*✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 398—LOST IN THE WILDERNESS!

This blog is shorter and happier!
Read every word — things have changed. 
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Kit >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS 

====================
ONCE UPON A LIFE…
I made gravity nervous—Seven clubs soaring through the air.
A world record.  Because physics loves a good insult.
Kit continued his drive toward excellence. 😄
         
Then came the truck.  The coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
But I returned—Balancing healing,
tossing hope sky-high, and
juggling purpose, grit, and joy. 🤹‍♂️
         
Now, I lift people.
That is bigger than applause.
Writing is how I breathe.
If these words help you breathe a little easier, too—
That is magic catching air. 🎉

A shot of me from back in high school

What comes next on Kit’s journey?
Back to juggling?  Back to the stage?  Back to life?
Stay with me and find out. 
Life can get better.   Life will get better! ✨ 

My new address is:>>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL  33647
(A love letter would be dandy.)   kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com     https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Call me >> 610-400-3233

=======================
NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET! 

A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week. 
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.  
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.

ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end,
what will you want to remember? 
The dreams you chased? The people you loved?
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me? 
Remember the moments when you chose courage over comfort? 

READ PAST BLOGS HERE —
kitsummers.com/blog 

If even one sentence in this blog inspires
you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater
courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing
around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.
EVERY DAY >>

• Feel the sunshine
• Enjoy a good meal.
• Speak more kindly.
• Care for your body.
• Learn something new.
• Make the right choices.
• Laugh whenever possible.
• Improve one little thing today.
• Treasure a friendly conversation.
• Then improve another tomorrow. 
• Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow.
• Spend time with people who lift your spirits. 
• And become something absolutely phenomenal!
• Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
• Celebrate every bit of progress—even when it arrives late.                                                                    

 There’s Kit & Cindy!
Happy in Colorado. 

WORDS FOR YOU—AND FOR ME

I write these words for you, but I need them too.
We are all works in progress. None of us has life completely figured out—and maybe we never will.
Life doesn’t ask us to be perfect. It simply asks us to show up, keep growing, and keep moving forward.
One choice. One step. One day at a time.
That is how a life changes.

====================   
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
     
Every week, I sit down and put my thoughts, stories, mistakes, victories, and lessons into words, hoping something I write might help you live a little better. Maybe a sentence will make you think differently, encourage you to try something new, or give you the little push you need to keep moving forward when life gets difficult.
             
Along the way, I’ve discovered something wonderful: these words aren’t just helping you—they’re helping me grow, too. Writing lets me examine my own life, reflect on the remarkable journey I’ve traveled, appreciate what I have today, and imagine the possibilities still ahead. Sometimes I sit down at my keyboard thinking I have an important lesson to share, only to discover that I’m the one who needed to learn it most!
           
As you’ve probably discovered through my writings, I’ve lived a life far from ordinary. I’ve experienced extraordinary successes, devastating setbacks, unexpected adventures, and more than a few surprises. But through it all, I’ve learned that life isn’t about what happens to us—it’s about what we choose to do next.

And believe me, I’m still learning, still growing, and still discovering what this wonderful adventure called LIFE has in store for me!
           
Yes, a different lifestyle I led. 
I didn’t need a fancy hotel.
I actually ate horse while in Japan
Consumed Kangaroo in Australia.
             
That may be one of the greatest gifts of writing this blog. We’re traveling this road together. I share what life has taught me, you bring your own experiences to the words, and somehow we both move forward a little stronger, wiser, and more determined to make tomorrow better than today. If my words help even one person—including me—then every word was worth writing.
       
It’s only Sunday, and somehow I’ve already written most of this week’s blog. Apparently, once my fingers get started, they don’t pay much attention to the calendar. My brain keeps tossing out ideas, my hands keep typing them, and before I know it, I’ve finished another big chunk of the blog. I suppose there are worse problems to have than too many words fighting to get onto the page!
           
Of course, there’s one little problem with getting so far ahead: I haven’t lived the rest of the week yet! As you know, much of what I write comes directly from my daily life—the things I see, the people I meet, the thoughts that wander through my head, and the unexpected little adventures that show up along the way. I can’t very well write about Wednesday on Sunday unless I suddenly develop the ability to see into the future. And if that happens, forget the blog—I’m buying a lottery ticket!
               
So, for now, part of this blog will have to wait. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the rest of the week still have stories to give me. Something funny may happen. Something frustrating may occur. I may learn something, meet someone, make a mistake, discover a new idea, or find myself staring at life from an entirely different angle. That’s one of the wonderful things about writing about life: first you have to LIVE it.
             
Until then, I’ll keep my fingers ready, my eyes open, and my curiosity turned on. The blog may be mostly written, but the week certainly isn’t. There are still days ahead to live, stories ahead to discover, and probably a few surprises waiting to jump into these pages.
           
Why Getting Lost Matters >> 

• Shedding Expectations: You drop the habits and career paths you chose only to please others.
• Creating Space: The confusion and discomfort leave room for quiet reflection.
  • Discovering Truth: Stripping away external labels reveals what you truly value.
    
     WILL I HEAR FROM YOU NEXT WEEK?–I CERTAINLY HOPE SO! 

====================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights—Inspiration Served with a Smile!

Good morning! Or perhaps it’s good afternoon… or even good evening! Whatever time it is in your little corner of the world, I’m delighted you’re here. Inspiration doesn’t wear a watch or wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes it arrives with a smile, a little laughter, a warm hug, and occasionally three wonderful ideas for me to juggle! 🤹‍♂️
             
That’s one of the magical things about words. They don’t care when you arrive. My readers are scattered around the world, living different lives, following different schedules, and facing different challenges. I may not know what time it is where you are, but I do know something much more important:

YOU ARE HERE, YOU MATTER, AND YOUR LIFE IS FILLED
WITH POSSIBILITIES STILL WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED! 

So, WELCOME, MY FRIEND! Whatever challenges life has placed in your path, every new moment gives you another opportunity to begin again. There is always room for greater happiness, another hearty laugh, a little more love, and one courageous step toward a brighter tomorrow. Don’t sit around waiting for life to become wonderful—DO SOMETHING TODAY TO MAKE IT WONDERFUL!

Of course, moving forward doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. Life will occasionally knock us down, toss something unexpected in our path, or send us tumbling in a direction we never imagined. When that happens, get back up, brush yourself off, laugh at your clumsy moves, and call it dancing! Life isn’t meant to be merely survived—it’s meant to be LIVED, LOVED, EXPLORED, and CELEBRATED!

AND SPEAKING OF CELEBRATING . . . 

>>>> OCTOBER 2
Last night was our Oktoberfest celebration. It took place in the main dining area, with more people seated in the large hallway. German music eventually joined the festivities, although it got started a little late. The food was quite good—bratwurst with sauerkraut, pork fritters, roasted potatoes, and plenty more. Overall, it was a nice event, although I moseyed out a little early. Apparently, my inner German had celebrated enough.

While enjoying the evening, however, I couldn’t help noticing how elaborate everything was. The cost of putting on this one function must have been enormous—or at least it sure looked that way from where I was sitting. Nothing appeared to have come from the bargain aisle. Even the napkins were huge, thick, and surprisingly fancy. These weren’t ordinary “wipe your mouth and toss it away” napkins. They looked sturdy enough to double as blankets in a small emergency!

Then there was the food, some of it apparently brought in from who knows where. Everything looked beautiful and tasted good, but I couldn’t help wondering how many dollar signs were hiding behind all that deliciousness. And then there were the full-color flyers—beautifully printed but handed out on the actual day of Oktoberfest.

That seems a little late for advance advertising, wouldn’t you say? By the time some people read the flyer, the party could have been over and those giant napkins already folded and put away! There seems to be plenty of printing around here. Even the daily menus are printed, used for a few hours, and tossed away. Each expense may seem small, but little expenses have a sneaky habit of becoming BIG expenses.

Everything was done extremely well, and I appreciate the effort that went into making the evening special. Still, sometimes simple works just as well—and can be every bit as much fun. Next time, perhaps we could skip a few bells and whistles, save a few bucks, eat some good food, turn up the German music, and enjoy ourselves. And whatever you do, SAVE THOSE NAPKINS! At that size and price, we may need to turn them into curtains.

That same thinking applies beyond Oktoberfest. Someone should be responsible for examining expenses, spotting waste, and finding smarter ways to cut costs without cutting quality. Pennies become dollars, dollars become hundreds, and hundreds can quickly become thousands. You don’t have to squeeze every nickel until Thomas Jefferson screams—but you should at least know where the money is going!

AND MONEY ISN’T THE ONLY THING I HATE SEEING WASTED.
WASTING FOOD BOTHERS ME EVEN MORE. 

>>>>> OCTOBER 3
I’ve mentioned before how much food gets wasted here at Legacy. Sometimes the portions are so enormous that I wonder if the kitchen thinks we’re feeding a football team! Why not serve smaller portions and let people ask for seconds? You can always add more food, but once it lands in the garbage, even a magician can’t turn it back into dinner. Besides, I’m fairly certain the trash cans aren’t hungry!
           
Speaking of food, today’s Sweet-and-Sour Chicken was absolutely delicious! Tender chicken over rice, covered in that wonderful sweet-and-tangy sauce. My taste buds were celebrating! The kitchen staff did another outstanding job. I may have a few complaints about living here, but the food isn’t one of them. If happiness could be measured in chicken and rice, I’d be the happiest man in Florida!

UNFORTUNATELY, LIFE REQUIRES MORE THAN A FULL STOMACH. 

I spent much of today alone in my room, working and playing on my computer. It keeps me entertained, although it doesn’t laugh at my jokes or give particularly good hugs. The people at Legacy treat me well, and I’m grateful for that. But lately, I haven’t been especially happy here. Comfort is wonderful, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being comfortably bored. I want to wake up excited about something other than discovering what’s on the lunch menu.

FORTUNATELY, WHEN LIFE STARTS FEELING TOO SERIOUS,
I STILL HAVE ONE OF MY FAVORITE WEAPONS—HUMOR!

At the restaurant today, they were serving catfish. When the waiter asked whether I wanted some, I looked at him with a perfectly serious face and said, “Absolutely not! I’m allergic to cats AND fish! Imagine what would happen if I ate something that combined BOTH!” He stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing.

SUCCESS! ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING HUMAN HAD FALLEN
VICTIM TO KIT SUMMERS QUESTIONABLE SENSE OF HUMOR, 

I’ve always loved making people laugh. I’ve spent much of my life juggling jokes, balls, clubs, and rings, so why not juggle a few words, too? Life gives us enough problems without volunteering to become miserable. I’ve been knocked down, run over, and forced to rebuild my life more than once.
         
Through it all, humor has helped me move forward. Laughter is FREE, requires no batteries, and doesn’t need a doctor’s prescription! But laughter doesn’t mean ignoring what’s missing from our lives. I can laugh and still recognize that I want more.
               
I don’t want my days to become breakfast, computer, lunch, computer, dinner, sleep, and REPEAT. I’m beginning to feel like a washing machine stuck on the same cycle—except at least the washing machine gets to spin around! I’ve spent my life performing, traveling, exploring wilderness trails, building businesses, writing books, and running this blog. I’ve had too many adventures to retire into a professional chair-sitting career.
 At 67, I still feel like a young man with a few extra miles on the odometer. My engine is running, and I’m not ready to park. I don’t know where I’ll be living next or what adventures await me. And somewhere out there, I hope there’s a wonderful woman looking for me, too.

HELLO, LADIES! I’M STILL HERE!

Perhaps she lost her map or wandered into the wrong ZIP code. Whoever you are, please hurry! I’ve still got plenty of love, laughter, and adventure to share. And I promise not to juggle during our first kiss. Well… probably not.
               
Not knowing what comes next can be frustrating. I’ve never been very good at sitting around waiting for life to knock on my door. I’d rather open the door myself, step outside, and go looking for the next adventure. But when impatience starts creeping in, I remind myself of something important: I may not know what comes next, but I can keep moving forward until I find it.

    See my juggling hands?

I’VE BEEN LOST BEFORE!
I’ve traveled wilderness roads without knowing where they would lead, faced frightening circumstances, and survived situations that once seemed impossible. Somehow, I kept going. Sometimes I stumbled. Sometimes I fell. But eventually, another road appeared. Besides, lying on the ground gets boring, and the view isn’t particularly impressive!
             
Perhaps I don’t need a complete map of my future.
Maybe none of us do. Perhaps we need enough courage to take the next step.
             
So I’ll keep writing, creating, laughing, loving, and searching for new possibilities. I refuse to let my future become nothing more than a comfortable chair, three meals, and a television remote. There’s still too much curiosity in my head, too much adventure in my heart, and far too much mischief waiting to escape!
             
My life has surprised me too many times for me to believe the best adventures are behind me.
Perhaps around the next bend is a new home, a wonderful woman, a new opportunity—
or something so extraordinary that I haven’t even imagined it yet.

I’M 67 YEARS YOUNG, NOT 67 YEARS FINISHED!

And if I get lost along the way?
That’s nothing new.
I’ll call it another KIT ADVENTURE, laugh at myself,
choose another road, and KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE SERIOUS,
TOO PRECIOUS TO BE WASTED,
AND TOO WONDERFUL TO STOP LIVING!

>>>>> OCTOBER 4
Sunday.
Church day.
But not for me.
The wilderness is my church!
             
On Sundays, life here at Legacy slows to a crawl. Not that other days are particularly exciting, but Sundays seem especially lonely. I miss having someone special to talk with, laugh with, share adventures with, and enjoy life together.

Being surrounded by people doesn’t mean you can’t feel lonely. Loneliness isn’t always about having people nearby—it’s about having someone close to your heart. I miss companionship, affection, a warm touch, and, most of all, LOVE.
             
I’m grateful for the care I receive here, and I appreciate the people who provide it. But I’ve learned something important: being cared for isn’t the same as feeling connected, and comfort isn’t the same as happiness. A comfortable life may take care of the body, but love, purpose, and connection are what feed the heart.
                 
I spent most of the day sitting in my room, watching videos and trying to keep myself entertained. What bothers me most is that my asthma continues to interfere with my desire to run, exercise, and stay physically active.
               
My mind still wants to push forward, explore, and challenge my limits, but my breathing doesn’t always cooperate. It’s frustrating because I don’t feel like an old man, and I certainly don’t want to live like one. I still have energy, ambition, and a strong desire to LIVE, not simply watch life pass me by!
             
For dinner tonight, I ate alone in my room and kept things simple with a frozen dinner—Healthy Choice Café Steamers, Chicken Lo Mein. To my surprise, it was quite delicious! Sometimes a simple meal can be just as satisfying as a fancy dinner.
           
The portion wasn’t particularly large, but it was just right for my appetite. Nothing extravagant, nothing special—just a quiet evening, a tasty meal, and enough food to keep me happy. Sometimes, that’s all I need.

I DON’T WANT TO PASS THE TIME—I WANT TO LIVE,
LOVE, LAUGH, AND KEEP DISCOVERING WHAT’S POSSIBLE!
MY BEST ADVENTURES MAY STILL BE AHEAD OF ME!    

>>>>> OCTOBER 5
I took a shower this morning, something I do twice a week, as you probably know by now. It always feels wonderful afterward—clean, refreshed, and ready to take on the world! Back when I was juggling every day, running, and riding my bike, I worked up quite a sweat. And, believe me, all that physical activity produced a rather unmistakable fragrance I affectionately called the “Kit aroma!” At least I knew my body was getting a good workout!

These days, living here at Legacy, things are quite different. I’m nowhere near as physically active, and I hardly sweat at all. So, fortunately for everyone around me, there’s very little “Kit smell” to worry about anymore! I suppose that’s one advantage of slowing down, but I’d gladly trade it for the freedom to run, ride my bike, and juggle until I was dripping with sweat again. I’d much rather smell like an active Kit than sit around smelling like nothing at all!
         
Four of us climbed aboard the bus for a shopping trip to Walmart. I picked up a few necessities—well, if you consider chocolate a necessity. I certainly do! After all, a little chocolate makes life sweeter, and I believe in keeping my priorities straight! I also helped everyone board and exit the bus and assisted with loading and unloading their purchases. It felt good to be useful and lend a helping hand.
             
I still believe purchasing an inexpensive used car or small van for local trips would make much more sense. That big bus seems unnecessary when only a few people are going to the store, or one person is going to a doctor’s appointment. Besides, the engine was left idling for long periods, burning fuel and money while going absolutely nowhere. Sometimes saving money doesn’t require a brilliant financial strategy—just a little common sense and turning off the engine!
             
My elbow has been bothering me. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s just so strange. A bursa acts as a smooth cushion between bones and skin or tendons. When this sac gets irritated, it swells and can look like a soft, golf-ball-sized lump at the back of your elbow. Do you know anything about this? I am concerned.
             
>>>>> OCTOBER 6
Good morning! (I say that to you because, unfortunately, no one here will.) What a wonderful way to begin another day—itchy eyes, a runny nose, and allergies that have apparently decided to move back into my body without asking permission! My eyes itch, my nose is running a marathon, and the rest of my body seems determined to join the festivities. 

