance exactly one year after the accident.
 
Have you seen this video about this time in my life?
Educational Entertainment with Kit Summers
 
I saw that I could not return to the life I was living, because of my reduced skill level, to my past passion–the art of juggling. Having been self-employed for most of my life, I had to find that way of life once again. In this time, I had developed a tasty fresh salsa that people loved.
 
I began slowly, but Summers Salsa started. Eventually, my company grew huge–I was selling at farmers’ markets six days a week, going to festivals and fairs, and selling my salsa through 25 stores in my area.
 
Have you seen >>
Summerssalsa.com
 
After 20 years of salsa success, I was riding my bike one day and was hit by another truck. Much of my body was broken; there was no brain injury this time. But it was hard coming back yet, again.
 
Juggling was my work and my passion. Having lost the skill, that was devastating. I had to work my way back and find a future. If you love your work, that’s a great thing! Many do not love how they make an income and live. It’s so sad to me when I see this; you spend so much time there–you have to find a way to love what you do.

I put the same passion into my salsa business, and it showed.
 
I have known people who wake up everyday and say to themselves– “Yikes, I have to go to work again!” They hate their job and their life. They put in their hours and do not like any of it, then they go home to watch TV or something. They go to sleep unhappy and awake the next morning saying– “Yikes, I have to go to work again!”
 
Do not waste your one life in this way.
 
One way to start to love your work is to learn and study every aspect of the chosen occupation. Become an expert on your interest and work. Get to the point where you can teach others and even teach your boss. I guarantee you that not only will you love your work more and more, but you will also do better work.
 
We always fall in – and out – of love with our jobs.
Work can be our pleasure or our downfall.
Though we rarely think of it that way.
 
Remember the butterflies of excitement you had on your first day of work? You loved those weekly staff meetings, treasured your training, and couldn’t wait to chat with new co-workers on coffee breaks.
 
It was when the honeymoon period ended that things changed. You started thinking, “Really? This all I will do over again–and again?” Then you woke up. Small resentments turned into large ones, and you started getting coffee at a different time to avoid Steve in Accounting.
 
Before you write your resignation letter, take a moment to realise that quitting isn’t your only option. It’s impossible to always love your job, but you can value the idea of working at it and the different aspects of it. Aim toward excellence whenever you can.
 
1. Your job or your boss?
Decide whether you want to leave your job or your boss.
You might not want to leave your job; you may wish to no longer work with your boss. One study found that 50 percent of employees went to their jobs “to get away from their boss to improve their overall life at some point in their career.”
 
If you find yourself in this situation but still really enjoy the company you work for, consider entertaining the option of switching departments. Give yourself opportunities to work with other people and see if it’s your manager or the job you don’t like before you resign. Small changes can significantly impact helping you love your job again.
 
2. Learn something new.
You may be bored and uninspired if you have been doing the same tasks daily for the past 5 years. Challenge yourself by learning something new and exciting about the job you have.
For example   >>
Offer to help out a different department . . .
Volunteer to take on new obligations . . .
Go on a course to advance your skills . . .
Attend professional development seminars . . .
Whatever you do, make sure it is interesting to you . . .
It will help you look at your role in a new light . . .
   
Boredom will not help you love your job, but being excited about something new will.
 
3. Ask for what you want.
Instead of waiting for your departure interview to mention everything you wish you had been offered – ask for them now! Your manager is probably not a mind reader and cannot provide you with what they didn’t know you were interested in.
 
Speak out about your goals and plans and make your case for change so you can love your job again. Ask to be put in charge of a particular project. Talk about your dream role. If you are looking for a flexible schedule or salary increase, ask for that too. Have these conversations first instead of assuming your only option is to quit.
 
4. Set new goals.
Goals are the models you review your occupation progression against. With them, we often feel directionless and motivated. If you are currently working without clear goals and plans, it’s time to change that. Goals and plans are direction and help you drive your career forward. They can be the exact change you need to love your job.
 
5. Change your workspace.
You work an average of 40 hours a week or more in your area. Working in an environment that never visually changes can become dull and has the potential to drive anyone a little crazy.
 
If you haven’t changed your territory in years, it’s no wonder you don’t love your job anymore. Let’s change it up. Move the furniture, bring some plants, and change the wall art. A minor visual change can bring excitement back into your day.
 
6. Change what you can control
Be positive whenever possible, with all in your life. This doesn’t mean you have to plaster a smile on your face every moment of the day. But don’t let minor frustrations cloud over all the good in your job.
 
Instead, do things like thanking people when they help you. Recognize the hard work accomplished by your colleagues. Get into a more positive mindset by listing one remarkable daily thing, big or small. Refuse to give co-workers power over your emotions.
 
7. Realise the impact you have on those around you.
Consider your job’s broader impact instead of focusing on your immediate team. Take it a step further and focus on its positive effect on others.
 
8. Stop complaining and change your perspective
If you will adjust your attitude, please make sure you stop being part of the Complain Club. Find happiness in the work you do.