AT LEAST SOMETHING AROUND HERE IS GETTING SOME EXERCISE! 

What’s a juggler to do? I’ve spent much of my life juggling balls, clubs, and challenges, but now I’m juggling sneezes, sniffles, and itchy eyeballs. And believe me, scratching both eyes while blowing my nose takes more coordination than juggling seven clubs! Still, I refuse to let a few million grains of pollen ruin my day. Life goes on, the show must continue, and apparently, SO MUST THE SNEEZING!
               
Just returned from breakfast. Same ol’, same ol’. Every morning, I’m handed about six pills for high blood pressure, allergies, and a few vitamins. Have I mentioned that I HATE taking medications? I’d much rather swallow a bowl of chocolate pudding!
           
Today, the nurse insisted I take them right then and there instead of returning to my room. Apparently, there was no room for negotiation. So, being the obedient little soldier I am, I stood at attention, gave her my finest military salute, and followed orders. YES, MA’AM! Another exciting adventure in the thrilling world of assisted living. At least I survived another battle!  

YIKES! WHAT AN ADVENTURE—AND NOT THE KIND I EXPECTED!

What a day! Lynn, a friend here at Legacy, asked if I wanted to go to Home Depot with him. Did I want to go? ABSOLUTELY! Any chance to escape these four walls and experience a little adventure is fine with me. A short time later, Lynn arrived at my room in his motorized wheelchair, and off we went. He had his wheels, and I had my two legs. What could possibly go wrong? As it turned out, PLENTY!
           
Everything started smoothly. The weather was decent, the fresh air felt wonderful, and I was enjoying the freedom of being outside. As usual, whenever I spotted trash along the way, I stopped to pick it up. I believe in leaving the world a little cleaner than I found it.
             
But suddenly, as I bent down to grab some litter, I LOST MY BALANCE AND FELL COMPLETELY TO THE GROUND! What? ME? I was stunned! Since my terrible accident and 37-day coma, I had managed to avoid falling. Now, without warning, there I was, sprawled on the ground. Even after getting back up, my balance didn’t feel quite right. Something was definitely different.
             
Still, Home Depot was waiting, and I wasn’t about to surrender. We had about a mile to walk, so we continued our little expedition. Then I spotted a large palm frond sprawled across the sidewalk. Naturally, I decided to move it. BIG MISTAKE!
           
The moment I bent down, my balance vanished, and—WHAM!—I landed flat on my backside for the second time. At that point, I was beginning to wonder if gravity had developed a personal grudge against me. My sense of balance seemed to have completely disappeared.
           
TWICE IN ONE DAY! I couldn’t believe it. I used to juggle seven clubs, ride a 7’ unicycle, and perform balancing tricks before thousands of people. Now I couldn’t even pick up a palm frond without becoming part of the landscape! I was shocked, embarrassed, and more than a little concerned.
             
But our adventure wasn’t finished. At one point, we needed to go up a driveway to continue. Lynn took a wrong turn in his motorized wheelchair, and suddenly his chair tipped sideways! This was serious because Lynn has very limited use of his legs and couldn’t easily get himself upright.
           
Fortunately, Cynthia was driving by and stopped immediately to help. We were right beside a gas station, and even the owner came outside to help. What wonderful people! Sometimes, when things go wrong, you discover just how much kindness exists in the world.
           
Later, Lynn told me how much he appreciated my rolling up his raincoat to make a pillow for his head while we waited for the firefighters to arrive. I was glad I could do something to make him more comfortable.
             
Before long, an enormous fire truck arrived, complete with flashing lights and a blaring siren. What a production! You would have thought we were filming an action-packed television drama. All we needed was a camera crew, some dramatic music, and a commercial break. What started as a simple trip to Home Depot had turned into quite an adventure—and we hadn’t even bought anything yet!
Sadly, the firepeople could do nothing to help. They took Lynn’s vitals and bandaged up his hand. Eventually, we got Lynn upright and continued toward Home Depot. We were so close that turning back seemed ridiculous. After all, we’d already survived two falls, a tipped wheelchair, and several unexpected surprises. What else could happen?

Which firetruck came to help?

We made it to the store, stayed together, and bought what we needed. Mission accomplished! Well, almost. We still had to get back to Legacy, and Mother Nature apparently wanted to contribute to our adventure.

BUT THIS HUGE FIRETRUCK WAS NOT SET UP
TO TAKE US BACK TO LEGACY; I WAS SURPRISED.

THEN CAME THE RAIN! What had started as a pleasant outing was becoming a soggy comedy of errors. Walking another mile in the rain didn’t sound especially appealing, so I suggested calling Kiea or Breanna to rescue us with the bus from Legacy. We waited quite a while, but eventually, our wonderful transportation arrived. Never had a ride back to Legacy seemed so inviting! What began as a simple trip to Home Depot had turned into an adventure neither of us expected, or will forget.

AT LEAST I GOT PLENTY OF MATERIAL FOR THE BLOG AND YOUR EYES. 

The experience left me thinking. I need to walk more, strengthen my legs, and improve my balance. I’d even love to start running again, but my asthma keeps interfering with those plans. More importantly, those two unexpected falls concern me. After everything I’ve overcome, I don’t like discovering that something as simple as bending over to pick up a trach can send me tumbling to the ground.

BUT HERE’S WHAT I KNOW:
LIFE WILL ALWAYS THROW UNEXPECTED OBSTACLES IN OUR PATH. 

Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we fall. And sometimes we end up sitting on our backside wondering what in the world just happened! The important thing is to learn from those experiences, get the help we need, and keep moving forward.

I’VE SPENT MUCH OF MY LIFE LEARNING HOW TO GET BACK UP.
I CERTAINLY DON’T INTEND TO STOP NOW! 

I only walked about one mile today.
But I feel it in my legs.
I feel it in my body.
Yes, I’ve certainly led an extraordinary life, filled with unexpected twists, challenges, triumphs, and adventures. But don’t think for a moment that my story is finished. The best chapters may still be waiting to be written!

>>>>> OCTOBER 7
Here I go again—another new day, another opportunity to accomplish as much as I can and make every moment count. I’m glad you’ve decided to come along on this journey with me. Life is always better when we move forward together.

We may not be able to change the entire world overnight, but we can make our little corner of it brighter, kinder, happier, and better. One smile, one helping hand, one courageous step at a time. I’m ready—will you join me?
             
My elbow bursitis is bothering me this morning. The fluid-filled lump seems to be getting bigger, although, strangely, it still doesn’t hurt. It’s a little unsettling watching my elbow grow its own little balloon!
             
Have you ever dealt with bursitis like this? I’m curious whether anyone else has experienced a fluid-filled lump on the elbow that keeps getting bigger, even though it doesn’t hurt. It’s certainly strange to look down and see this little balloon growing on my elbow!
           
I’m wondering what I should do about it—or whether I should leave it alone and keep an eye on it. If you’ve experienced something similar, I’d really appreciate hearing what worked for you. Any ideas, advice, or suggestions that might help?
         
It seems like most people sleep until 7 a.m. or 8.
For me, waking somewhere around 3 a.m. or 4 is common.
I can get more done, but is that right for me? 

SEEMS LIKE I WILL NOT DIE UNTIL I WEAR THIS BODY OUT!
THAT WILL TAKE A WHILE MORE. 

I’m still upset about my falling. My mind would not think right. I knew what was going on and what to do, but my body would not obey. I will have to be more careful in the future. And, yes, there is a future. I am still planning to live beyond age 100; watch me go!

Another slow day. I didn’t get nearly as much done as I had hoped, and that’s not like me. I’m happiest when I’m moving forward, creating something, or checking another goal off my list. But some days don’t cooperate. I’m learning that not every day has to be filled with accomplishments to have value. Sometimes a slow day is just life’s way of telling me, “Don’t worry, Kit. Tomorrow you can hit the gas again!”
           
I talked with my sister, Kath, today. She told me not to write about her.
Whoops.
The stuff below was already written, so I suppose I’m in trouble already.
In her 70s now, she is living the life that “she” wants.
           
Kath did give me some good advice, though. She suggested I use less of the same motivational material each week and keep the blog more focused on the stories and everyday happenings. I think she may have a point, so I went back through this week’s blog and cut quite a bit.
         
At this point, what do you think?
Is it better with less motivational material?
Or did I cut too much?
                                 
>>>>> OCTOBER 8
Happy birthday to my sister, Kath—or Willow, as she prefers to be called these days! To me, though, she will always be my sister Kath, and a name could never change all the years, memories, laughter, and life we’ve shared. In her 70s now — hard to believe. 

My two sisters,
Sandy and Kath

We’ve both traveled many miles through life, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Through it all, I’m grateful that you’ve been part of my journey. Happy birthday, Willow. I love you, Sis, and I hope the year ahead brings you happiness, good health, wonderful surprises, and many more memories still waiting to be made.
             
We are both getting older—and, I like to believe, a little wiser along the way! I have always admired what you have accomplished, the challenges you have overcome, and the person you have become. Life has taught us both valuable lessons, and I believe our best chapters are still waiting to be written.
               
As I look toward the future, I see wonderful possibilities, new adventures, continued growth, and plenty of reasons to smile. We may be getting older, but that doesn’t mean we’re finished growing, dreaming, or accomplishing extraordinary things. I believe the best is yet to come—for both of us!
           
Throughout the day, several people complimented me on my shirt. How nice! I thought I must be looking especially sharp, perhaps even starting a new fashion trend. I accepted each compliment with a smile and a thank-you, feeling rather pleased with my excellent taste in clothing. Who knew I could be such a fashion sensation at 67?
                   
Then, that evening, as I was getting undressed, I made a startling discovery. MY SHIRT HAD BEEN INSIDE OUT ALL DAY! The seams were showing, the tag was hanging out, and apparently, I had been proudly displaying the manufacturer’s construction techniques to the world. Now I’m wondering—did people genuinely like my shirt, or were they just being polite to a confused fashion designer?
                   
Perhaps I’ve stumbled onto something wonderful. Maybe shirts actually look better inside out! Tomorrow, I might wear my pants backward, put on two different shoes, and see how many compliments I get. Who knows? I may have accidentally started a whole new fashion trend. And the best part? I didn’t even have to buy anything new!
           
What an interesting week it has been! I talked with my sister Kath yesterday, and she told me she’s spending today at a wonderful spa, enjoying saunas and a variety of treatments designed to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate the body.
           
Apparently, admission is free on your birthday, so she decided to take full advantage of that little gift. An entire day of pampering, relaxation, and feeling good—and at a great price! Sounds like a marvelous way to celebrate another trip around the sun. Perhaps I should put that on my birthday calendar, too!
               
She also told me she thinks I sometimes share too much personal information in my blog. TOO MUCH? ME? Imagine that! I write what I feel, say what I think, and rarely put the brakes on my fingers. Whether it’s an erection, an election (I hope they both turn out well!), your reaction, my lack of direction, a strange connection, or even your latest infection—NOTHING IS OFF-LIMITS!
             
My life is an open book, and somewhere along the way, I apparently forgot to install a filter! Some people keep skeletons hidden in their closets. Not me! I drag mine into the daylight, dust them off, name them, and introduce them to my blog readers! Too much for you? Well, you’re still reading.
             
Why hide the embarrassing moments, crazy adventures, and occasional disasters? They’re all part of the wonderful, ridiculous adventure called LIFE! Besides, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing half the fun—and I’m determined to enjoy the WHOLE SHOW! TOO MUCH? OH WELL.
               
Clouds, rain, and gloomy skies—not exactly the beautiful day I had in mind! Now that I finally have everything I need to put my garden together, Mother Nature has apparently decided to interfere. I was ready to get my hands dirty, but the sky took one look at my plans and shouted, “NOPE! NOT TODAY, KIT!” I suppose even the weather has a sense of humor. Too bad it’s laughing at me!
                 
Today, I spent some time packing my belongings for a move to a smaller room here at Legacy. I’m currently in a one-bedroom apartment, but I’ve been asking for something smaller, preferably a studio. After all, I don’t need much space. Just a comfortable place to sleep, a desk for my writing, and enough room to move around without bumping into myself. I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from having more space or more stuff. It comes from making the most of what you have.
               
Joe asked if I wanted a double bed in my new room. I told him a twin would be just fine. I’d rather have the extra floor space, and besides, I don’t exactly have a parade of beautiful women knocking on my door. Of course, if that ever changes, I may have to reconsider my furniture arrangements!
         
Someone is coming by right now to look at my room, apparently ready to move in the moment I move out. Talk about a quick turnaround! I guess they have no trouble keeping these rooms occupied. Living here certainly isn’t cheap, yet there seems to be an endless supply of people willing to pay. Apparently, business is BOOMING!
         
One person moves out, another moves in, and the money keeps rolling in. At these prices, you’d think every room would come with a complimentary gold bar, a personal butler, and breakfast served on a silver platter! I’m still waiting for my gold bar. Perhaps they’ll slip it under my door before I leave!
           
Today, Legacy had a Hawaiian-themed party, complete with tropical decorations, plenty of smiles, and even a parade! Some participants rolled along in wheelchairs, others marched with canes, and one particularly talented fellow was spotted juggling colorful scarves. Who could that have been? ME, of course! I figured every Hawaiian parade needs a little juggling magic. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time, and for a while, we brought a little taste of paradise right here to Legacy. ALOHA!
               
This is where I find myself today—juggling scarves, something that requires far less effort than the remarkable tricks I once performed. There was a time when I could juggle seven clubs, amaze audiences, and push my abilities beyond what most people thought possible. Today, even the simplest juggling reminds me of how much has changed. I admit, it hurts to realize the skills I spent years perfecting are now out of reach.
           
But then I remind myself of something important: I may no longer be the juggler I once was, but I am STILL a juggler! My abilities may have changed, but my determination, creativity, and love of life remain. Perhaps the greatest trick I will ever perform isn’t keeping seven clubs in the air—it’s refusing to let life’s challenges keep me down. The juggling may be different now, but the show isn’t over. Not by a long shot!
             
>>>>> OCTOBER 9
Today is the final day of writing this week’s blog, and I’ll send it out this evening. But first, an entire day of possibilities awaits! What surprises, adventures, or unexpected twists will come my way? Life always seems to throw a little of everything into the mix, and that’s what keeps things interesting. I have no idea what today will bring, but you can be sure I’ll find out—and, of course, I’ll tell you all about it!
           
On Monday, I’ll be moving into a smaller apartment here at Legacy. I’m currently in a one-bedroom, but after seeing one of the studio apartments, I realized it would suit me just fine. After all, I don’t need much space—just a comfortable place to sleep, write, and enjoy life. And when I sleep at night, my eyes are closed anyway, so why would I need anything big or fancy? I certainly won’t be admiring the square footage while I’m dreaming!
                 
I was also asked whether I wanted a larger bed, but a twin-sized bed will do just fine. After all, I don’t expect any ladies to spend the night, so why take up valuable floor space with a bigger bed? Of course, if my romantic prospects suddenly improve, I may have to reconsider my furniture arrangements!
           
The best part? This move will also save the insurance company a substantial amount of money! Less space, less expense, and everything I need. Sometimes, downsizing is actually a step up! Besides, I’ve always believed that it’s not the size of your living space that matters—it’s what you do with your Life that counts! 🤭

But if nothing exciting happens, that’s perfectly fine, too. Not every day needs to be filled with adventure. Sometimes, simply enjoying the quiet moments and appreciating life as it unfolds is enough. Of course, knowing me, I’ll still be looking for something interesting to do. I’ve never been very good at sitting around doing nothing, and I don’t intend to start now!

DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEDAY.
YOUR LIFE IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW—GO LIVE IT!

====================
BLOG 398—LOST IN THE WILDERNESS!
Be Different—Find Your Own Way.

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS TURN AROUND—
BUT YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD!

Some of the happiest years of my life were spent traveling across America in my van. For seven wonderful years, the road was my home. No schedules, no reservations, and often no idea where I would sleep that night. I explored every national park in the continental United States and discovered countless magnificent places along the way. To me, freedom meant following an unfamiliar road to see where it led. THE WORLD WAS MY PLAYGROUND!
         
One beautiful day, while exploring the wilderness, I spotted a narrow dirt road disappearing into a thick forest. Naturally, my curiosity took over. Perhaps a hidden lake, a spectacular mountain view, or some undiscovered paradise waited ahead. There was only one way to find out! I turned my van onto the road and began climbing between the towering trees.
           
At first, everything was wonderful. Sunlight filtered through the branches, birds sang, and the forest seemed to welcome me. But soon, the road narrowed. Branches scraped against my van, deep ruts made driving difficult, and the trees seemed to be closing in. I considered turning around, but suddenly realized something frightening.

THERE WAS NOWHERE TO TURN AROUND!

I continued driving, hoping to find a clearing. Another bend. More trees. Another bend. Still nothing! What if the road ended? What if a fallen tree blocked my path? Backing down that narrow, twisting road seemed impossible. My heart pounded, and my hands tightened around the steering wheel. 

YIKES! WHAT HAD I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?

For the first time, my wonderful adventure had become a nightmare. I was alone, deep in the wilderness, with no idea what waited ahead. I couldn’t turn around, and going backward was too dangerous. There was only one reasonable choice.

KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Slowly, I continued, carefully avoiding rocks, ruts, and trees. Every bend brought another disappointment. Then, as I began to lose hope, I spotted something magnificent.

A CLEARING!

Finally, there was enough room to turn my van around. What a glorious feeling! I carefully maneuvered the van, pointed it back toward safety, and breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Suddenly, the frightening forest became beautiful again. The trees were still towering, the birds were still singing, and the sunlight was still dancing through the branches.

THE WILDERNESS HADN’T CHANGED. MY DIRECTION HAD!

That adventure taught me something about life. Sometimes we travel down roads that become far more difficult than we expected. We wish we could turn around, erase our decisions, or return to the comfortable life we once knew. But life doesn’t always offer a convenient place to make a U-turn.

I CERTAINLY KNEW SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. 

Around 2012, my life took several devastating turns. I was struck by a truck for the second time. My marriage to Mary Ellen fell apart, and she left with our daughters, Jasmine and April. I also spent a month in jail following what I maintain was a false accusation. One painful experience followed another, and I wondered how much more I could endure.

I HAD TO GET AWAY, HEAL, AND FIND MY WAY BACK TO LIFE!

Yes, approaching 2012, I went through a number of bad things >>
I was hit by a truck for the second time.
Mary Ellen took Jasmine and April and left me.
I spent a month in jail on a false charge.
I HAD TO GET AWAY TO HEAL AND GET BACK TO LIFE! 
           
Eventually, I set my sights on Australia and New Zealand. That became my goal—and I needed to figure out how to make it happen. A few years earlier, after recovering from my 37-day coma, I had created workshops to help other jugglers improve their skills. Workshops will pay my way!
           
Years earlier, after surviving a 37-day coma and rebuilding my life, I had developed workshops to help other jugglers improve their skills. Why not put that experience to work? I contacted jugglers throughout Australia and New Zealand and arranged several workshops. So I contacted jugglers throughout Australia and New Zealand and arranged several workshops. The best part? Those workshops paid for my trip. I found a way to turn what I loved—and what I had learned—into my ticket to an adventure on the other side of the world.
             
Take a deep breath. Put it in drive. You may not know exactly where the road ahead will lead, but you don’t have to. You’ve already made it through roads you never expected to travel—and you learned something from every mile. Whether you’re facing a literal tight squeeze or a major turning point in life, remember this: You don’t need to see the entire road. You only need enough courage to take the next turn.
         
Rather than surrender to everything that had happened, I began searching for a new adventure. Eventually, I set my sights on Australia and New Zealand. I had no idea exactly how I would get there, but I knew I wanted to go. And when I set my mind on something, I usually find a way!

AND GUESS WHAT?
THE WORKSHOPS PAID FOR MY TRIP!

Once again, juggling opened doors I hadn’t even known existed. What began as a desire to escape painful circumstances became an opportunity to travel, teach, meet wonderful people, and rediscover the excitement of being alive.

I couldn’t erase what had happened to me. I couldn’t turn back the clock or return to the person I had once been. But I could choose what happened next. What a fantastic time I had down under. I found many new friends, saw extraordinary landscapes, and found my way back to life. 

I DIDN’T GET MY OLD LIFE BACK. I BUILT ANOTHER ONE!

Looking back, I see how much that frightening dirt road had in common with my own life. Both led me into unfamiliar territory. Both brought moments of fear and uncertainty. And both taught me that the way forward isn’t always obvious. Remember, roads go both ways. 

We sometimes stare into life’s rearview mirror so long that we miss the opportunities appearing through the windshield. You cannot drive safely while looking only backward, and you cannot build tomorrow while trying to live in yesterday.

Carry the lessons, laughter, courage, and even the pain of your past. They are part of your story, but they don’t have to determine its ending. Slow down when necessary. Change direction when possible. Take one small step when that is all you can manage.

JUST KEEP MOVING!

Life will sometimes lead you down roads you never intended to travel. You may encounter disappointment, heartbreak, fear, or obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. But courage doesn’t mean you are never frightened. It means finding the determination to make another decision, take another step, and discover another possibility.

AND REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOU LOSE YOUR WAY
DOESN’T MEAN YOU’VE LOST YOUR FUTURE!

At 67, I’m still exploring, still learning, and still wondering what magnificent adventure might be waiting around the next bend. I’ve survived two encounters with trucks, a 37-day coma, the loss of relationships, and more unexpected detours than I care to count. Yet here I am, still looking ahead, still dreaming, and still determined to make something wonderful of the years to come.

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that we cannot control every road we travel. But we can decide how we respond when the journey becomes difficult.

And sometimes, the road that frightens us most leads to the discovery we need most.
I can sum up one of life’s greatest lessons in just three words:

LIFE GOES ON!

So, wherever you are in your journey, don’t give up because the road ahead looks uncertain. Keep your curiosity alive, your courage close, and your eyes open for possibilities.

BEING LOST ISN’T THE END OF YOUR JOURNEY.
SOMETIMES, IT’S THE BEGINNING OF YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURE!

So, my friend, when life takes an unexpected turn, gather your courage, look ahead, and KEEP MOVING FORWARD! You never know what extraordinary opportunities might be waiting just around the next bend.
             
With my juggling workshop, I’ve done it all over the US, worked with jugglers in many European countries, taken the workshop to Japan 3 times, and presented it in Australia and New Zealand. Now I have to figure out if they juggle on the moon so I can take it there.

         
You don’t need to see the entire road.
You only need enough courage to take the next turn.

AFTER ALL, LIFE IS TOO WONDERFUL TO SPEND IT STANDING STILL! 💛

====================
PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs. 💥 They wake up the mind, shrink problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can turn “I can’t” into “Why not?”—a small flashlight guiding you through a dark hallway. 🔦
           
But the real magic comes through repetition. The more you repeat a truth, the more deeply you believe it—and the more your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on the wall is decoration. A quote put into action becomes transformation.
             
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?
Now that’s power. ✨
        ==========
1) “And into the forest I go, to lose
      my mind and find my soul.”
      — John Muir
           
2) “The wilderness is where I
    lose the noise of the world,
    discover the beauty of life,
    and find the courage to keep
    moving forward.”
    — Kit Summers
                 
3) “If you want to lift yourself up,
      lift up someone else.”
      ―Booker T. Washington
             
4) “In wildness is the preservation
        of the world.”
— Henry David Thoreau
             
5) “I found far more answers in the
      woods than I ever did in the city.”
        — Mary Davis
               
6)  ““The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
— John Muir
               
7) “The world is not finished surprising you.
    Don’t wait for adventure to find you—GO FIND IT!
    —Kit Summers
             
8) “Let nature quiet your mind
      and awaken your life.”
        — Kit Summers
             
9) “Sometimes life leaves only one direction—
      FORWARD—so take a breath, trust yourself,
      and see what adventure is waiting ahead.”
      — Kit Summers.”
             
10) “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
      —F. Scott Fitzgerald
====================
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Did you ever wander into the wilderness when you were young, following a trail to see where it went, climbing over rocks, splashing through streams, and wondering what adventure waited around the next bend? Remember that wonderful feeling of freedom, when the world seemed enormous, and every new path held a mystery? That adventurous kid is still inside you, no matter how old you are!
             
This week, I challenge you to BRING THAT ADVENTUROUS KID BACK TO LIFE! Find a forest, park, beach, mountain, or some wild little corner of the world and GO EXPLORE! Follow a trail you’ve never traveled, climb a hill, splash through a stream, or hug a tree if the mood strikes. Remember that wonderful childhood curiosity when everything seemed new, exciting, and full of possibilities? Well, that world is still out there, waiting for YOU!
             
Look for wildlife, listen to the birds, and if the bigger animals are hiding, get down close and discover the fascinating world of bugs beneath your feet. You might be amazed at how much life is happening right under your nose! And go ahead, hug that tree—it probably needs a little love, too. Adventure has no age limit, curiosity never grows old, and life is too wonderful to spend it sitting still. GET OUT THERE, EXPLORE, AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
         
If possible, spend a night beneath the stars. Listen to the mysterious sounds of the wilderness after dark, breathe the fresh air, and wake up with the rising sun. Discover how magnificent our world can be before everyone else wakes up and starts making noise. When it’s time to leave, pick up some litter and leave the place even nicer than you found it. That’s how a true adventurer says THANK YOU to nature!
           
Even in the heart of New York City, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, you might find a safe rooftop where you can spend a night beneath the stars. Imagine lying there, gazing up at the endless sky while the city lights sparkle around you. You drift off to sleep with a smile on your face, knowing that freedom isn’t always about where you are—it’s about how you choose to experience life. Sometimes, the greatest adventures are waiting right above your head!
           
And don’t worry too much about finding something to eat. I’ve heard bears taste pretty good, although I strongly recommend making sure the bear doesn’t decide to taste YOU first! Life is too short to spend every day staring at the same four walls. Get outside, get a little dirty, laugh at yourself, and rediscover that wonderful feeling of being alive. The world is still filled with extraordinary adventures. They won’t knock on your door. Get out there—GO FIND SOME!
               
That is your challenge for the week.
That is the challenge for YOUR LIFE!
====================
====================
WOODSIDEMOTION!
Thank you to Christopher and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping me explore the possibility of bringing my extraordinary life story to the screen.
Always remember Christopher Jones, a man who believes my story deserves to be shared with the world. Christopher, thank you for seeing the possibilities in my journey and believing my experiences can make a difference in others’ lives. I am deeply grateful to you and everyone at Woodside Motion for your dedication to bringing my extraordinary life story to the screen.

My life has been filled with unexpected challenges, painful setbacks, remarkable recoveries, and incredible adventures. But I believe everything I’ve experienced has prepared me for something greater: helping others discover that adversity doesn’t have to define their future. Together, we can turn my story into a powerful message of courage, determination, and hope, inspiring countless people to overcome obstacles, recognize their potential, and NEVER GIVE UP ON LIFE!
                 
Website: https://woodsidemotion.com/
Email:   christopher@woodsidemotion.com
====================
====================
CINDY MARVELL
At this point, I must recognize the marvellous Cindy Marvell.
This amazing woman founded and runs https://bouldercircuscenter.net.
There, she helps others dream big and take flight.
She is also an extraordinary performer in her own right—take a look >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbKaLV4I9Q 

                      Cindy in the Wilderness Shaking Hands
Throughout this movie project, she offered her encouragement and help in countless ways. Having someone believe in your story makes the journey even more meaningful. For one thing, she is the only woman to ever win the International Juggling Competition.
         
Thank you, Cindy, for your remarkable talent, generous heart, and unwavering support—both personally and financially. I am deeply grateful to have you beside me, helping keep this dream in the air. Every great dream needs someone who believes in it, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have you juggling this one alongside me! 🤹‍♂️💛
==================== 
PART 6) NEXT WEEK
BLOG 399–Life at Legacy    
=====================  

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
YOU CAN DO THIS IN ALL AREAS. YOU CAN BE MORE—YOU ARE MORE!
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟
================================

*✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 397, WHAT IS NORMAL?
This blog is shorter and happier. 
Read every word; things have changed.
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is best read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Me >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS 

====================
ONCE UPON A LIFE…
I made gravity nervous—Seven clubs soaring through the air.
A world record.  Because physics loves a good insult.
Kit continued his drive for excellence in every area. 😄
         
Then came the truck.  The coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
But I returned—Balancing healing,
tossing hope sky-high, and
juggling purpose, grit, and joy. 🤹‍♂️
         
Now, I lift people.
That is bigger than applause.
Writing is how I breathe.
If these words help you breathe a little easier, too—
That is magic catching air. 🎉
           
What comes next on Kit’s journey?
Back to juggling?  Back to the stage?  Back to life?
Stay with me and find out. I’ve been up and down. 
Life can get better.   Life will get better! ✨ 

My new address is:>>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL  33647
(A love letter would be dandy.)   kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com     https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Call me >> 610-400-3233

=======================
NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET! 

A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week. 
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.  
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.

ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end,
what will you want to remember? 
The dreams you chased? The people you loved?
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me? 
Remember the moments when you chose courage over comfort?

READ PAST BLOGS HERE —
kitsummers.com/blog

 If even one sentence in this blog inspires you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.

       << EVERY DAY >>

• Feel the sunshine.
• Enjoy a good meal.
• Speak more kindly.
• Care for your body.
• Learn something new.
• Make the right choices.
• Laugh whenever possible.
• Improve one little thing today.
• Treasure a friendly conversation.
• Then improve another tomorrow. 
• Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow.
• Spend time with people who lift your spirits. 
• And become something absolutely phenomenal!
• Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
• Celebrate every bit of progress—even when it arrives late.

Small choices may seem insignificant in the moment, but never underestimate their power. When repeated with purpose, patience, and persistence, they become strong habits that quietly shape the direction of your life.
             
You do not have to transform everything overnight; simply make one positive choice today, then make it again tomorrow. Step by step, those tiny victories build momentum, strengthen your confidence, and create a brighter future—because every remarkable journey begins with one small decision to move forward.
Happiness is not having everything you want; it is appreciating what you already have. There will always be another goal to pursue and another mountain calling your name. Just do not become so focused on tomorrow’s summit that you miss today’s magnificent view.               
WORDS FOR YOU—AND FOR ME?
I write these words for you—and for myself. We are all works in progress, and none of us has life completely figured out. That is perfectly all right. Life does not demand perfection; it asks us to stay involved, remain willing, and keep trying.
====================   
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
               
Friday has arrived again, and once more I send this week’s blog out into the world—a collection of my thoughts, struggles, adventures, lessons, and hopes, traveling through cyberspace in search of someone who might need these words today. I never know exactly who will read them or where they might land, but if one thought brings a smile, sparks an idea, offers a little courage, or helps someone see life differently, then every word was worth writing.
==============================
1) LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU. STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
2) RAISE THE CURTAIN. TAKE A BREATH. AND START YOUR ACT. 🎪🔥
3) DO NOT WAIT FOR MONDAY. TAKE ONE SMALL STEP TODAY.
4) YOUR BETTER LIFE BEGINS NOW — ADD TO THE WORLD IN A GREAT WAY.
5) DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
6) YOU ARE IMPORTANT — TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.
7) WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
8) LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
9) LIVE FOR NOW! NOT YESTERDAY! NOT TOMORROW! NOW IS THE TIME!

Go to the wilderness when you can. Breathe deeply. Think freely. Listen carefully.
You may return without a single mosquito bite—yet with a fresh idea, a calmer heart, and a clearer path forward.
==============================
WILL I HEAR FROM YOU NEXT WEEK?
I CERTAINLY HOPE SO!
I HEARD FROM SOME PEOPLE ABOUT LAST WEEK’S BLOG >>
Kim Ranson wrote >>
“Thank you, Kit, for this wonderful blog. And the reminder that I need to be in nature. There is a beautiful lake by my house. It has been so warm here I haven’t thought of going. But…I have it on my calendar for the next overcast morning. My dog Emma and I like to walk down a dirt path by the water’s edge and watch the ducks and fishermen. I will send you a pic. Have a good weekend.” 
I wrote this back:
Plan to go out to the lake early,
even before the birds are up, Kim.
LOVE>>>>>>Kit
==============================  
2–Larry sent these words:
“You’re a brilliant writer and philosopher!
Your blogs are truly amazing!!!”
My best to you!  Larry Zeiger
Thanks, Larry; what a special guy you are.
==============================
3–And then, lovely Phyllis Lynch  >>
“Wow, so many great, positive things you share, Kit, but I just am so sad that the place in which you live offers nothing fun for you to look forward to! Glad you got out to do some weeding, though! You need to do that more. Your computer will always be there when the sun goes down. Your blogs just amaze me! And I’m even happier that April called you!! I hope you let her know how much that means to you (as I’m sure you do). Do you ever hear from Jasmine? I sure hope so!
Thanks for sharing and for all the amazing things you say that always inspire me!
I hope things get better for you!
Thanks again for all the inspiration!
With love, Me 🙂
https://www.zillow.com/profile/PhyllisLynch

Here is Phillis and (big) family

====================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
       
Good morning! Or perhaps it is good afternoon… or even good evening!                                            
Whenever these words find you, consider them right on time.
Inspiration never checks the clock—it simply arrives when your heart needs it most,
usually carrying a smile, a warm hug, and occasionally juggling three bright ideas! 🤹‍♂️
           
That is one of the marvelous things about words: they never complain when you arrive late, glance impatiently at the clock, or lose their loving sparkle. With readers scattered across time zones around the world, I may not know what time it is where you are—but I know this: you are here, you matter, and these words have found you at exactly the right moment. ✨
     
So, welcome, my friend! There is always time for fresh inspiration, a hearty laugh, a little more love, and one joyful step toward a brighter, happier life. Yes, you can get better! Let’s take that step together—and if we wobble, we’ll call it dancing! 💛       
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 26
As usual, I’ve been working hard on this blog. It’s 5:55 in the morning, and I’ve been moving words around since last night. Apparently, my brain put the writing crew on the night shift!