9. Take a vacation
Burnout is real and will enter every aspect of your life unless you pay attention and take breaks when needed.
 
Use vacation time or take a personal day. If you don’t have the opportunity for either, even a Saturday morning at your favourite coffee shop can work. Completely disconnect and give yourself time to think about something other than work. Relax and unwind.
 
10. Take advantage of all your benefits
Are you taking advantage of all the benefits your company offers?
Do you even know what they offer?
 
Compensation is more than your salary; all the perks and benefits come with it. Contact your HR team to find out what is available to you. Take advantage of those little-known benefits; your work will be an additional resource for your overall life goals. Plus, it’s hard not to love your job when you know what else it affords you.
 
11. Start a side hustle
Side projects are the perfect opportunity to learn and expand your skills.
You may find that what you learn enhances your current role and takes you in a direction that, previously, would have been unavailable to you. Or you may find that your side project grows into your next career.
 
Side projects and jobs can benefit you and your company by keeping you busy and challenged. They can even help you love your job more.
 
12. Delegate to do more of what you love
None of us loves 100% of the tasks we do daily, for work or otherwise. If you have the opportunity to delegate, you should, especially if it allows other employees to grow and expand their skills. But delegate responsibly! Don’t just throw your unloved tasks on others; make sure your choice has inherent value.
 
13. Dress with pride
As you did in your first week of work, dress to impress.
Several recent studies suggest that dressing up for work raises your confidence, affects how others perceive you and can boost your attention span. Another study shows that casual dressers sweat the small stuff more than those dressed more formally, affecting how they view their job.
Know that what you wear matters. It can help you love your job again.
 
14. Have a conversation with a coworker you don’t know very well
There are people we know incredibly well at work, and then there are those we know nearly nothing about. Change that. Make friends at your job.
 
Make a lunch date with a coworker you often interact with but don’t know.
Reach out to a manager in a department you want to work in, and you don’t know them.
Go as far as to have a virtual lunch with a co-worker while they have dinner in another part of the world. Aim to walk out of these conversations, knowing more than that they love colourful socks. Get to know coworkers.
 
The point is to get to know someone new.
You never know what you will discover.
These conversations may help you love your job in a new way.
 
If you have tried everything and are still trying to fall in love with your job, it might be time to look elsewhere for different employment. Don’t be afraid to make a change when necessary.
 
Learn to use your brain better; it’s the best thing you can ever do for yourself. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.
 
They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.
 
I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
 
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking.

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!
 
You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
 
To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!   

Motivational words, yes, they are just words.
But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
********************
GET INSPIRED! 

Positive and inspiring quotes are like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood,  and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
 
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most. 

I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>

“Your work will fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“It’s not what you achieve; it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.” – Carlton Fisk
 
“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.” – Katherine Whitehorn
 
“When you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
 
“Your job is not just to do what your parents say, what your teachers say, what society says, but to figure out what your heart calling is and be led by that.” – Oprah Winfrey
 
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” – Dalai Lama
 
“Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has the same number of hours and minutes daily. Rich people can’t buy more hours. Scientists can’t invent new minutes. And you can’t save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you’ve wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.” – Denis Waitley

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
Time is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

9/16–A dog Beth helped rehome a few years ago came for a visit, with her owner, Fred, attached. She had rescued Luna and another dog from a terrible living situation across the street. You do NOT want to mess with my wife when it comes to animals.
   
9/17–Our day of rest, which we did.

9/18, 19–We cannot remember what we did these days.
Do you remember what you did last Monday and Tuesday?
 
9/20–We went to >>
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057670351842
Good stuff for great deals. If you are ever in the area, stop by.

9/21–Off to Greenwood to https://www.corleysmarket.com/ so Beth could buy succulents. They had a nice assortment, and when she buys from a store she does not pay shipping costs, which is a good thing. This is a magnificent store and we will be returning.
 
9/22–Today I built a shelf to hold Beth’s succulent plants. She has really gotten into it and we have a hundred plants now.
She says she has a problem, but I see it as a passion.
You know me, I always try to get people to follow their passions.

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE? 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
As I was learning to walk again after my first accident, I would walk with my arms at my side, not moving them. I had forgotten that this arm movement helps us with balance. In time, I discovered this missing movement while I walked.
How about you?
This week, do not move your arms at all while you walk.
It will take a conscious effort.
Can you do it?
Let me know. 

DO SOMETHING NEW, DAILY,
THEN KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF  YOUR LIFE.  

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Right now I have a tooth that is hurting. I scheduled an appointment with my dentist for the 29th. I will let you know how it goes. When I was young I did not take great care of my teeth, which is showing at this point. How are your choppers? Dr. Cook does excellent work. If you are in the area, look him up.
https://www.facebook.com/jpatrickcook

You have to remember, Beth turns 65 on Monday the 25th.
Send her a card, or send her a million dollars. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?
*******************

“KITTING AROUND”
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** After living in my van and traveling to all US states, I married Beth in SC.
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Mindfulness and Focus!
Are you mindful, or is your mind just full?
And how can you tell the difference?
Are you open to learning?
 