Lately, another idea has been bouncing around upstairs: two blogs a week. Should I try it? More importantly, would you read them? I certainly have enough stories, mistakes, victories, and life lessons to keep the words coming.

As the sun rises, I look at the clear blue sky and wish I could put on my shoes and go for a run. My mind wants to run. My legs want to run. Unfortunately, my lungs have other plans. I tried yesterday, but almost immediately my breathing said, “Not now, Kit.” Apparently, my lungs forgot to read the itinerary.
Maybe you’ve experienced your own version of this. Something you desperately want to do gets blocked by health, age, money, responsibilities, or circumstances. Sooner or later, life looks at our carefully prepared plans and says,
“Nope. We’re doing something different today.” That’s when we have a choice.

WE CAN STARE AT THE ROAD WE CANNOT TRAVEL—OR LOOK FOR ANOTHER PATH. 

Yesterday, when my lungs stopped my plans, I noticed some weeds that needed pulling. So I pulled them. Nobody handed me a medal for elite competitive weeding, but I got outside, moved my body, accomplished something useful, and left one little corner of the world better than I found it.

MAYBE THAT’S ENOUGH FOR SOME DAYS.

We often measure success by whether we accomplished our original goal. But sometimes success is smaller. It might be walking around the block, making a phone call, writing a paragraph, helping someone, or simply refusing to surrender the day.
Don’t confuse changing the plan with abandoning the goal.

Life will interrupt you. Bodies change. Circumstances change. Doors close. Plans collapse. We cannot always control what happens, but we can decide what we do next. When life says, “Not now,” listen carefully. It did not necessarily say, “Never.”

Adjust. Improvise. Do what you can today, and tomorrow, try again. Progress doesn’t always look the way we expected. Sometimes moving forward means slowing down or changing direction. Little progress is still progress.

If today isn’t going according to plan, ask yourself: What can I do with what I have, where I am, right now?

Pull the weeds. Write the paragraph. Make the phone call. Take the shorter walk. Encourage someone. Learn something. Laugh at something ridiculous. Leave one little corner of the world better than you found it.

A MEANINGFUL LIFE IS BUILT FROM THOUSANDS OF SMALL
CHOICES THAT SAY, “I AM STILL PARTICIPATING IN MY LIFE.” 

I may not be running beneath that beautiful morning sky today, but I haven’t stopped moving forward. We can become so focused on what we cannot do that we overlook everything we can do. If one door closes, look for another—or, knowing my luck, a unicycle leaning against the wall.

Whatever obstacle stands in your way, don’t give it permission to write the rest of your story. Life may change the plot and add chapters you never expected, but you still hold the pen.

Improve one thing. Help one person. Learn one lesson. Take one step. Find one reason to laugh. You don’t have to change your entire life today. You just have to keep participating.

And remember to notice the good things along the way. Dinner tonight was spaghetti and meatballs, and it was fabulous. Happiness often hides in wonderfully ordinary places: a beautiful sky, a good conversation, a few weeds pulled, a paragraph you’re proud of, a laugh—and apparently, a terrific plate of spaghetti.

You may not be exactly where you hoped you would be today.
Neither am I. But today is still ours to use.

Pull a weed. Take a step. Write a paragraph. Help somebody. Enjoy the spaghetti. Keep moving forward. There is still more of your story to write.

It’s 6:14 now, and I’m finally getting close to finishing. I’ve been moving words around, hoping something I write might encourage someone to smile, think differently, or keep going. I think I’m finished—but I’ve learned not to trust myself when I say that. My fingers may be ready to quit, but apparently my brain hasn’t received the memo.

Then Grease came on.
Well, that settled it. Writing could wait.

Sometimes life changes your plans because something gets in the way.
And sometimes it changes them because a good movie comes on.
Either way, enjoy the show.
           
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 27
Boy, I really did write a lot yesterday! I’m trying to keep these blog posts shorter, so tell me: What should I leave out? What could I change to improve them? Even walking about 200 meters to lunch can cause my asthma to flare up, forcing me to use my inhaler. It seems to be getting worse, and I’m trying to figure out what to do. I don’t want my lungs deciding how much of the world I get to enjoy.

Yes, I really do read your comments—so please write.

At lunch, I asked for half a ham-and-cheese sandwich—and ate only half of that. So, mathematically speaking, I conquered one-quarter of a sandwich. Not exactly an Olympic eating event! My appetite simply isn’t what it used to be. I rarely feel hungry, and even small portions seem like plenty. I know my body needs nourishment to keep me strong and moving forward, but apparently my stomach didn’t get the memo. I’m still curious what happened to the other half of that sandwich.
       
Recently, I completed a seven-day fast, drinking only green tea. Surprisingly, I never felt hungry. I did it because I’ve always loved a challenge. When something is difficult, a little voice in my head immediately says, “Well, Kit, let’s see what you can do with this one!” That attitude has carried me through juggling, business, recovery, travel, writing, and plenty of other crazy adventures. Next comes a month-long fast; will you join me? 
         
But life has also taught me that challenging yourself and endangering yourself are two very different things. Even extraordinary machines need fuel, and there’s no trophy for ignoring the warning lights on your dashboard. Perhaps the greater challenge is knowing when to push yourself and when to listen to your body. My goal isn’t to discover how long I can go without eating. It’s to discover how much living I can squeeze into this remarkable life.
               
And that brings me to something harder to admit: I’m not very happy right now. I’m not even sure exactly what would make me happy again. Something is missing—purpose, connection, excitement, companionship, freedom, or simply something meaningful to look forward to. Living here sometimes feels like Groundhog Day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. The same dining room, familiar faces, familiar routines, and the dependable question, “How are you?” Sometimes I’m tempted to answer, “Give me a minute—I’m waiting to see if anything has changed since yesterday!” There’s nothing wrong with the people around me or the lives they’re living. I simply don’t feel that I belong here. I don’t want my days to become an endless loop of meals, small talk, sitting in my room, and waiting for bedtime.
         
I still want challenges. I want meaningful conversations, laughter, adventure, friendship, companionship—and perhaps even a little romance. I want people to inspire, things to accomplish, places to go, and reasons to wake up excited about tomorrow. 

I don’t want to simply pass the days. I want to live them.

Tonight, I watched Pretty Woman again, and it reminded me how much I miss having a special woman in my life—someone to laugh with, talk with, hold, and simply enjoy being beside. Now I’m sitting here with a glass of wine. The wine is fine, but I suspect it would taste much better shared. Sometimes two people talking, laughing, holding hands, or simply sitting together can turn an ordinary evening into a beautiful memory.
             
Yes, I miss companionship. I miss affection. I miss love. But I haven’t given up on finding them again. Life has surprised me far too many times to believe its best chapters are behind me. I’m grateful to Greg and Selective for making it possible for me to stay here, but I still wonder: What comes next for Kit? I don’t know yet, and perhaps I don’t need to know.
         
Maybe happiness begins with one small change, one new friendship, one fresh challenge, one unexpected adventure, or one reason to smile that I haven’t discovered yet. So I’ll keep looking, writing, dreaming, and reaching toward whatever comes next. Because one thing I know for certain is that I am not finished living my life. Not even close.
             
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 28
As the day begins, I look out the window and see the faithful sun making its daily appearance. It looks like another bright, beautiful day—the kind that makes me want to lace up my shoes, head outside, run a few miles, or toss some juggling clubs into the air. Just seeing that sunshine reminds me that every morning arrives carrying another chance to live.
           
Unfortunately, my asthma has other plans for me right now. My lungs may be telling me to slow down, but they don’t get to tell my spirit to stop. That part of me is still ready to run, juggle, explore, laugh, and squeeze every bit of possibility out of this new day. Sometimes moving forward simply means changing the pace—and that’s something we can all remember when life refuses to cooperate with our plans.
             
So today, changing the pace meant a quieter day, spent mostly at my computer. I’ve written so much over the last couple of days that perhaps my fingers—and my brain—have earned a little vacation. But even when I take a break from writing, the thoughts don’t necessarily stop. In fact, slowing down sometimes gives me more time to think about the people who matter most.
               
That brings me to my daughters, Jasmine and April. Each week, my blog goes out to them with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of words about my life, my thoughts, and what I’m going through. In many ways, those words are little pieces of me that I’m sharing with them (and you). Yet I rarely hear anything back from either of them, and I have to admit that hurts.
       
I’m not asking for long conversations or lengthy replies. Sometimes a simple text, a quick phone call, or even a few words saying, “Dad, I read your blog,” would mean more to me than they might realize. I’m not exactly sure how we change this, but I know I don’t want the distance between us to grow. Life is too precious, and family is too important. I love my daughters, and more than anything, I want us to stay connected—to share not only words on a screen, but the love that makes those words worth writing in the first place.
             
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 29
Even a simple walk down the hall—about 400 meters to the restaurant—can cause my asthma to flare up. I use my inhaler, and it helps, but sometimes the relief lasts only a few minutes. It’s reached the point where I’m hesitant to venture too far from my room, so I find myself staying inside far more than I want to.
             
And that bothers me, because I don’t want asthma to make my world smaller. I want to walk, get outside, juggle, exercise, explore, and enjoy life without constantly wondering whether my lungs will stop me. There’s a better way to manage this. If anyone has dealt with something similar, I’d love to hear what has helped you.

    HERE ARE APRIL AND JASMINE 
             
Perhaps that feeling of being physically limited is also making me think more deeply about where I am in life. Sometimes it’s almost frightening to live here and wonder what my future holds. I just finished lunch—meatloaf and mashed potatoes, delicious as usual. I eat well here, I’m treated well, and I’m grateful for that. But I’m discovering that being cared for and truly living are not quite the same thing.
                 
That leaves me with a question I don’t yet know how to answer:
What comes next?
I haven’t heard much from my daughters or from many people on the outside, and sometimes that silence makes these walls feel a little closer. Some days I feel as though I’ve been safely tucked away while the rest of the world keeps moving forward without me.

AND COME TO THINK OF IT—I NEVER HEAR FROM YOU, EITHER! 

I’m still here, still thinking, still writing, still dreaming, and still very much alive. So don’t just read these words and disappear. Drop me a note. Tell me what’s happening in your world. Sometimes a few simple words from another person can open a window when life begins to feel a little too closed in.
               
But maybe that question—What comes next?—is exactly the one I need to keep asking. I don’t want my life to become nothing more than waiting for the next meal. I still have ideas to explore, words to write, people to meet, laughter to share, and adventures waiting somewhere beyond these walls.
           
My lungs may be limiting how far I can travel today, and my circumstances may be limiting where I can go, but neither gets to decide how much life is left inside me. I may not know what comes next yet—but I know this: 

MY WORLD IS NOT FINISHED GROWING,
AND THIS IS N OT THE FINAL CHAPTER OF MY STORY. 

I’m sorry to write this, but I need to be honest about how I’m feeling. Some days, living here makes me feel as though I’m simply passing time rather than truly living my life, and that’s difficult for me because I’ve always wanted my days to have purpose, possibility, and something meaningful to look forward to.
                             
At the same time, I have to admit that I don’t know what the alternative would be or exactly what I would do if I weren’t here. Maybe that’s the hardest part—not knowing what comes next. I don’t have the answer yet, but I do know one thing: I don’t want the rest of my life to be about simply filling the days. I want to keep living them. 

IN THE BACK OF MY MIND I HEAR MYSELF
SAYING, “GET ME OUTTA HERE!” 

>>>>>SEPTEMBER 30
As usual, I was up before the birds—apparently, they like to sleep in. Before lunch, I spent most of my time working on the blog post that comes after the one you’re reading right now. I try not to get too far ahead of myself, but ideas have a habit of showing up uninvited, and once they start bouncing around in my head, I have to give them somewhere to land.

My right elbow still has that strange swelling—well, that’s just swell. Fortunately, it doesn’t hurt much. Mostly, it serves as a little extra padding whenever I rest my chin on my hand. Who knew my body would start manufacturing its own cushions?
         
The lasagna for lunch today was absolutely marvelous! Rich, flavorful, and cooked just right—it was one of those meals that makes you slow down and enjoy every bite. I have to give plenty of credit to the kitchen staff here. 

With the broccoli and potatoes, it was a perfect meal—and that makes me happy. The kitchen staff here consistently does an excellent job. Nearly everything I’ve eaten has been delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and something to look forward to. When a simple meal can put a smile on your face, you know they’re doing something right!
         
Cooking for so many people every day certainly can’t be easy, yet they somehow manage to keep the food tasty and enjoyable. Today’s lasagna was another reminder that while there may be things about living here I would like to change, I certainly can’t complain about the food. My compliments to the chef—and perhaps I should have asked for seconds!
           
They’re finally hearing me when I say, “Please, don’t give me very much.” I’ve noticed my portions getting smaller and smaller—and that’s a good thing! I’d much rather finish a small meal than stare down a mountain of food and wonder if I’m supposed to eat it or climb it.

RIGHT NOW, I HAVE A VERY STRANGE FEELING ABOUT BEING HERE.
SO MANY QUESTIONS RUNNING THROUGH MY MIND.
WHY AM I HERE? IS THIS REALLY WHERE I NEED TO BE?
AND IF NOT HERE, WHERE? 

Since my accident in 1982, I have done remarkably well taking care of myself. I rebuilt my life, regained my independence, traveled, worked, wrote, performed, and found ways to keep moving forward. That history makes me question my situation even more. How much help do I actually need today? Could I be living somewhere that gives me more independence, freedom, purpose, and connection?
               
Perhaps I don’t need to figure everything out today. I need to start asking serious questions. Being safe and cared for is important, but so is living. I want something to look forward to. I want companionship, challenges, freedom, laughter, and reasons to get excited about tomorrow.
               
One thing that troubles me deeply is not hearing from either of my daughters, Jasmine or April. I love them, and their silence hurts more than I probably let on. I’m not looking to blame anyone; I simply want them in my life. Right now, especially, I could use their voices, their thoughts, and their help figuring out what comes next.
I don’t know where this road will take me yet, and perhaps that’s okay. I’ve traveled plenty of roads without knowing exactly where they would lead. Some of my wrong turns became my greatest adventures, taking me to magnificent places I never would have discovered if I had stayed on the planned route. Maybe getting a little lost isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s how we find a place—or a life—we never knew was waiting for us.
         
As I’ve written, the meals here are fabulous. But having meals be the biggest thing to live for is just wrong. 

Maybe I’m not at the end of a road at all.
Maybe I’m simply looking for my next turn.
Feeling very trapped, I am.
Am I wasting my life?
I hate life right now.
Can you help? 

I just returned from dinner, and the shepherd’s pie was excellent. They consistently serve nutritious, well-prepared meals here, and I certainly can’t complain about the food. As you know, I always ask for a smaller portion than everyone else gets—and usually don’t even finish that. You would think I’d be getting skinnier by the day, but apparently my waistline hasn’t received the memo.

     Jasmine on the left and April with Penelope.             

>>>>> OCTOBER 1
Every Thursday, I carefully read through my blog, making those final little changes—a period here, a space there, a word that could be just a bit better. Is that normal? Maybe. Most readers will never notice those tiny changes, but I do. I’ve always believed excellence lives in the details. Perhaps my normal is simply trying to make today’s work a little better than yesterday’s.
But that raises an interesting question: What is normal?
               
Normal is different for everyone. One person is perfectly happy saying, “Good enough.” Another keeps tinkering until good becomes great. Neither person came with an instruction manual explaining exactly how to live. We each get to discover our own normal—and, better yet, improve it.

EXCELLENCE—FIND YOURS!

Breakfast this morning was excellent, and once again, the kitchen did a fine job. Around here, having someone else prepare every meal has become my new normal. Strange, because for much of my life, normal meant cooking for myself. I’ll spare you the delicious details of breakfast—I seem to write about food often enough already. At this rate, my blog may eventually need its own restaurant section entitled “What Did Kit Eat Today?”
             
Speaking of food, I truly miss cooking. For years, my normal was choosing fresh ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and turning ordinary foods into something delicious. Cooking was never simply about eating. It was another opportunity to create.
             
And my cooking style certainly had its own definition of normal. I chopped, stirred, tasted, and tossed in a little more of whatever seemed right. I rarely measured much. A pinch of this, a splash of that, and somehow dinner appeared. To me, recipes were helpful suggestions—not legally binding contracts.
           
Of course, the greatest reward came when someone took that first bite, smiled, and said, “Wow, Kit, this is really good!” I would casually nod as though everything had gone precisely according to plan. And if nobody complimented the meal? No problem. I considered that excellent news—more for me!
           
Eventually, my unusual way of doing things became something much bigger. I started my own salsa business and successfully ran it for more than 20 years. What began as my recipe—my particular combination of ingredients, flavors, and ideas—became something countless customers enjoyed. Even food experts praised my salsa.
           
Summers Salsa became part of my normal for more than two decades. I created it, built it, worked at it, and took enormous pride in it. Happy customers kept coming back for another jar. Apparently, I knew how to make taste buds dance!  And perhaps that is the point.
Your normal does not have to look like anyone else’s normal. 
Normal can change. Mine certainly has—many times. What felt normal twenty years ago is not what feels normal today, and what feels normal today may be completely different tomorrow.
       