Your mind is an excellent tool for problem-solving, but it’s not great at settling down and dealing with what is. Most of the time, the mind wanders around in the past or the future rather than the present. That means it’s full of thoughts, stories, and portrayals that don’t necessarily relate to current events.
 
At times, your mind may be caught up in stories that aren’t even reality-based. Mindfulness can offer respite from a busy mind, though it takes conscious intention and regular practice.
 
Mindfulness is purposely bringing your focus and attention to a present-moment experience without considering a skill one develops through practice or other training. Being mindful means focusing on your current work–“FOCUS” is essential.
 
Relearning how to focus was a big part of my comeback after my 37-day coma. I could still think well, but I had to take a different approach to relearning. Anyone and everyone can learn to use their mind more flexibly; I found out that I had to.

The steps to being mindful >>

Step 1: Focus–Developing an awareness of the present-moment experiences is an essential starting point for cultivating mindfulness.

Step 2: Solutions–Dealing with unpleasant or difficult experiences and looking for solutions.

Step 3: Pleasant–Always seek out the pleasurable aspects of life, your choice, good or bad.

Step 4: All–Seeing the bigger picture, taking it all in.

Step 5: Be Right–Always make the right choices.
 
Simple things like washing a dish can make you more mindful–notice the water coming out of a faucet, feel the wetness, and sense the warm temperature against your skin. That would be mindfulness, taking in the whole picture.
 
Another example is simply when you sweep the floor, focus on how your body moves, and if you’re feeling bold, find a rhythm and start dancing with the broom as you do this household chore. You can make anything a more enjoyable experience. 

BE AWARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS. 

Mindfulness is the practice of repeatedly focusing your awareness on the present moment. It often involves focusing on sensations to root yourself in the here and now. It can be practiced during formal meditation or everyday activities, like cooking, cleaning, walking, or juggling.
 
It’s the nature of the mind to think, analyze, and figure things out. That’s its job. That means that left to its own devices, the reason will constantly seek out new inspirations, new things to think about, and new ways to check out from reality.
 
Mindfulness practice is a way to retrain the mind to settle into the present moment gently. It’s like becoming a parent to your mind rather than letting the mind control you. Ultimately, the reason is simply to be a willful toddler to your mind.

By practicing mindfulness over and over with patience and compassion for yourself, you can teach your mind to be still. Eventually, the reason may even dissolve altogether, meaning there is no intellectual or conceptual overlay between you and what you’re experiencing. Be fully immersed in and at one with the present moment. This experience is what’s known as actual presence.
   
It’s the opposite of hurrying your efforts or doing too many things simultaneously.
To be mindful, you need to slow down and take more time.
Do one thing at a time, aiming for excellence.
You focus on what you’re doing calmly and precisely.
 
When you focus your mind intently on something, it will expand your life.
 
Mindfulness is essential for mental wellness and being fully present and nonjudgmentally aware of the current moment. Mindfulness has countless positive benefits on mental health–including decreased stress, anxiety, and depression levels–and will help improve sleep, relationships, and job performance. 

LIVE FOR THE MOMENT!

Yes, we have many moments in our life. We can’t live willy-nilly and just let energy flow by. But this is our one chance at life; we must give it our all! This is what you must live for–to make each of these single moments in life the best we can. A person’s life is a succession of each moment that comes to us.
 
This must be our purpose on the earth. We must find excellence for ourselves as we help others find theirs. Make each and every moment the best you can imagine. If you make each moment unique, you have reached out for all 0f your quests.
 
Learn to use your brain better; it’s the best thing you can ever do for yourself. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?

********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.
 
They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
 
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
 
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking.
   

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!
 
You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
   

Motivational words, yes, they are just words.
But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
   

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
   

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
   

REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
1. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We have to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
 
2. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
 
3. “Think about the practice of meditation as zoning in, as opposed to spacing out.” — Susie Levan
 
4. “When you’re feeling frazzled, put all of your attention on the breath. It’s a portal into the present moment, the best remedy for stress.” — Ellen Barrett
 
5. “Remember the blue sky. Clouds may at times obscure it, but it is always there.” — Andy Puddicombe
 
6. “Mindfulness clears the windshield of the mind so that we can see things as they really are.” — Travis Eliot
 
7. “Paradise is not a place; it’s a state of consciousness.” – Sri Chinmoy
 
8. “When I’m hungry, I eat what I love. When I’m bored, I do something I love. When I’m lonely, I connect with someone I love. When I feel sad, I remember that I am loved.”— Michelle May
 
9. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.” — Sylvia Boorstein
 
10. “In today’s rush, we all overthink–seek too much–want too much–and forget about the joy of just being.” — Eckhart Tolle

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
 
9/11–Yikes! I had pain in my chest; it felt like a broken rib. I have gone through a few fractured rib incidents, which is not good. Also, I had itching, like some poison oak outbreaks; I thought, not again. But a different kind of itching.