So don’t spend your life trying to squeeze yourself into somebody else’s definition of normal. Experiment. Create. Improve. Add a pinch of this and a splash of that. Make mistakes. Adjust the recipe.
After all, life doesn’t come with a legally binding recipe either.
         
CREATE YOUR OWN NORMAL—AND MAKE IT EXTRAORDINARY!
             
HOW TO MAKE SALSA!  www.summerssalsa.com
Now you can make your own salsa; it’s easy >>
In a 16-quart bowl, mix:
One 15-ounce can of corn
One 15-ounce can of black beans
One large can of peaches, chopped
One bunch of cilantro, chopped
Two large red onions, chopped
One jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
½ cup of diced garlic
½ cup of lime juice or three limes
½ cup of lemon juice or two lemons
½ cup of garlic salt
Two pounds of plum tomatoes
Chop everything in the food processor into 1-centimeter pieces.
Keep the blender running on and off throughout.
FOR HOT SALSA >>
Leave out the maple syrup and peaches.
Add 1 habanero pepper and 2 jalapeño peppers.
Or enough peppers to suit your desired heat level.
           
For all my cooking, I rarely followed a recipe exactly. To me, recipes were more like friendly suggestions than strict laws. I’d add a little of this, toss in a little of that, taste it, and keep going until my buds gave approval. Pizza was one of my specialties, and people seemed to love what I created. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought the recipe book was merely optional.
   
My chocolate chip cookies have a wonderful habit of making people smile. They’re rich, delicious, perfectly textured, and dangerously easy to eat—stopping at one cookie may require more self-control than I possess! If you’d like to try them yourself, contact me (kitsummers@gmail.com), and I’ll happily send you the recipe. Just don’t blame me when the cookie jar mysteriously empties so quickly.
               
HOW TO MAKE TOAST  (The fun version.) 
A Recipe for Highly Trained Professionals.
Making toast is not something to take lightly.
People have been warming bread for generations,
and somehow civilization has survived.
Step One: Find bread.
This may require a dangerous expedition to the grocery store.
Remain calm. Bread is usually hiding in the bread aisle.
Step Two: Select one slice. Choose carefully.
Your entire breakfast can depend on this decision.
Step Three: Approach the toaster and smile.
Do not show fear. Toasters can sense weakness.
Step Four: Insert bread.
Push down the mysterious little lever.
At this point, there is no turning back.
Step Five: WAIT . . .
Do not wander away. Do not write a novel.
Do not go and practice juggling 7 balls.
Your bread is undergoing a magnificent transformation.
Then suddenly—POP!
Try not to scream. You have just created—TOAST!
         
For advanced chefs, add a butter coating. If you have years of culinary experience, maybe add jam, too. But know your limits. Finally, place your masterpiece on a plate, stand back, admire it, and proudly announce:
“I COOKED!”
And if you burn it?
Scrape off the black stuff and call it Artisan Toast.
You have to start somewhere—
and toast seems pretty darn safe.
           
The afternoon turned gray and dreary, with one of those dull skies that seems to drain a little energy out of the day. Nothing outside was calling my name, so I stayed in my room and took it easy. I worked on my computer for a while, looked out the window now and then, and generally accomplished nothing earth-shattering. The world somehow kept spinning without my assistance.

And you know what? Maybe that’s perfectly fine. Not every day has to be packed with excitement, adventure, or great accomplishments. Sometimes life hands us a quiet afternoon and seems to say, “Kit, sit down for a while. You’ve done enough.” So that’s exactly what I did. Adventure apparently decided to take the afternoon off, too—leaving me with the next big event of the day: dinner.

Dinner tonight was chicken Alfredo, paired nicely with delicious mashed potatoes. Then came chocolate pudding with a little whipped cream on top—certainly no complaints from my taste buds! I honestly can’t remember having a bad meal here. The food is consistently excellent, and I’m grateful for the people who prepare it. Still, as wonderful as dinner may be, even great mashed potatoes are not enough reason to spend the rest of my life somewhere.

And that brings me to the struggle that keeps circling through my mind. At times, I feel trapped here, unable to see the road that leads somewhere else. I’m treated well, cared for, and fed exceptionally well, and I appreciate all of that. Some people here seem perfectly content with this way of life, and I respect that. But what works beautifully for someone else doesn’t necessarily make it right for me.

I still feel that I have something to contribute. I want to write, inspire, teach, laugh, explore, connect with people, and make a difference. I don’t want the highlight of my day to simply be wondering what’s for dinner—no matter how good the chocolate pudding might be. I want something beyond the next meal to anticipate. I want purpose. I want possibilities. I want more life.

Maybe I can’t see the road ahead yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. I’ve been lost plenty of times before, both on the highway and in life, and some of those unexpected roads led me to remarkable places. Perhaps this is simply another stretch where the map hasn’t been drawn yet. I believe there is still more life waiting for me. My job now is to keep looking until I discover where it leads.

For tonight, though, that search will have to continue from my room. It’s only a little past six, and already I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the evening. I get bored easily, especially when there isn’t much happening around here. I’ll spend a little more time on the computer, perhaps watch some television, and try to stay awake until at least ten. Most nights, however, my body has its own schedule and eventually orders me to surrender.

You already know how I feel about sleep—I consider it a terrible waste of perfectly usable time! There are things to write, ideas to explore, people to help, adventures yet to have, and a whole world still waiting for me. Unfortunately, my brain apparently didn’t get that memo. Every night it insists on shutting everything down for routine maintenance.

So eventually I’ll sleep—not because I particularly approve of the arrangement, but because apparently even Kit Summers needs a nightly recharge. And when morning arrives, I’ll switch myself back on and continue searching for that road ahead.

I MAY NOT KNOW WHERE I’M GOING NEXT,
BUT I WILL KNOW I AM NOT FINISHED YET.

OCTOBER 2
Early in the morning, while the rest of the world was still hitting the snooze button, I switched myself back on. My body may have preferred a few more hours of sleep, but my brain had already flipped the sign to OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

I start my new blog later today, after this one is sent out (I hope you like it). It’s hard to imagine finding enough material for a full blog, but I thought that for this one. Somehow the ideas and the words creep into my mind (and boy, is it creepy)

The next blog? Almost finished already! I keep trying to give my fingers a break, but apparently, they have other plans. An idea pops into my head—BAM!—my fingers attack the keyboard, and off we go again. At this point, I’m not sure who’s in charge: me, my brain, or these ten overactive fingers.

But I love writing, especially when I can turn something I’ve lived through into words that might help someone else. I’ve had enough adventures, accidents, mistakes, successes, wrong turns, right turns, and downright strange turns to keep me writing for a long time. There always seems to be another story hiding somewhere in my brain, waiting to escape through my fingertips.

So I’ll keep writing as long as the ideas keep coming. And I hope you’ll keep chasing whatever makes you feel alive. Maybe it’s writing, painting, traveling, learning something new, helping someone, or finally going after that dream you’ve been putting off.

DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEDAY.
YOUR LIFE IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW—GO LIVE IT!

====================
PART 3—BLOG 397, WHAT IS NORMAL?
Be Different—find your own way.
             
For years, I wondered what it meant to live a “normal” life. Was it normal to wake up at the same time every morning, go to work, pay the bills, watch television, go to bed, and then get up and do it all over again? If so, I missed the train—and knowing me, I was probably waiting at the airport.
I COULD NOT LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THAT!
             
Maybe I was never headed toward normal in the first place. It started with a unicycle when I was thirteen. Once I learned to balance on that single wheel, I was hooked. I loved the challenge, the freedom, and probably the fact that most people thought it was a little crazy. When I discovered something I loved, I wanted to find out just how far I could take it.
         
Key Benefits of Change >>

• Go Beyond the Normal: Life can get better and better—yet it is up to you to make it happen. Never settle for “normal”. 
• Personal Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you gain fresh insights and learn new skills as you move forward.
• Learn to Challenge Yourself: Without challenge, life can be boring and mundane. There is more to you than that—face the challenge!
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Facing unexpected shifts trains your mind to stay calm and handle future surprises. Change with the changes. 
• New Opportunities: Stepping off a familiar path opens doors to choices and experiences you might otherwise miss. Never be afraid of what lies beyond the next turn. 
• Inner Strength: Overcoming difficult transitions reveals your true capabilities and builds self-trust. You are better than you ever imagined. 
• Don’t change too much! Always keep your inner child front and center. Look for joy; it is there. Keep your eyes open. 
• Breaking Routines: Changing your daily habits can shake you free from an uninspired rut and awaken new possibilities. Don’t sit around waiting for life to become different. 
• Look for change. Find change. Create change. Sometimes one small change is all it takes to send your life in an exciting new direction.
• Find the joy! Laugh often. Play freely. Find joy everywhere you can—and never become too grown-up to be a little silly! 

That attitude became a pattern throughout my life. Halfway was never much fun for me. Whether I was learning to juggle (again), building a successful Salsa Business, or fighting my way through rehabilitation, I discovered something important: we often have more ability inside us than we realize. Sometimes we never discover how much strength we possess until life gives us a reason to use it.
             
As a young juggler, I didn’t simply want to keep three balls in the air. I wanted to discover how far I could take the skill. That determination eventually carried me around the world as a professional juggler, performing before thousands of people. While other people carried briefcases to work, I carried juggling clubs. While they worried about meetings and deadlines, I worried about whether seven objects would come back down in approximately the right places. It was unusual, certainly—but it was normal to me.
             
That same determination carried me in other directions. In high school, I discovered the pole vault—and once again, I was hooked on the challenge. I practiced relentlessly, pushed myself beyond what I thought I could do, and kept raising the bar—quite literally. Eventually, I cleared 18’6″, setting a school record and, at one point in the past, a world record. Looking back, I suppose gravity and I started having disagreements long before I became a professional juggler. Gravity kept insisting that I come down. I kept asking, “Why?”
               
Looking back, whenever I discovered something I truly loved, I didn’t just dabble in it—I jumped in with both feet and gave it everything I had. Passion has always taken over my life. Of course, looking back, I probably should have been a little more selective about applying that same all-in philosophy to some of the women in my life! Life teaches us lessons in some very interesting ways.
             
A few more ideas >>
1. Follow Your Interests.
Explore what excites you.
Read, practice, volunteer, experiment.
A small curiosity today may become a lifelong passion tomorrow.
         
2. Explore Your Dislikes.
Don’t automatically avoid what you dislike.
Look deeper.
Challenges can teach you something, open unexpected doors, or even reveal a new interest.
           
3. Ignore the Doubters.
Not everyone will understand your dreams. They don’t have to.
You are not a résumé. You are a human being.
Your Life is yours. Explore all aspects as you go forward.
             
4. Keep Searching.
You don’t have to know your passion yet.
Try something new. Follow your curiosity. Take chances.
Passion isn’t always something you find—sometimes it’s something you create.

STAY CURIOUS. KEEP EXPLORING. KEEP INVENTING. 
YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THE NEXT STEP MIGHT LEAD. 

Through all those experiences, I learned that we have choices about how we approach life. We can do just enough to get by, or we can challenge ourselves to discover what we are truly capable of doing and becoming. Excellence doesn’t require perfection. It asks us to keep learning, growing, stretching, and reaching a little beyond where we were yesterday. Yes, Beyond Your Potential!
       
After my accident, nearly everything I had once considered “normal” had vanished. Excellence was no longer about how high I could jump or how brightly I could shine. It had become something far more meaningful—the courage to start at the bottom again, the determination to take one difficult step after another, and the refusal to stop climbing simply because life had knocked me down.
                               
My definition of success changed because my definition of normal had changed. Excellence was no longer about applause, bright lights, or mastering another difficult juggling trick. Excellence became taking another step, saying another word, catching another ball, and trying one more time. Catching one ball could make me feel as though I had just won an Olympic gold medal.
           
I discovered that excellence can wear many faces. Sometimes it is standing beneath brilliant stage lights while an audience rises in applause—and sometimes it is simply finding the courage and strength to stand again after life has knocked you flat.
         
One victory may earn applause; the other may happen quietly, with no audience at all. But both require determination, both represent progress, and both deserve to be celebrated. Sometimes the quietest victories reveal just how strong we truly are.
               
For a while, however, all I wanted was my old normal back. I wanted to be the person I was before the accident. I wanted my strength, coordination, independence, and old life back. I wondered whether I had been permanently exiled from the Kingdom of Normal. Eventually, though, I began asking a much better question: 

YOUR JOB IS TO DISCOVER JUST HOW FAR YOU CAN GROW—
AND HOW EXTRAORDINARY YOU CAN BECOME!

The more I thought about that question, the more I realized there is no single measuring stick for what a life is supposed to look like. We each begin in a different place, face different challenges, possess different strengths, and travel our own road. Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes we can make is measuring our progress with somebody else’s ruler.
         
For one person, normal might be running five miles before breakfast. For another, it might be standing up without assistance. One person remembers every detail of yesterday; another writes things down so precious moments will not disappear. One person travels the world, while another discovers adventure in the neighborhood just outside the front door. Neither life is more normal—or more valuable—than the other.

Remember this because comparison can quietly steal the joy from the progress we are actually making. If you continually compare yourself with someone else—or even with the person you were ten or twenty years ago—you may overlook the victories happening in your life right now. Your accomplishments don’t have to impress anybody else to matter.
         
Perhaps normal is not some imaginary standard we are supposed to reach. Perhaps normal is simply where we are today—and what we choose to do from here. Life changes us. Accidents change us. Aging changes us. Love changes us. Loss changes us. Sometimes we choose those changes, and sometimes they arrive like a speeding truck without asking permission. We cannot always control what arrives, but we can decide what we do next.
           
I have learned that the goal is not always to get back to the person we once were. Sometimes life closes that door and quietly opens another one. The greater challenge—and perhaps the greater opportunity—is to step through that new door and discover who we can become next. Growth does not always mean getting back what we lost. Sometimes it means building something new with what remains.
         
Some Kit successes AFTER the accident >>
Married for 23 years, with daughters who are now in their thirties.
Running a successful salsa business for 20 years.
Back to running and bicycling again, my joy.
Traveling the world coaching juggling.
Driving across the US multiple times.
Writing 15 books to help people.
Speaking before thousands.
This shows you that you can—
YES, find success after any change.
             
Now I am doing much the same thing with this blog—only instead of juggling clubs, I am juggling words, ideas, and lessons from a lifetime of unexpected twists and turns. I write to help you see your life differently and, hopefully, live it a little better.
             
Through these words, I hope to open your mind to possibilities you may not have considered. Question the limits you have placed on yourself, challenge what you accept as “normal,” and recognize the potential still waiting inside you.
           
If something I write inspires you to try something new, change an old habit, revive a forgotten dream, laugh a little more, or simply believe in yourself again, then these words have accomplished exactly what I hoped they would.

There is still so much life waiting for you—more to discover, more to experience, more to love, and more of yourself yet to become. Keep your heart hopeful and your mind open. Your next adventure, opportunity, friendship, or dream may already be making its way toward you.

Keep moving forward!
Your next possibility could be closer than you think. 

Maybe your next victory is making the phone call you have been avoiding. Maybe it is walking around the block, applying for a job, apologizing to someone, beginning that book, making a new friend, asking for help, or trying something you are afraid you might fail at. Your victory does not have to look impressive to anyone else. It only has to move you forward.
               
I am still learning this myself. My own normal continues to change. Some days, three juggling clubs move smoothly through the air, almost as if they remember the old days. Other times, they crash to the ground as though gravity still has something personal against me. That is okay. I may not be the juggler I once was, but I am still a juggler. I may not live the life I once lived, but I am most certainly still living.
             
The longer I live, the more I suspect that none of us is truly “normal.” We are all strange and wonderful collections of dreams, scars, mistakes, memories, peculiar habits, disappointments, hopes, and unexpected victories. Some people are simply better at hiding their weirdness than others. Beneath the surface, every person carries challenges the rest of us may know nothing about.
               
In other words, everyone is juggling something. Maybe it is a career, a relationship, money, health, loneliness, family, aging, uncertainty, or a dream that refuses to leave you alone. Sometimes everything stays beautifully in the air. And sometimes, it drops.
           
Sometimes the whole mess comes crashing down around your feet. When that happens, pick it up and try again. You do not have to pick up everything at once. Start with one thing. One ball. One step. One decision. One small improvement today.
               
That may be one of the most normal—and courageous—things a human being can do. Excellence doesn’t mean being perfect; it means refusing to stop growing. Aim high, work hard, stumble now and then, laugh when you do, and keep reaching beyond what you thought was possible. Excellence isn’t about never falling. 

IT IS ABOUT DISCOVERING HOW MUCH
DETERMINATION YOU HAVE EACH TIME YOU RISE AGAIN. 

I no longer want to spend much time worrying about whether my life is normal. I want a life filled with courage, curiosity, challenge, purpose, laughter, adventure, friendship, and love. I want to keep learning, creating, helping people, and discovering what might be waiting around the next corner. I don’t need my life to look like anyone else’s. I simply want it to remain unmistakably mine.
               