I went to the doctor, and she immediately said I had shingles. I instantly told her, “I had someone over recently to look at our roof; maybe that is how I developed shingles.” She liked my comedy.

I have so much pain today from the shingles. I believe it takes a week or ten days to get through it. I guess I will have to suffer until the end.

Today, I felt like throwing, so I did. 
Beth was busy, too, making baby hats for a hospital up north. 
And, I hung out with some monsters today.
Can you tell which one is me?

9/12–I’ve been building coffee tables. Ken Young supplies the wood, whom I’ve gotten wood from before. He buys long, big trees, cuts them down into 2’x4’ and such, and sells the wood. He discards either side of the trees, as well as other parts. These are the perfect size to build coffee tables. So, putting Christmas gifts together early.

I put a plastic sheet around the inside of the gardens I built to keep dirt in. It ended up that the plastic I used needed was too thin. It’s quite a chore to dig the dirt out of one side, put in the new plastic, and then put the dirt back. Each garden takes a lot of time to do this; I will be happy when they are finished.

Some neighbor dogs got out today, and we had to capture them. Some cute hounds, was nice.
9/13–Worked on another of the gardens. It takes a lot of work to move all the dirt away from one side, put in the new plastic, and then replace the first.
My computer needs some things done, so I’m off to Geek Squad today.
I solved a few things with my laptop; it’s better now.
Of course, a stop at Costco for lunch- free samples of many things- makes lunch.
 
9/14–Woke with pain from my shingles. Today, I did work on the computer and this blog. Still tired after some time, surprisingly, I lay on the couch and returned to sleep for a few hours. It’s about 8am now, and I’m feeling tired.

I got up on the roof to remove all the leaves and pine needles. So, a guy with shingles on a roof holding shingles, hmm? It’s a little scary up there; I used to stay on top of things. Everything is cleared out, waiting for next year.

See the shingles? 

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE? 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Think twice (at least) before you do something this week.
Be mindful.
Use your mind to figure out what needs to be done–and then do it!
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Beth’s birthday is coming up on September 25. What should I get her?
And do you love your work?
You will learn to find your dream job in the next blog. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?
*******************

“KITTING AROUND”

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

    
*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** After living in my van and traveling to all US states, I married Beth in SC.
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Back to Nature!
 
In my last blog, I wrote that I might write about being more mindful.
I have switched to the topic of “Nature.”
I will write about Mindfulness in the future.
 
In this blog post, you will see photos of my past travels. Seeing these places again brought back fantastic memories of the wilderness I saw. I hope you also are brought to these places by seeing the photos. `

As a youngster growing up, you loved to explore and play how you could. I certainly did, as I found new discoveries, new games with friends, and new learning. You can still have this–never give up on your curiosity and learning–no matter your age.
 
As you might recall, I lived in my van for six years and drove all over the US, mainly going to national parks and wilderness areas. At this point, I’ve been to every national park in the US except for the ones in Alaska. And what a delightful journey it has been.
 
Beth and I live in the wilderness where our house is. Every morning, we can awaken and look out the three windows to many tall trees—the wilderness at our back door. A few times, we have seen deer prancing about.
   
Even exploring a local park can be stimulating. Get out to more extensive wilderness areas when you can. As you keep returning, you will find it very relaxing and beneficial. Go for a stroll through a city park or hike in the wilderness; there are many benefits.
 
Yes, exposure to nature has been linked to much satisfaction, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in cooperation and empathy. Play in nature helps to provide an environment for you to develop in so many areas. It will support physical health, socioemotional advancement, development of your senses, and overall well-being of your mental health.
 
Some of the benefits of being in nature >>
A healthier heart.
A clear mind.
Improved immunity to cancers and viruses.
Reset your sleep cycle for a better night’s sleep.
Maintains healthy eyesight.
Longer life expectancy.
Increased happiness.
Reduced stress.
Improved creativity.
Enhanced memory.
Better academic performance.
Mental health management
 
Nature play is excellent for mental health. Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, stress, and help with any attention deficit disorder you may deal with. It also enhances imagination, creativity, and all cognitive functions.
Playing in nature brings creativity and problem-solving skills, integral to function development and required for success in your life. Spending time in nature is essential for your cognitive development. Always know we “make” time for what is essential–make the time!
 
Reconnecting with nature has been proven to improve mood, reduce depression, and reduce mental fatigue. Did you know that kids involved in regular outdoor play also benefit from increased flexibility and gross motor skills? And more outdoor time will also improve your vision and reduce body inflammation.

This photo was taken in New Zealand while I was there.

The main thing is it will bring a smile to your face. 

GET OUT TO THE WILDERNESS AS SOON AS YOU CAN! 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?

********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.
 
They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.
 