And I hope you will give yourself permission to do the same. Stop measuring your life against someone else’s ruler. Stop believing you are behind simply because your road looks different. You have your own starting point, your own challenges, your own abilities, and your own possibilities. Your job is not to become “normal.” 

YOUR JOB IS TO DISCOVER JUST HOW FAR YOU CAN GROW—
AND HOW EXTRAORDINARY YOU CAN BECOME!

So, I’m ready to dance like a ballerina! If that makes my life unusual, wonderful. I have spent too much of my life discovering what is possible to waste time worrying about fitting into someone else’s definition of normal. Normal is overrated anyway. I would rather be curious, adventurous, occasionally ridiculous, and fully alive.
                   
Wherever life takes me next, I plan to keep learning, laughing, writing, juggling, exploring, dancing, and inspiring others. I may not know what the next chapter holds, but that is exactly what makes life an adventure. And, of course, I’ll keep a few juggling clubs nearby.

 AFTER ALL, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT LIFE MIGHT TOSS YOUR WAY—
AND I INTEND TO CATCH AS MUCH AS I CAN.  🤹‍♂️💃😊

====================
PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs. 💥 They wake up the mind, shrink problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can turn “I can’t” into “Why not?”—a small flashlight guiding you through a dark hallway. 🔦
           
But the real magic comes through repetition. The more you repeat a truth, the more deeply you believe it—and the more your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on the wall is decoration. A quote put into action becomes transformation.
             
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?
Now that’s power. ✨
        ==========
1) “Normal is an illusion.
What is normal for the spider
is chaos for the fly.”
— Morticia Addams
           
2) “NORMAL?”
    “Yes, I’m not.”
— Kit Summers
             
3) “Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you are.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
               
4) “Life isn’t about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.”
—  Maya Angelou
             
5) “Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
It is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill
             
6) “Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you are.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
           
7) “Normal isn’t a rule to follow—
it’s a life you define.
Be wonderfully, courageously YOU!”
— Kit Summers
                               
8) “It always seems impossible
until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
           
9) “Normal isn’t a destination—
it’s simply where you are before
you decide to grow.”
— Kit Summers
         
10) “You are never too old to set another
goal or to dream a new dream.”
—  C.S. Lewis
====================
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
This week, challenge your idea of normal. Are you living the life you truly want—or simply following the path everyone else seems to follow? Try something new, break a routine, take a different path, and be curious, adventurous, even a little ridiculous. Forget normal. Create a life that makes you excited to be alive. Your next great adventure may begin with one small step—or one ball tossed into the air.
That is your challenge for the week.
That is the challenge for YOUR LIFE!
====================
====================
WOODSIDEMOTION!
Thank you to Christopher and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping me explore the possibility of bringing my extraordinary life story to the screen.
Always remember Christopher Jones—the man who can help introduce you and your story to the world.
Christopher, thank you for believing in me and recognizing the potential of my journey. I am deeply grateful to you and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping to share my story with the world and for bringing the movie about my extraordinary life to life.
Together, we can inspire countless people to overcome adversity,
discover their strength, and create a better future.
     
Website: https://woodsidemotion.com/
Email:   christopher@woodsidemotion.com
====================
====================
CINDY MARVELL
At this point, I must recognize the marvellous Cindy Marvell.
This amazing woman founded and runs https://bouldercircuscenter.net.
There, she helps others dream big and take flight.
She is also an extraordinary performer in her own right—take a look >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbKaLV4I9Q
Throughout this movie project, she offered her encouragement and help in countless ways. Having someone believe in your story makes the journey even more meaningful. For one thing, she is the only woman to ever win the International Juggling Competition.
       
Thank you, Cindy, for your remarkable talent, generous heart, and unwavering support—both personally and financially. I am deeply grateful to have you beside me, helping keep this dream in the air. Every great dream needs someone who believes in it, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have you juggling this one alongside me! 🤹‍♂️💛

I’ve visited Cindy in Boulder a number of times. She likes how I take care of her garden. Thatis one of my skills, making the out-of-doors nicer. S

HERE IS CINDY SHAKING HANDS IN THE WILDERNESS. 

==================== 
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG 398—YIKES, I CAN’T TURN AROUND!
=====================  

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
YOU CAN DO THIS IN ALL AREAS. YOU CAN BE MORE—YOU ARE MORE!
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟

*✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 396–Step Outside

THIS BLOG IS SHORTER AND HAPPIER!
Read every word; there have been changes.
                                              Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Me >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS 

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
ONCE UPON A LIFE…
I made gravity nervous—Seven clubs soaring through the air.
A world record.  Because physics loves a good insult.
Kit continued his drive toward excellence. 😄
         
Then came the truck.  The coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
But I returned—Balancing healing,
tossing hope sky-high, and
juggling purpose, grit, and joy. 🤹‍♂️
         
Now, I lift people.
That is bigger than applause.
Writing is how I breathe.
If these words help you breathe a little easier, too—
That is magic catching air. 🎉
           
What comes next on Kit’s journey?
Back to juggling?  Back to the stage?  Back to life?
Stay with me and find out. 
Life can get better.   Life will get better! ✨ 

My new address is:>>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL  33647
(A love letter would be dandy.)   kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com     https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Call me >> 610-400-3233

BALBOA PARK IN SAN DIEGO                  

=======================
NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET! 

A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week.
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.  
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.

ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end,
what will you want to remember? 
The dreams you chased? The people you loved?
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me? 
Remember the moments when you chose courage over comfort?

CRATER LAKE IN SOUTHERN OREGON              

READ PAST BLOGS HERE —
kitsummers.com/blog

If even one sentence inspires you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.

• EVERY DAY >>

• Feel the sunshine.
• Enjoy a good meal.
• Speak more kindly.
• Care for your body.
• Learn something new.
• Laugh whenever possible.
• Improve one little thing today.
• Treasure a friendly conversation.
• Then improve another tomorrow. 
• Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow.
• Spend time with people who lift your spirits. 
• And become something absolutely phenomenal!
• Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
• Celebrate every bit of progress—even when it arrives late.

Small choices may seem insignificant in the moment, but never underestimate their power. When repeated with purpose, patience, and persistence, they become strong habits that quietly shape the direction of your life.
             
You do not have to transform everything overnight; simply make one positive choice today, then make it again tomorrow. Step by step, those tiny victories build momentum, strengthen your confidence, and create a brighter future—because every remarkable journey begins with one small decision to move forward.
=====
I heard from Phyllis >>
LOL— Making your Bed—one of my favorite topics!! An unmade bed WRECKS me! LOL Some days I am throwing Bernie out of bed so I can make it (ha ha). Not often, as we are early birds. But you know what’s hilarious? I JUST learned (about a month ago) that you should NOT make your bed as soon as you climb out of it. You should “let it air out” because of the dead skin cells and whatever “bugs” it leaves behind lol.  I thought this person was joking and just being lazy when they told me, but I found out it was actually true!! LOL HOWEVER, let the bugs live on! LOL I’m still making my bed first thing! ; )
Warm regards, Phyllis ; )
MEET ME ON ZILLOW TO REVIEW MY TESTIMONIALS & CREDENTIALS: www.Zillow.com/profile/PhyllisLynch
THANK YOU, MY DEAR FRIEND, PHYLLIS.
=====
Happiness is not having everything you want; it is appreciating what you already have. There will always be another goal to pursue and another mountain calling your name. Just do not become so focused on tomorrow’s summit that you miss today’s magnificent view.             
WORDS FOR YOU—AND FOR ME?
I write these words for you—and for myself. We are all works in progress, and none of us has life completely figured out. That is perfectly all right. Life does not demand perfection; it asks us to stay involved, remain willing, and keep trying.
            Is that Kit?
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
               
Friday has arrived again. I send this week’s blog into the world—a collection of my thoughts, struggles, experiences, and hopes traveling through cyberspace in search of someone who might need its messages.
=======================
1) LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU. STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
2) RAISE THE CURTAIN. TAKE A BREATH. AND START YOUR ACT. 🎪🔥
3) DO NOT WAIT FOR MONDAY. TAKE ONE SMALL STEP TODAY.
4) YOUR BETTER LIFE BEGINS NOW — ADD TO THE WORLD IN A GREAT WAY.
5) DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
6) YOU ARE IMPORTANT — TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.
7) WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
8) LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
9) LIVE FOR NOW! NOT YESTERDAY! NOT TOMORROW! NOW IS THE TIME!
=========================
The wilderness has always pulled me toward it. I feel most alive among the trees, surrounded by plants, wildlife, and the gentle sounds of nature. The woods are more than a place I enjoy visiting—they are where my mind grows quiet, my spirit feels free, and I remember just how wonderful it is to be alive. Over the years, however, I have discovered something important: we do not always have to travel deep into the woods to find that feeling.
             
This week, I invite you to discover your own wilderness. It does not have to be a distant forest, a towering mountain, or an empty beach. Your wilderness can be any peaceful place where the noise of daily life begins to fade, your mind opens, and your thoughts are free to wander. It might be beneath a tree, beside a pond, along a quiet walking path, or even in a comfortable chair near an open window. The important thing is not where you go, but what happens inside you when you get there.
                 
That is because finding your wilderness is as much a mental journey as a physical one. For a few minutes, step away from schedules, screens, worries, and other people’s expectations. Breathe slowly. Listen to the sounds around you. Allow your thoughts to move naturally without trying to control or judge them. You are not escaping from life—you are creating enough quiet space to see your life more clearly.
                 
I learned this through years of wandering through forests, mountains, oceans, and wild places. Nature gave me room to breathe, think, dream, and feel fully alive. But eventually I realized that the freedom I found in those magnificent places could travel home with me. Even when I cannot head for the mountains or disappear down a wooded trail, I can still create a small clearing in my thoughts—and so can you.
                 
Your wilderness will probably look different from mine. Perhaps you will find it while walking through a neighborhood park, tending a garden, listening to birds, writing in a journal, or sitting quietly before the rest of the world awakens. The location matters far less than the feeling. Your wilderness is wherever you can loosen your grip on the day, breathe a little more deeply, and give your imagination room to stretch its legs.
                 
So give yourself permission to visit that place this week. Put down the phone, turn down the noise, and stop trying to solve everything for a little while. Let your thoughts roam without a map. They may wander in unexpected directions, but that is part of the adventure. Sometimes the mind, like a good wilderness trail, leads us somewhere wonderful when we stop trying to control every turn.
                     
And here is the best part: you do not need hiking boots, camping equipment, or a backpack stuffed with granola bars—although snacks rarely hurt! You only need a little time, a little quiet, and the willingness to explore. The greatest wilderness may not be somewhere far beyond the horizon. It may be the open, peaceful space you create within yourself.

THE GRAND CANYON, COLORADO RIVER IN ARIZONA

Go there. Breathe deeply. Think freely. Listen carefully. You may return without a single mosquito bite—but with a fresh idea, a calmer heart, and a clearer path forward.
                           
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
       
Good morning! Or perhaps it is good afternoon… or even good evening!
Whenever these words find you, consider them right on time. Inspiration never checks the clock—it simply arrives when your heart needs it most, usually carrying a smile, a warm hug, and occasionally juggling three bright ideas! 🤹‍♂️✨
         
That is one of the marvelous things about words: they never complain when you arrive late, glance impatiently at the clock, or lose their loving sparkle. With readers scattered across time zones around the world, I may not know what time it is where you are—but I know this: you are here, you matter, and these words have found you at exactly the right moment.
             
So, welcome, my friend! There is always time for fresh inspiration, a hearty laugh, a little more love, and one joyful step toward a brighter, happier life. Let’s take that step together—and if we wobble, we’ll call it dancing! 💛             
         
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 19
It is a bright, sunny day outside, so I may have to wander out later and sample a little sunshine. I hear it is calorie-free, naturally energizing, and served in unlimited portions!
             
My daughter April called today, and hearing her voice filled my heart with joy. Things sound good for her and her little family, which made this dad—and very proud grandpa—smile from the inside out. A loving phone call can brighten a day faster than sunshine, and you do not even need sunscreen!
       
The lump and swelling in my right elbow are still there, stubbornly refusing to pack their tiny bags and leave. Since the left side of my brain was more seriously injured in my accident, I have long experienced difficulties with the right side of my body. Could the two be connected? I’m not sure, but it’s worth asking my doctor. Bodies can be mysterious little rascals.
           
They give me eight pills every day—some for high blood pressure, asthma, and allergies, along with a few vitamins. I take them as prescribed, although swallowing a daily pharmaceutical parade has never been my favorite activity. My mother always said, “If you eat well, you shouldn’t need supplements.” I still carry her loving advice with me and try to nourish my body with healthy, colorful food whenever possible.
                 
As usual, Saturday is moving at approximately the speed of a sleepy turtle wearing fuzzy slippers. The hallways are quiet, nobody seems to be doing much, and excitement has apparently taken the weekend off. So, I am tucked away in my room, watching videos and writing this blog for you. It may not be a grand Saturday adventure, but writing fills my day with purpose—and knowing you are reading these words makes the quiet feel warmer and far less lonely.
           
So yes, today is slow, and I expect Sunday may stroll along at the same leisurely pace. But sunshine is waiting outside, words are happily bouncing around inside my head, and love has a delightful way of showing up—even on the quietest days. You never know when a little adventure might sneak around the corner, wink at you, and say, “Come on, Kit—let’s go!”
             
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 20
I stayed tucked comfortably in bed until about 4:30 this morning, enjoying the quiet while my mind gently stretched awake. Then, of course, my blog began whispering, “Kit, come play with a few words!” How could I resist an invitation like that?
         
I got up and happily went to work—
an edit here, an adjustment there,
and a sprinkle of extra sparkle
wherever it was needed.
             
With every loving change, the writing became clearer, stronger, and more enjoyable. Things are looking better and better, one carefully juggled word at a time! 🤹‍♂️✨What would I do if I did not have my blog to work on? Thankfully, I do not have to find out!
           
Writing brings purpose and direction to my days. It keeps my mind active, awakens my curiosity, and gives me a joyful place to turn my thoughts, memories, and experiences into something meaningful. My blog is far more than a weekly collection of words. It is a dear companion and a welcoming place where I can laugh, reflect, dream, and continue discovering new possibilities.
             
Perhaps something I write will encourage you, brighten a difficult day, or help you see life through a more hopeful window. That possibility fills my heart with gratitude. Every thoughtful edit brings me closer to the message I want to share. Every completed paragraph feels like another cheerful little victory.
             
Without my blog, my days would certainly be quieter and far less colorful. Fortunately, another idea is always bouncing around inside my head, waving its arms and shouting, “Catch me, Kit!” I am delighted to catch it and toss it onto the page—with love, laughter, and perhaps just a tiny bit of mischief!
           
NOW—How About You?
Have you started your blog yet?
You have experiences, ideas, and lessons.
These could brighten someone’s day—
or even change a life.
Share your voice. Tell your story.
Help people live happier, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
Your words may be exactly what someone needs today!
           
At noon, they held what they called a “Sunday Funday Football Luncheon,” complete with pizza and beer. A few people showed up, but there was not much excitement—or fun—to be found. It was about what I expected: more fumbles than touchdowns!
           
I had three slices of pizza, by the way, so the luncheon was not a complete loss! Then I grabbed my one can of beer and returned to my room, where the real fun awaited—writing to you. Some people spend Sunday afternoons watching players chase a football around a field. I would rather chase a good idea across the page! Football? What’s that? Give me a keyboard, a few playful thoughts, and something meaningful to share—that is my kind of winning game!  🏈🍕
         
At 2:00 p.m., they are playing Uno, and at 3:00, Bingo begins — oh boy. I will not be attending either one. Nothing against cards and numbered balls—they simply are not how I want to play my day. I would rather stay in my room, write, think, and juggle a few ideas. That is my kind of winning!

I do not know how this keeps happening, but somehow I lose track of what day it is—and it frustrates the hell out of me!                                                           Let me know if you need help with your blog>>KIT
Today is Sunday,
and I always enjoy watching CBS Sunday Morning.
It was on, but I was so busy working on my blog that I completely missed it.
               
I am angry with myself for not paying attention. How hard should it be to remember what day it is? At least I added more to the blog this morning, so the time was not wasted—but right now, that does not make me any less irritated!
       
Please send me a reminder on Sunday morning. I like watching 60 Minutes, too. I will make sure I don’t miss that show tonight. Do you also like watching those shows? But I did hear from ChatGPT, and it said that program would remind me on Sunday morning not to miss the show.
             
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! At 7pm. Here we go again—rain pounding against the windows, wind whipping through the trees, and dark clouds gathering overhead. It looks like another delightful Florida evening! The sky is providing thunderous sound effects, the lightning is flashing like a free fireworks show, and the rain is determined to wash everything in sight. Mother Nature certainly knows how to make an entrance—and apparently, she has no volume control! ⛈️⚡🌧️
My friend Ray Stern kindly pointed out that I had written “knee” when I meant “elbow.” I quickly jumped in and corrected the mistake. Errors are never much fun, but this one came with a delightful bit of good news—it proved that people really are reading my blog posts. LIKE YOU, RIGHT NOW!
             
Thank you, Ray, for paying attention and helping me keep my body parts properly organized. Apparently, after all these years of juggling, even my elbows and knees occasionally get tossed around! (I’m glad I don’t drop one.)🤹‍♂️😊
           
If you ever notice a mistake in my writing, please let me know. Whether it is a mispeled word, a confusing sentence, or an elbow that somehow became a knee, I would truly appreciate your help! Your feedback helps me improve and reminds me that people are genuinely reading my words. Thank you for helping me make each blog post even better! 😊✍️
               
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 21
Wow! I lounged in bed until at least 5:00 this morning—practically a vacation by my standards! Then I climbed out and took one of my twice-weekly showers. Now I feel fresh, clean, and ready to greet the day with a smile. 🚿✨
             
There is something wonderfully uplifting about feeling clean and refreshed. It may be one of life’s simple pleasures, but it is certainly a mighty good one! And as you know from my last blog post, I carefully arranged and made my bed—so both Kit and his room look sharp today!
           
Breakfast was nothing special today—just another meal set before me. What continues to surprise me is that I am rarely hungry anymore. I can sit at the table, look at a full plate, and honestly wonder why I am eating at all. My stomach never seems to ring the breakfast bell or send an urgent message saying, “Kit, feed me!”
                 
Still, I know my body needs nourishment, even when my appetite forgets to send the invitation. Food gives me energy to think, write, juggle, walk, heal, and keep moving forward, so I eat what I can, usually in smaller portions. Perhaps not every bite needs to be exciting; sometimes it is simply fuel for the next paragraph, the next walk, and the next small adventure waiting around the corner. 🍽️😊
             
It turns out I forgot to watch 60 Minutes, too, right along with CBS Sunday Morning. I suppose television simply does not hold much attraction for me these days. I enjoy certain programs when I remember them, but apparently, they are not important enough to remain on my mind.
               
My thoughts are usually busy juggling writing, fresh ideas, and the next blog post. Perhaps that is not such a terrible thing after all. While television tells other people’s stories, I am still happily creating my own—and that may be the best program of all! 📺✍️😊
     
The people serving meals here have been told that Kit does not eat very much, so my plates have become noticeably smaller. That is perfectly fine with me—I would rather enjoy a little than waste a lot! With garlic bread, the pasta was special tonight. Less food, but delicious.
                 
Dinner tonight was absolutely fabulous. The Shrimp Scampi Alfredo was some of the best pasta I have ever eaten. My sincere thanks to the chef and dining staff for preparing such delicious, thoughtful meals. Tonight’s dinner may have been a smaller portion, but it delivered enormous flavor! 🍤🍝🧄😊
           
Then it was back to my room for a little writing and television. We have cable here, so I can watch almost anything I want. Yet I usually spend more time with my computer because, with this marvelous typing machine, I am not merely watching someone else’s story—I have the freedom to create and control my own. 📺💻✍️
               
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 22
Last night I watched Indiana Jones.
This well-made film was well worth the time.
If you have the chance to see it, do; you will love it.
Until then, see this >> Indiana Jones

Not much happening around here today—or so it might appear! Behind the scenes, my little computer and I are attempting something rather enormous. I have been working with ChatGPT to transform my movie treatment into a full-blown screenplay. 🎬
=====            
ChatGPT wrote this about putting together a screenplay:>>
And WOW! Writing a screenplay is not exactly a leisurely stroll through the park. Characters need voices, scenes need action, and somehow hundreds of ideas bouncing around inside my head have to land neatly on the page. It feels a little like juggling seven clubs—except the clubs are words, and occasionally they all hit me in the head! 🤹‍♂️
             
Still, difficult has never frightened me away for long. I have faced a few challenges in my life that were considerably bigger than a blank page. So I keep writing, rewriting, imagining, and pushing forward. This story has lived inside me for decades. Now, scene by scene and page by page, I am giving it a chance to come alive on the screen.
Will it be easy? Nope.
Will I keep going?
You bet I will! 🎥✨
=====
I didn’t get my old life back. I built another one.
And when that life changed, I built again.
Believe me, I did not plan for my life to take so many unexpected turns. But I learned something powerful along the way: we can rebuild, reinvent, and redirect our lives as many times as necessary.
             
Yes—I have had to rebuild my life more than once. It was not always easy, and I certainly did not always know where I was going. But I kept moving. You don’t have to start at square one — just START!
I built another life. You can rebuild yours, too.
And believe me—I’m still building mine.             
           
That is the remarkable thing about being human: you are never finished. You can change direction, rewrite the plan, begin again, and build a different Life as many times as necessary. Your past may have shaped you, but it does not have to dictate where you go next. If there is something about your life you don’t like, don’t simply accept it.   CHANGE IT!
Change the direction.
Change the habits.
Change the dream.
Change what you can—
and then start building again.
Life isn’t written in permanent ink.
Keep rewriting it—live the life that YOU want!
Change is the only thing we can count on in life.
Starting over again, and again, and again.
               
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 23
I’m still not quite sure why I am here at The Legacy. Sometimes it feels as though this is simply a place for me to stay for a while until I figure out what comes next. I know the cost is exorbitant, but for now, this is where I am.
            LEGACY
So, I’m making the best of my days. I spend plenty of time writing, working on new ideas, and occasionally settling back to watch something on television. Lately, I’ve been enjoying Reacher. Sometimes it feels good to forget everything else for a while and simply enjoy a good show. 
                 
Yes, this is definitely a shoot-’em-up flick—plenty of gunfire, action, and mayhem. But I have to admit, it is very well-made, with enough exciting moments to keep me watching. It may not be Shakespeare, but Shakespeare never had this many bullets flying across the screen!
REACHER
Still, I cannot help wondering what comes next. I’ve learned throughout my life that where you are today does not necessarily determine where you will be tomorrow. For now, I’ll keep writing, keep thinking, keep enjoying the good moments—and keep my eyes open for the next door that life decides to swing open. 😊
       
Here is Reacher >>
REACHER
Enjoy.

           
In fact, I stayed in my room nearly all day and watched movies. There really was not much happening around here to tempt me out. About the only reliable events on the schedule were breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and yes, I did manage to make appearances for those! At least the meals gave me a reason to escape my four walls for a while before returning to my room, my computer, and another movie. Some days are filled with adventure; apparently, this one was filled with movie credits and trips to the dining room. 🎬🍽️
               
Because there are so few activities on the schedule that interest me, I spend a great deal of time alone in my room, working on my computer. Some days, the lack of freedom and choices begins to wear on me. Strangely, it can almost feel like being back in prison, where I once spent a month of my life after being falsely charged.
                  IN JAIL
Of course, this is not prison, but that old feeling of confinement occasionally comes rushing back—the feeling of having someone else decide where I can go and what I can do. Fortunately, today I have my computer, my writing, and my imagination. Those things give me freedom and somewhere wonderful to go, even when I cannot physically go anywhere.
                HEAD TILT
Every now and then, I catch myself sitting at my computer with my head and neck tilted to one side. It is an old habit that seems to happen without me even realizing it. I do not want to keep doing this, so whenever I notice the tilt, I consciously straighten my head and adjust my posture.
             
The encouraging part is that I am noticing it. Each time I catch myself and make a correction, I become more aware of how I hold my body. Perhaps, little by little, that awareness will help me develop a better habit. For now, I will simply keep catching myself, straightening up, and moving forward—one small correction at a time.
              ASTHMA
That sounds encouraging, Kit. Symbicort is designed to help control asthma over the longer term by keeping the airways calmer and more open. If you’re noticing that breathing is becoming easier, that’s certainly a welcome change.
               
After asthma has been getting in the way of things you enjoy, better breathing can mean more freedom again. Keep using it exactly as your doctor prescribed, and don’t increase, decrease, or stop it on your own just because you’re feeling better. Here’s hoping those lungs keep saying, “Ahhh… now THAT’S more like it!” 😊
“HOW AM I DOIN?”                
Far too many people casually say, “How are you?” or “How ya doin’?” without really wanting to know the answer. To me, that is a little sad. The words have become an automatic greeting rather than a genuine question. We say them, smile, and keep moving before the other person even has a chance to respond.
               
Imagine how different life might feel if, when we asked someone, “How are you?” we actually stopped, looked them in the eyes, and cared enough to listen. Those few words could become more than a habit—they could become a small act of kindness. So, the next time you ask someone how they are doing, mean it. You might be surprised by how much that simple moment matters.
             
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 24
Thursday again, and right on schedule, I took my morning shower, which I do every Thursday and Monday. Ahhh—there is something wonderfully refreshing about stepping out clean and ready for a brand-new day. It may be one of life’s simplest pleasures, but it always feels so good to be clean in this wonderfully messy world! 🚿😊✨ Good, then there’s also the bad.
          FRUSTRATION
It is deeply frustrating, especially when one day begins to look exactly like the next. Meals should not have to carry the entire burden of being the day’s big event. Maybe that is the real problem with the schedule here: it gives us a few things to attend, but very little to genuinely anticipate.
             
And there is a big difference between having something to do and having something to look forward to. A person needs something on the horizon that creates a little excitement—a reason to think, “I’m looking forward to that.” I want more than ways to simply fill the hours. I want things that make me feel like I am getting back to living again.
              PERFORMANCE
I’ve spent a lifetime performing, traveling, creating, teaching, writing, and chasing whatever adventure waited around the next corner. I was always moving toward something—a new stage, a new road, a new idea, or a new challenge.
               
Now, sitting around waiting for lunch to become the big event of the day is quite a change of scenery for me. I’ve spent much of my life performing, traveling, creating, teaching, writing, and chasing whatever adventure waited around the next corner. I’m simply not very good at sitting still and waiting for life to happen.
              MUST GET AWAY!
I would much rather be out there making something happen—creating, exploring, helping people, laughing, learning, and finding another reason to get excited about tomorrow. I’ve spent a lifetime creating the next act. Maybe that is exactly what I need to do again. The stage may have changed, but the show certainly isn’t over. It’s time to create the next act.
               
The encouraging part is that Legacy doesn’t have to provide every reason to look forward to tomorrow. You may have to create some of them yourself—another juggling gathering, a weekly writing session with residents, a little outdoor adventure, a movie night you choose, or even a regular “Kit’s Hour” where you teach, tell stories, laugh, and get people involved.
             
I’ve spent much of my life creating the next act. When one chapter ended, I found a way to begin another. I went from juggling on stages around the world to rebuilding my life after devastating accidents, starting a business, writing books, speaking to audiences, and eventually living on the road with the whole country outside my van door. Reinvention has become part of who I am.
MAYBE IT’S TIME TO CREATE ANOTHER ACT RIGHT HERE?
I may not be able to change where I am today, but I can change what I do while I’m here. Instead of waiting for something interesting to appear on the schedule, perhaps I need to put something interesting on my own schedule. Write something. Teach someone to juggle. Meet someone new. Start a project. Make somebody laugh. Give myself one thing every day to genuinely look forward to.
                 
I’ve learned that a new life does not always arrive with trumpets, spotlights, and applause.
Sometimes it begins quietly—with one decision to stop waiting and start creating.
So, what’s next?
I don’t know yet.
Why stop now?
But I’ve created a few pretty good acts before.
The idea does scare me, but maybe it’s necessary.
    RIGHT NOW!
Being here scares me, but I have nothing else.
Without being here, where could I go?
That scares me.
           
Today, I stayed in my room for most of the day, doing very little. Most afternoons lately, I even lie down for a while and let a few hours quietly disappear. Rest is sometimes necessary, but I have never been very good at sitting around waiting for life to happen. I have spent too much of my life performing, traveling, writing, teaching, creating, and chasing whatever adventure waited around the next corner. Sitting in a room and watching another afternoon slip away simply does not feel like me.
        SLEEPIE TIME
Maybe that feeling is trying to tell me something. Perhaps I don’t need to accept that the most exciting part of my day is the next meal or that tomorrow must look exactly like today. I have rebuilt my life before—more than once—and I can still create something new from where I am right now. My world may be smaller at the moment, but my imagination, purpose, and possibilities are not. I’m still here, still thinking, still creating—and I am certainly not finished.
 
I just went out front, determined to go for a run—or at least a good, fast walk. My body was ready. My mind was ready. Unfortunately, my lungs apparently had not received the invitation. Almost immediately, they shouted, “NO!” My body wants to move, but my breathing keeps putting on the brakes. What to do, what to do?
           
Well, if I couldn’t run, I certainly wasn’t going to waste the trip outside. I noticed several areas out front that badly needed weeding, so I took a seat and went to work. I pulled weeds, cleaned things up, and before long, the whole area looked much nicer. Maybe I didn’t get the exercise I had planned, but I still accomplished something worthwhile. Sometimes life says NO to Plan A—and hands you a perfectly good Plan B hiding in the weeds. 🌱😊
 
It sounds as though meals have become more than breakfast, lunch, and dinner—they are almost the only times I see other people. Fortunately, the chefs here prepare excellent food, and I am genuinely grateful for that. Still, good food cannot replace conversation, companionship, laughter, or simply having something meaningful to look forward to. A person needs more than a full plate. We need a life that feels full, too.
            MY DEATH
My wish is that, after death, my body could be placed out in the wilderness so that the animals and bugs can feast on me. I do not want to be buried in a grave; that would be a waste of space on the earth. And I would rather not be cremated, where my energies would go to waste.
         
I have spent my life taking nourishment from the wilderness—breathing its air, walking beneath its trees, exploring its mountains, and finding peace in its quiet places. The wilderness has fed my life. Someday, I would be honored to feed the wilderness.
             
When my life is finished, I would like to return the favor. I do not need the wilderness only to hold me; I would like it to take nourishment from me. I have spent a lifetime receiving from nature. In the end, perhaps I can give something back.
           
For so many years, the forests, mountains, oceans, rivers, plants, and animals have given me something. They have fed my curiosity, calmed my mind, restored my spirit, and reminded me again and again how extraordinary it is simply to be alive.
                 
So when my time eventually comes, I like the idea of giving something back. Not disappearing from nature, but returning to it—becoming, in some small way, part of the wilderness that has given me so much. The wilderness helped nourish my life. Someday, I would be honored to nourish the wilderness.
           
Goodnight, my friend. I’m glad you’re ending the day with a smile. 😊
         
My last wishes can wait patiently on a very distant shelf. I’ve got 100+ years in my sights, and there’s an awful lot of living between here and there.
           
There are still words that haven’t been written, people who haven’t yet heard my story, places that haven’t felt my footsteps, jokes that haven’t caused groans, and adventures that haven’t even introduced themselves yet.
             
And as for getting into a little more trouble? I’d say I’ve demonstrated considerable natural talent in that department. 😂

Sleep peacefully tonight. Tomorrow is another blank page—and knowing you, it probably won’t stay blank for long. Good night for now. Tomorrow is waiting for you—and who knows what wonderful little piece of life might be hiding in it. Sleep peacefully, wake curiously, and keep that smile handy. Goodnight, my friend. 🌙❤️
           
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 25
Up early and right to the computer. Good morning to you.
Thinking of you as I type, I hope you are doing well.
Today is the release of the current blog. Do you like it?

Up early and right to the computer. Good morning to you.
Thinking of you as I type; I hope you are doing well.
Today is the release of the current blog. Do you like it?
Not much happened today; I hope you are doing well.
      =============
PART 3—BLOG 396–Step Outside
Be Different—Find Your Own Way.
                                           
FIND YOUR WILDERNESS 🚐
For seven years, my van was my home and the wilderness was my backyard. One morning, I might awaken in the mountains, breathing in the scent of pine trees. The next day, I might open my door beside the ocean and feel the salty breeze on my face. Every road offered another adventure—and another reason to feel alive. But my love of wilderness was about more than traveling to beautiful places. Long before I lived in that van, life had already taken me into a wilderness of its own.
         
TWO ACCIDENTS—ONE WILD LIFE 💕
After surviving two devastating accidents—including one that left me in a coma for thirty-seven days—the wilderness came to mean far more than beautiful scenery. I had once been a world-class juggler, but suddenly I had to relearn how to walk, speak, juggle, and think. Recovery became its own wilderness: difficult, unfamiliar, and without a map. Yet the mountains, forests, and oceans reminded me that life was still waiting beyond the next bend. Once I was strong enough to explore again, I wanted to see just how many of those bends I could follow.
             
EVERY NATIONAL PARK 🏞️
Eventually, those roads carried me to every national park in the continental United States. Yet even after seeing so many extraordinary places, I never ran out of wilderness to explore. Every trail revealed a new view, refreshed my mind, strengthened my body, and filled me with possibility. And, naturally, America was not enough for this wandering juggler. My curiosity followed me across oceans.
             
WORLDWIDE WILDERNESS 🌍
While traveling through the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe, I explored forests whenever I could. Each was different, but each gave me the same wonderful sense of peace and discovery. I began to realize that wilderness speaks a language we can all understand. And the more wild places I experienced, the more I understood that they were doing far more than giving me beautiful memories.
             