I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
 
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
 
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real time. You have this control!

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
 
To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!
   

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
  

Motivational words, yes, they are just words.
But they are positive words; they will keep you on track

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT NATURE INSPIRE YOU >>
1. In nature, nothing is perfect, and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted and bent in weird ways and still be beautiful. –Alice Walker

2. Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. —Khalil Gibran
   3. Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better. —Albert Einstein
   4. Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. —Henry David Thoreau
   5. To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian
   rug. —Helen Keller
   6. We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. —Native American proverb
   7. I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. —Frank Lloyd Wright
   8. Choose only one master—nature. —Rembrandt
   9. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. —Lao Tzu
   10. If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. —Laura Ingalls Wilder
   11. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter. —Rachel Carson
   12. Leave the road, and take the trails. —Pythagoras
   13. Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. —Henry David Thoreau
   14. I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order. —John Burroughs
   15. It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air emanating from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. —Robert Louis Stevenson

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

9/2–My computer went bad and will not even turn on. So, I am writing this using Beth’s computer. I can use any computer to write my blog; my own laptop has helpful writing programs.
 
Talk about things going wrong; I was on my way to Lowes for some stuff for some things for the house. My engine didn’t sound right, and a humming sound emanated from under the hood. So, I turned around and left my van with a local mechanic. We left the van off on Friday, and I will not have wheels for a few days, not remembering Monday was a holiday.
 
As I’ve written, I built my eight gardens using pallets that I cut to a specific size and then screwed them together. After the eight (2 on each side, 1 at each end) pallets were built, I put a plastic sheeting inside to help hold the dirt in. The plastic I used was too thin, so I  bought some thicker.

As summer is coming to an end, three of my gardens still grow lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and cucumbers. I will get to those gardens later to put the thicker plastic on. 
 
In each garden, I have to dig down two feet on each side, insert the plastic, staple it down, and then fill the dirt back in. Only got one done today; it takes a while. The second planter is done. I have many months until Spring when I will plant again. So, I’ll take your time with this project.
 
9/3–Last night, I got to bed around 10 p.m.; I awoke at about 2:30am—another night with little sleep. Yet, I do alright with less sleep. By the afternoon, though, I often yawn.
 
Added plastic to another planter today. Took some time, but as I wrote, I will take my time with this.

9/4–Mowed the lawn once again in the early morning. I want to work it so I never have grass to cut, using gardens, rock formations, and wood sculptures. I found my current lawn mower on Amazon–and it is excellent!
 
An electric lawn mower by American Lawn Mower Company. It is very lightweight, and I have a long extension cord, 40 feet. Here they are on Amazon >>
https://www.amazon.com/American-Lawn-Mower-Company-50514/dp/B07JVQDKGK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1ZYYRVC8B38D6&keywords=electric%2Blawn%2Bmower&qid=1693831653&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=electric%2Blawn%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-6&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&th=1
 
They have a cordless/battery-operated mower, as well. You might check into it.
long with mowing my lawn today, I mowed my head, too. Let me explain. I ordered a hair trimmer, which arrived yesterday. Reading through the paperwork, I saw it was a “beard” trimmer/cutter. That was alright, though.
 
Over time, I have been losing more and more of my hair. Going bald, I wonder. Yes, my forehead is getting bigger and bigger. Beth does like the hair I have.
 
As you might remember, I have cut my own hair for some time now. With this new trimmer, the cut is tight but comfortable. I keep my hair and beard the same length. You will find a photo with this; please let me know your thoughts.
 
This is the hair cutter I got >>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPX8QJ3M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Made quite well, I am happy with my purchase.
 
Back in junior high, I read the book, “Animal Farm. I picked one up recently and finished reading the book today—a great story. Written in the 1940s, the author, George Orwell, had an excellent mind for the future. Have you read this book? If not, you must.
 
9/5–Got my van back today. What was wrong was that a tire rubbed a little on a pipe. Ricky did not even charge me. So, happy behind the wheel again.
 
9/6–Next, my computer would not start up, so I brought it to Geek Squad for them to look at. They told me it would cost as much to fix as it would be for a new computer, so I bought a new one. I always ask for an “open box” computer. That means it is a computer that costs little under two hundred bucks for a new machine to write to you on.

9/7–Back to Best Buy, where I had to buy a new computer. Overnight, they put all my files and photos on the new computer. This machine is working out well; I’m typing with it now.
 
9/8–Awakening about 3am, as usual, up for the day I am. The rabbit hutches needed some care, so I did. We still have many happy rabbits, some to give away or sell.

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE? 

******************
Get out to nature this week.
Go for a hike.
Look for some unique birds.
Are there any remarkable rocks around?
Even to a local park
If not this week, plan for the future.
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
In the next blog, you will read about mindfulness and how you control everything you think. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

*******************

“KITTING AROUND”
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks—one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** After living in my van and traveling to all US states, I married Beth in SC.
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Eating Right.
They say, “What you eat is what you are”.
I guess I’m a pizza?
 
Eating is about learning bad habits, and you can take control!

In the 1980s, after my first accident, I drank two or three cans of Diet Coke daily, a bad habit. After doing very little research, I saw that this liquid was unsuitable for me. So, I stopped; not a sip of soda has gone down my throat since. The chemicals in soda are known to cause bone loss and can also disrupt and inhibit organ function. Also, do you read food labels and see what food could be doing to you?
 
As I recovered from my 37-day coma, I found that I had the same eating habits as before the accident–but without the same amount of juggling practice and exercise. I started gaining weight, and it was time for a change.
 
After a time, I saw that my eating was a matter of discipline and control. If I could learn to control my mind, I knew I could also learn to control my eating habits. For some people, this might be necessary. When you are slimmer and in better shape, everything goes better.
 
What we eat directly affects what we think and how we feel.
 
I learned a lot about health and eating habits with some research. Reflecting on the changes I needed to make to keep myself from gaining more weight, I realized that much of what I ate was out of learned habit.
 
Many of us are habituated to eating a certain number of meals at a specific time of day, following a prescribed way of making up our plates with this much carbohydrate and that much meat, and the list could go on and on.
 
Only eat when you are hungry!
   
The first step in breaking the learned habits was eating only when hungry. I also ensured that I stopped eating when I had just enough to get past that famished feeling. I learned that incompatible food combinations robbed me of energy and added to my weight gain, so I started to make up my meals and plate in ways that would give me power and not cause me to gain additional weight.
 
I later began a form of intermittent fasting and wouldn’t eat anything after nine at night (this last was moved to seven). There are several reasons to put a buffer of at least three hours between food and sleep. Being hungry is not something that “hurts. ” I have gone without eating for two weeks, and it turned out fine.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
   
How about you, do you fast (and do you do it quickly?) Try not eating for a day or two, so how it changes your body and mind. Make sure you keep drinking liquid–your body needs that.
 
First, your body does most of its detoxification while sleeping, and if it has to digest food instead, you are missing out on crucial detoxification of other gunk and junk floating in your body. Also, as you sleep, your body has to work extra hard to digest food, and that food can transform into excess weight quickly.
 
Eat right, and you will get through changes better.

Besides feeling cranky and tired, I often also felt unproductive. Because I couldn’t concentrate, I couldn’t do many things I knew I needed or wanted to do. Then depression started setting in. I wasn’t physically stuck in bed, but I found it difficult to find any desire to get out of bed and get things started or to get things done.
 
Make each bite smaller, but make each bit an experience.
   
Yes, we can mindlessly stuff food in our mouths–or delightfully savor each morsel we consume. If you take the time to just put your fork down between each bite and taste all of the aspects of your food and examine the texture with your tongue, you can have a delightful eating experience and do this every time you eat. Could you make it intentional and make it a habit?
   
Change your mind to change your taste.
 
Eating less won’t necessarily take you to your weight loss goal. We also must be careful of what we eat. While the cravings might be intense, remember, you have control! Remember, your mind and body come first for every bite you put into your mouth.
 
TAKE CONTROL!
 
In 1991, I started a habit of eating a salad every afternoon. I make my salad from various lettuce, broccoli, spinach, carrots, and other things. In the summer, I grow much of my salad myself. I start each week by making a salad big enough to last me for the rest of the week, so it is always prepped and ready for easy munching.
 
YOU CAN DO BETTER.
 
You, too, can develop better eating habits. Don’t try to change everything at one time, though. Changing everything will be overwhelming and lead to a quick defeat. Pick one of my tips this week or this month and try it. Next week or next month, pick another one while still maintaining the first. A year from now, you’ll look back and try to figure out why you didn’t make the changes sooner – they were so easy!
 
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?

********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.
 
I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
 
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking.

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real time. You have this control!
 
You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
 
To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!

Motivational words, yes, they are just words.
But they are positive words; they will keep you on track

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
   

REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT FOOD INSPIRE YOU >>
1. “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” -Ernestine Ulmer
2. “I cook with wine. Sometimes, I even add it to the food.” -W.C. Fields
3. “My doctor told me I had to stop throwing intimate dinners for four unless there are three other people.” -Orson Welles
4. “Great food is like great sex. The more you have, the more you want.” -Gael Greene
5. “People who love to eat are always the best people.” -Julia Child
6. “Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.” -Jim Davis
7. “Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”
-Doug Larson
8. “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” -John Gunther

9. “There’s not a better feeling in the world than a warm pizza on your lap.” -Kevin James
10. “I just want someone to look at me the way I look at food.” -Unknown
11. “Unless you are a pizza, the answer is yes, I can live without you.” -Bill Murray
12. “There’s nothing better than cake but more cake.” -Harry S. Truman
13. “I get way too much happiness from good food.” -Elizabeth Olsen
14. “He who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.” -Samuel Johnson
15. “Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.” -Judith Viorst
16. “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” -Julia Child
17. “A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” -Barbara Johnson
18. “Never eat more than you can lift.” -Miss Piggy
19. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” -Charles Schulz
20. “Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” -Orson Welles

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.

IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE? 

8/26, 27–The weekend comes and goes so quickly. Difficult to remember daily things. In fact, what did you do last Saturday?
 
Costco was calling again, so I answered that call. I like Costco because they have quality merchandise for low prices. And, with so many free samples available, I get a free lunch. Yes, I went alone; I missed Beth, though. 
 
8/28–As my age is moving ahead, I find that more and more friends and people are dying. I see this, but did not see it in my younger years. We will all grow older and eventually die. Are you completing the things you want to get done before that time? What kind of legacy are you going to leave in the world? You still have time; make your life how YOU want it. 
 
8/29–New plants had to go in, so I planted lettuce, broccoli, cucumbers, and spinach. Hopefully, they will produce by the time cold weather hits.

The horses next door still come and want their carrots each day.
I am happy to oblige.
   
8/30–The big storm, Idalia, ended before it got here.
We were expecting a big downpour and hardly saw any rain at all.
 
8/31–Like many, we had a cockroach problem in the kitchen and needed to eliminate them. They came out at night and ate what they could. Like I’ve written before, just putting in a trap or killer will not stop them. I sealed the kitchen, and any holes and openings were covered.
 
Of course, to be a problem, they have to be able to get in. If all the holes and openings are covered, you will not have any problems with roaches, mice, or other creatures entering your home. Do you have such a thing? Use caulk or tape to block all places they could enter.

And, not a problem at all. Beth loves her toad. She will let him go back home, soon.
 
9/1–Most days, I take Jemma for a walk down to where Don and Teresa’s horse barn is, about 800 meters roundtrip. I try and run for part of it, but at this point, my asthma comes up even if I run for a few steps, aggravating it is.

Beth got a new lampshade, and it fits well!

I used to run very much, a daily habit. In high school, my best mile time was under five minutes. I even ran and biked again after the accident; it kept me in good shape. Anymore, I try and run and cannot breathe. I’d like to get into better shape, but I am unsure how to achieve that.
   
Make this week a joy for yourself.
******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
This week, keep a record of everything that enters your mouth.
At the end of the week, look over this list and change your eating habits for the better.
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Could you live mindfully? 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

*******************

“KITTING AROUND”
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!   

*** The joy I am experiencing in life is a marvelous thing!
*** Hit by two trucks, one involving a 37-day coma—I remain happy.
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** Website is kitsummers.com
*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** Thanks, my wife, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** Secrets to unfold and good news!

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Your Dreams
I dreamed about you last night.
Sad to say, death had come to you.
You were sent to a pleasant paradise.
You did not know what was going on. 
 
You had been given millions of dollars to live the life you wanted.
You became a magnificent juggler.
9 clubs up in the air, then each club behind your back from each hand.
Your life was becoming better and better.
You thought you were in heaven.
 
At first, you were joyful at your predicament. After a while, finding only good in your life, you become more and more bored and angry. After a while, you could not take it anymore, and you wanted something wrong to happen. Things were too good all the time.
 
There was a guy there who ran the show; some might call him (or her) god? You told this guy,
“If I have to live like this for all eternity, I would rather be in hell.”
Then he and the guy looked at each other. The guy said, “And where do you think you are?” 

A dream is a succession of images, emotions, ideas, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. Humans spend about two hours dreaming per night, and each dream lasts around 5 to 20 minutes, although the dreamer may perceive the dream as being much longer than this. The mind is a tricky thing.
   
Science shows us that the human mind dreams each night when we sleep. Because of my brain injury, I seldom remember my dreams. That one I had of you last night was good, though. Do you remember your dreams from last night?
     
Dreams and sleep are essential components of living a good life. When people get the required amount and quality of sleep, they’re more alert throughout the next day, in a better mood overall, and more likely to make healthy nourishment choices, just a few of the many benefits.
 
You see, our mind is continuously operating; you can be sure of that.
Yes, your mind stays on; that is why dreaming takes place.
 
Another thing that slumber does for humans is that it allows time for dreams, and dreams can be a powerful way to interact with one’s subconscious. It provides insight into handling certain situations that arise during our waking hours.
 
I do not sleep much; I do better with less sleep. I’ve heard that eight hours a night of shut-eye is good; I usually sleep about four or five hours each night. To me, I guess, sleep is a waste of time. After my accident, I slept for 37-days straight; maybe that means I need less sleep now?

Dreaming is a normal part of restorative sleep. Good sleep has been connected to better cognitive operation and emotional health. Studies have also linked dreams to advanced memory, productive thinking, and emotional processing.
 
In this way, many experts believe dreaming is either
a reflection of and/or contributes to quality sleep.
 
However, not all dreams are created equal. Some dreams can harm sleep. Bad dreams involve content that can be scary, threatening, or traumatic. When a lousy dream causes an awakening from sleep, it is often considered a nightmare.
   
If you think good thoughts and think about future plans right before going to sleep, your mind will work on plans and problems as you sleep. Have you tried this? Please let me know how this turns out for you. 

WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?

********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.
 
They are so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy, happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.
 
I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
 
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.
 
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking.
   

WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!
 
You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking —, and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
 
To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT

Motivational words, yes, they are just words.
But they are positive words; they will keep you on track

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS

Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. 
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT YOUR DREAMS INSPIRE YOU >>
“You see things, and you say, ‘Why?’
But I dream things that never were,
and I say, ‘Why not?’”
– George Bernard Shaw
 
“Life is full of beauty.
Notice it.
Witness the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces.
Smell the rain and feel the wind.
Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
– Ashley Smith
 
“You are never too old to set
another goal or dream a new one.”
– C.S. Lewis
 
“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
 
“Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
“Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe
 
“Dream as if you’ll live forever,
Live as if you’ll die today.”
– James Dean
 
“Like success, failure is many things to many people.
With a positive mental attitude,
Failure is a learning experience,
a rung on the ladder and a plateau to get your thoughts to prepare to try again.”
– W. Clement Stone

“No matter where you’re from,
Your dreams are valid.”
– Lupita Nyong’o
 
“There are some people who live in a dream world,
And there are some who face reality,
And then there are those who turn one into the other.”
– Douglas H. Everett
 
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination;
never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”
– Mae Jemison
   
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time, it seems.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
IS IT TIME TO “MAKE” THINGS HAPPEN AND LIVE A FULLER LIFE?
 
8/18–Put the blog out today; I hope you enjoyed the read.
 
Beth is away, as you know. Beth’s friend, Nancy, called to check on me this evening. I let her know everything was going smoothly. Nancy and I ended up going to >>
https://www.facebook.com/p/El-Sombrero-Mexican-Restaurant-Grill-100063580811055/
 
And what a great meal it was. I reviewed this restaurant two blogs back, and it deserves another mention. Genuine Mexican food and atmosphere; it was a joy to have dinner there. Our server, Nacio, remembered me from our last visit.

 
THE PERFECT MEXICAN RESTAURANT!

8/19,20–Writing my daily doings after a few days have gone by is a tricky thing. I can’t just make things up. As you go forward, things morph into each other, and it’s hard to pick them apart. Going by memory is complex. How about you, what did you do last Monday?
 
8/21–Beth returned today from seeing her Mom and Dad. While up there, her dad turned 86, and her mom is 83. It would be nice if all of us could reach this old age.  
 
How long are you planning to live? Much of our passing away is determined by how we live our lives and our thinking. Live in joy and happiness, which can bring you more years to life. How is your outlook on your future?
 
On February 28, 2023, I will turn 65. When I was young, I always heard that when people turn 65, they retire. What exactly would that mean for me? Also, while young, I thought that if you were beyond 60, you were basically over the hill–almost dead. I have so much more to live for at this time in my life.
 
How are you handling your aging factor?
 
When I was younger, I never thought about age and death. As death approaches, I hope my words in these blog posts improve your life and others reading my posts and comments. I want to write these blog posts to bring more insight and joy to your life.
 
As we age, our aim should be to help others find more joy and to leave the earth a better place than when we arrived. And don’t forget about you! Live your last years (and all years) with happiness and joy, knowing you have helped others in their life.
 
8/22–I picked up more wood for the fire for this winter. Ken Young gets deliveries of tree trunks and cuts them down into timber to sell. He has much scrap wood he does not use–there for me? I bought the wood I used to build the gardens from him. When he cuts, he has some massive boards and things he discards. After I cut them into smaller bits, they will work perfectly on our fire in the winter.
 
It can be expensive to buy to burn in the fireplace, so this worked out quite well. I clean up his area and have wood for our fire at no charge.
 
8/23–The town of McCorick, where we live, has food trucks come in once a week and park together in the same area. We ended up getting a pulled pork sandwich–it was ten bucks! For that price, I expected a fantastic sandwich that was at least six inches long—some cooked pork on a three-inch bun is what we got. We won’t be returning to this market in the future.
 

8/24–Always building, always improving; that is just what I do. I hope you have noticed that I post each week through this blog.
 
8/25–A relaxing day. Stayed in the house and read and studied and worked on this blog. Always working toward excellence; please let me know what you think of my words.
 
Make this week a joy for yourself.
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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
This week, work on your dreams.
Yes, you have control; think good thoughts before falling asleep. And think about plans and projects. As you sleep, your subconscious mind should go to work for you and provide ideas for progress. When you awaken, immediately write down what you dreamt. We must remember quickly, so keep a paper and pen by where you sleep.
   
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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NEXT BLOG >>
What you eat is what you are, they say (who “they” is, I don’t know.)
In the next blog, I will cover ideas to eat better for your body. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

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