WHY WILDERNESS MATTERS 🌳
Wild places naturally filter water, clean the air, and provide homes for plants and animals. When we protect wilderness, we are protecting natural systems that help sustain life. But wilderness also protects something within us. It gives us space away from noise, technology, and hurried routines. Walking, hiking, kayaking, and exploring can strengthen the body, quiet the mind, and restore perspective. Perhaps that is why I always felt so completely accepted when I stepped into the wild.
           
THE WILDERNESS WELCOMES YOU 👏
The mountains never asked how quickly I was recovering. The trees did not care whether I could still juggle seven clubs. The rivers did not judge my scars or the slower pace of my steps. The wilderness welcomed me exactly as I was. Among the trees and peaceful trails, I did not have to prove anything. I could breathe deeply, move at my own pace, and simply be alive—and that was enough. That feeling of leaving expectations behind may be one reason stories about people abandoning the familiar have always fascinated me.
             
“INTO THE WILD” 🃏
This is a fascinating and thought-provoking book. Have you read it? You must.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?ds=20&kn=into%20the%20wild&sts=t&ref_=ds_ac_rk_0
The story was also made into a splendid film. It explores the powerful desire to leave ordinary life behind and search for something deeper in the wilderness. Read the book. Watch the film. Then ask yourself what kind of adventure might be calling you. You do not have to disappear into Alaska to understand that desire. I certainly understand it.
               
DESIRE 🍽️🎬
I understand the desire to step beyond ordinary boundaries. Sometimes we must leave the familiar road, wander into the wilderness, and discover strengths within ourselves we never knew were there. The path may be uncertain, but that is often where the greatest adventures—and the most remarkable versions of ourselves—begin. For me, those adventures eventually found another home: the written page.
             
WRITING ABOUT THE WILD ✍️
I have spent much of my life writing about remarkable experiences—performing as a world-class juggler, relearning to walk and speak after a devastating accident, building a successful salsa business, and living on the road while exploring America’s wild and wonderful places. Each chapter has taught me that even when life drops the ball, we can pick it up and begin again. Still, of everything I have tried to put into words, wilderness may be one of the hardest to capture.
               
YOU MUST GO 😜
Wilderness is especially difficult to capture. I can describe a towering tree or restless ocean, but words cannot reproduce the feeling of standing there. You must hear the wind, smell the earth, feel the air, and see the stars for yourself. I write about those places anyway, hoping my words will encourage you to find that feeling for yourself. Because once the wilderness gets inside you, it has a funny habit of continuing to call. Just trying to expose more of the earth for you.
             
THE WILDERNESS IS CALLING 🌵
Wilderness does not care about your skin color, age, abilities, or nationality. Its wonders belong to everyone. Some travel memories make me laugh; others bring tears. A few make me want to lace up my hiking shoes, pack the van, and head straight for the mountains. The wilderness still calls to me. I may answer differently today, but I am still listening. And that brings me to perhaps the most important wilderness of all—the one available to me right now.
               
MY WILDERNESS TODAY 🚂
Asthma has made running and outdoor juggling difficult, and I miss the freedom to follow my curiosity wherever it leads. But a limitation does not have to end the story. After my coma, I began again. After my second accident, I began again. Today, I can still step outside, notice the sky, appreciate a tree, write about where I have been, and dream about where I may go next. My desire to return to the wilderness remains packed and ready. Until the next grand adventure arrives, I can still find little pieces of wilderness every day—and so can you.
               
FIND A LITTLE WILDERNESS EVERY DAY—GET OUTSIDE 🦆
Step outside for a few minutes and let nature greet you. Feel the breeze, admire a tree, watch a bird, or wander through a nearby park. You do not need towering mountains or a distant forest to experience wonder. Sometimes wilderness begins with one cloud drifting overhead, a flower growing beside the sidewalk, or a duck happily paddling across a pond. Nature is always open, never requires an appointment, and—best of all—never sends an electric bill! And while you are outside enjoying yourself, bring along something else that costs absolutely nothing: laughter.
             
HAVE A LAUGH 😄
Laughter has carried me through difficult years. Read something funny, watch a comedian, or call the friend who makes you laugh. A good laugh can lighten the trail—and if you snort, congratulations! You may have startled the wildlife. Once you have laughed at life a little, it becomes easier to notice how much good is still around you.
               
COUNT WHAT IS GOOD 🔄️
Instead of focusing only on what I had lost, I learned to appreciate what remained: a good meal, a kind person, a page of writing, or another chance to try. Write down a few things you appreciate today. Small joys are trail markers reminding you that you are still moving forward. And some of the finest trail markers in life are the people walking beside us.
                   
REACH OUT ❤️‍🩹
Think of someone traveling through a difficult personal wilderness. Call or send a thoughtful message. A few caring words might help that person find the next step. You do not need a hundred companions around your campfire. A few genuine relationships can bring warmth, laughter, and light into your life. Of course, companionship cannot walk every mile for us. Eventually, we still have to move our own feet.
               
TAKE A WALK 🚶
My walks are different from the journeys I once took, but movement still matters. Walk in a way that suits your body and breathing. Sometimes a short stroll brings a fresh idea, a better mood, or simply the pleasure of saying, “I did it.” Every adventure begins with one step—even if it is only to the mailbox and back. And once you are moving, perhaps you can clear one small obstacle from the trail ahead.
               
CLEAR ONE PART OF THE TRAIL ✅
Answer an email, clear a small space, or make the call you have been postponing. Do not worry about clearing the entire wilderness at once. Choose one manageable obstacle and begin. It is like juggling: start with one ball, establish the rhythm, and then add another. Of course, every juggler, hiker, and human being needs enough fuel to keep going.
                   
NOURISH YOURSELF 🍽️
Choose fruit, vegetables, oatmeal, nuts, water, or another nourishing food you enjoy. Eating well does not need to be a grand production. One nourishing decision can set your day on a healthier path. Every explorer needs fuel—even if today’s expedition is only from the bedroom to the dining room. But nourishment is not only something we put into our bodies. Sometimes the best nourishment is something we give to another person.
                   
LEAVE KINDNESS ON THE TRAIL 💖
Hold a door, offer a sincere compliment, or help someone who needs a hand. After my accidents, people helped me through wildernesses I could not have crossed alone. Their kindness changed my life. Yours can change someone else’s. And when nobody else is around to encourage you, there is one person whose voice you will always have with you: your own.
             
BECOME YOUR OWN GUIDE 💬
After thirty-seven days in a coma, I had to relearn how to walk and speak. There was no map through that wilderness. Often, the most useful words were simply, “Keep going.” When you face a setback, speak to yourself as you would to someone you love. You may not see the entire trail, but you can always take the next step. Over the years, I have discovered that a few simple trail markers can help keep us moving in the right direction.
         
THREE TRAIL MARKERS FOR LIFE 🥰
1) Move regularly. Walk, stretch, dance, or garden.
You do not need to conquer a mountain today.
Climb the small hill in front of you.
2) Eat nourishing foods.
Add a colorful fruit or vegetable, drink water,
and notice which foods help you feel well.
3) Make room for rest. Even the wilderness rests.
Night falls, flowers close, and the forest becomes quiet.
Even jugglers must put down the clubs—and explorers must occasionally make camp.
                 
EVER FORWARD ⏩
None of these actions seems enormous on its own.
That is exactly the point.
My own life was rebuilt through small actions repeated again and again.

THE ROAD AHEAD 🛣️
Rebuilding my Life after a coma taught me that small actions add up.
One step becomes a trail.
One word becomes a conversation.
One expression can become a book.
One practice becomes a skill.
One decision changes your direction.
I know this because I have lived it.
             
RELEARNING 🤔
That is how I learned to walk again, returned to juggling, built businesses, wrote books, and created a new life after circumstances repeatedly tried to knock me down. I have crossed more personal wildernesses than I can count, yet I am still looking ahead. There are more ideas to explore, more people to inspire, and more adventures waiting beyond the next bend. And now I want to turn the question around and hand it to you.
             
WHERE IS YOUR WILDERNESS? 🃏
Your wilderness may be a mountain,
an ocean, a forest, a neighborhood park.
And it can be a quiet place within your mind.
It may also be a difficult chapter with no clear trail.
               
Find your wilderness.
Let it quiet the noise.
Let it awaken your courage.
Let it remind you how much life is still waiting for you.
You do not need to see the entire road ahead.
             
I certainly never did.
Just take one more brave step forward.
Then another.
And another.
Who knows what wonderful possibilities may be waiting for you just around the next bend? 🌲🚐❤️                     
               
PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs. 💥 They wake up the mind, shrink problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can turn “I can’t” into “Why not?”—a small flashlight guiding you through a dark hallway. 🔦
           
But the real magic comes through repetition. The more you repeat a truth, the more deeply you believe it—and the more your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on the wall is decoration. A quote put into action becomes transformation.

THIS FOREST IS IN JAPAN, CAN YOU TELL? 
             
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice… 
A quote you live by? 
Now that’s power. ✨
        ==========
1) “Go out in the woods, go out.
If you don’t go out in the woods,
nothing will ever happen,
and your life will never begin.”
—Clarissa Pinkola Estés
         
2) “I have traveled many roads worldwide,
but the wilderness always leads me home.”
—Kit Summers
         
3) “My aggression toward myself is the first war.
Wilderness is an antidote to the war within ourselves.”
—Terry Tempest Williams
           
4) “Everything in nature invites us constantly
to be what we are. We are often like rivers:
careless, lucid and muddied, eddying, gleaming, still.”
—Gretel Ehrlich
           
5) “Go out in the woods, go out.
If you don’t go out in the woods,
nothing will ever happen,
and your life will never begin.”
—Clarissa Pinkola Estés
           
6) “Everything in nature invites us
constantly to be what we are.
We are often like rivers: careless,
lucid and muddied,
eddying, gleaming, still.”
—Gretel Ehrlich
         
6) “May your trails be lonesome,
crooked, dangerous, leading to the
most amazing view.”
—Ed Abbey
         
7) “You may leave footprints in the wilderness.
But the wilderness leaves something greater in you.”
Kit Summers
           
8) “In every walk with nature one
receives far more than he seeks.”
—John Muir
             
9) “No one can make you feel
inferior without your consent.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
           
10)”The clearest way into the
Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
—John Muir
===============
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Yes, the wilderness is calling you. How will you answer?
Make time this week to meet the wilderness somewhere. Stand beside the ocean and listen to the waves. Walk among the trees in the mountains. Or visit a local park, find a quiet spot in the shade, and listen to the birds. You do not have to travel far to feel the world open up around you.
           
Stay a while. Notice the breeze, the changing light, the sounds you usually hurry past. Let your thoughts settle and give yourself permission to simply be there. The wilderness will still be calling when you return—but this week, why not answer? 

That is your challenge for the week.
That is the challenge for YOUR LIFE! 

====================
====================
WOODSIDEMOTION!
Thank you to Christopher and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping
me explore the possibility of bringing my extraordinary life story to the screen.

Always remember Christopher Jones—the man who can help introduce you and your story to the world. Christopher, thank you for believing in me and recognizing the potential of my journey. I am deeply grateful to you and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping to share my story with the world and for bringing the movie about my extraordinary life to life. Together, we can inspire countless people to overcome adversity,
discover their strength, and create a better future. 
Website: https://woodsidemotion.com/
Email:   christopher@woodsidemotion.com
=====
CINDY MARVELL
At this point, I must recognize the marvellous Cindy Marvell.
This amazing woman founded and runs https://bouldercircuscenter.net/
where she helps others dream big and take flight.
She is also an extraordinary performer in her own right—take a look >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbKaLV4I9Q 

Here is Cindy in the
Wilderness Shaking hands >>
Throughout this movie project, Cindy offered her encouragement and help in countless ways. Having someone believe in your story makes the journey even more meaningful. For one thing, she is the only woman to ever win the International Juggling Competition.
         
Thank you, Cindy, for your remarkable talent, generous heart, and unwavering support—both personally and financially. I am deeply grateful to have you beside me, helping keep this dream in the air. Every great dream needs someone who believes in it, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have you juggling this one alongside me! 🤹‍♂️💛
==================== 
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG  397–WHAT IS “NORMAL”

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
YOU CAN DO THIS IN ALL AREAS. YOU CAN BE MORE—YOU ARE MORE!
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟

-*✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 395–Do You Make Your Bed?

THIS BLOG IS SHORTER AND HAPPIER!
Read every word; there have been changes.
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Me >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS 

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
ONCE UPON A LIFE…
I made gravity nervous—Seven clubs soaring through the air.
A world record.  Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
         
Then came the truck.  The coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
But I returned—Balancing healing,
tossing hope sky-high, and
juggling purpose, grit, and joy. 🤹‍♂️
         
Now, I lift people.
That is bigger than applause.
Writing is how I breathe.
If these words help you breathe a little easier, too—
That is magic catching air. 🎉
           
What comes next on Kit’s journey?
Back to juggling?  Back to the stage?  Back to life?
Stay with me and find out. 
Life can get better.   Life will get better! ✨ 

My new address is:>>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL  33647
(A love letter would be dandy.)   kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com     https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Call me >> 610-400-3233

=======================

NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET! 

A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week. 
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.  
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.

ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end, what will you want to remember? 
The dreams you chased?  The people you loved? And adventure over the couch?
The moments you chose courage over comfort?                                                                                                            Where I live at Leg
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me?
          
You spend nearly one-third of your life asleep, so why not make your bed—and that time—as peaceful and pleasant as possible? Making your bed takes only a minute or two, yet it transforms a rumpled mess into a welcoming place to rest. 
IS SLEEP A WASTE OF TIME?
I sometimes think there must be better things I could be doing than sleeping. After all, life is filled with ideas to explore, words to write, people to help, and adventures waiting just beyond the pillow. Sleep can feel like an inconvenient interruption—several perfectly good hours I could be using to accomplish something!

Still, we humans need our shut-eye. Sleep allows our bodies to recover, our minds to organize the day’s experiences, and our energy to return. Although it may not always feel productive, sleep quietly prepares us for tomorrow and whatever life tosses our way next—whether it is an opportunity, a challenge, or the occasional flying banana.
               
A neatly made bed brightens the entire room, gives you a small victory to begin the morning, and welcomes you home with comfort at night. If you are going to spend nearly one-third of your life there, you might as well make it peaceful, inviting, and beautiful!
        MY MOM
My mom truly appreciated pillows. After making her bed each morning, she carefully arranged an impressive collection at the head of the bed. Every pillow had its proper place, and I suspect she would have noticed immediately if one slipped out of formation.
FOR MYSELF, ONE PILLOW IS ENOUGH.
I never took pillows as seriously as my mom did. One has always been enough for me—I want to sleep in the bed, not climb a decorative mountain! But those pillows made her room feel complete, comfortable, and cared for. They were one of her small daily pleasures.

For seven wonderful years, I lived and traveled in my van. I designed and built the interior myself, turning every section into a practical and comfortable living space. Everything had its place, including my bed, storage areas, and the little conveniences that made the van feel like home.

YES, I EVEN INCLUDED A COMFORTABLE
PLACE TO SLEEP PEACEFULLY EVERY NIGHT.

My van was more than a vehicle; it was my tiny home on wheels. Wherever I parked, I had everything I needed—and the scenery outside my door was always changing. One morning, I might awaken beside a forest; the next, near a mountain, desert, or ocean. My home was small, but my backyard was America.
           
During my travels, I occasionally saw bedrooms so cluttered that it was difficult to step inside. Many people live that way for years without realizing how much calmer an orderly room could make them feel. If that sounds like you, do not worry—today is a wonderful day to begin.
         
We often overestimate what we can accomplish quickly and underestimate the power of steady effort. A remarkable life is rarely created in one enormous leap. It is built through small, determined steps—one brave choice, one hard-earned lesson, and one stubborn refusal to quit at a time.
MY BLOG
I have written this weekly blog for many years, sharing my struggles, successes, missteps, and occasional magnificent surprises. I hope my words do more than entertain you. I hope they help you think, grow, smile, and see your life through brighter eyes.
         
If even one sentence inspires you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.

• EVERY DAY >>

• Feel the sunshine.
• Enjoy a good meal.
• Speak more kindly.
• Care for your body.
• Learn something new.
• Laugh whenever possible.
• Improve one little thing today.
• Treasure a friendly conversation.
• Then improve another tomorrow. 
• Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow.
• Spend time with people who lift your spirits. 
• And become something absolutely phenomenal!
• Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
• Celebrate every bit of progress—even when it arrives wearing mismatched socks.

Small choices may seem insignificant in the moment, but never underestimate their power. When repeated with purpose, patience, and persistence, they become strong habits that quietly shape the direction of your life.
             
You do not have to transform everything overnight; simply make one positive choice today, then make it again tomorrow. Step by step, those tiny victories build momentum, strengthen your confidence, and create a brighter future—because every remarkable journey begins with one small decision to move forward.
             
Happiness is not having everything you want; it is appreciating what you already have. There will always be another goal to pursue and another mountain calling your name. Just do not become so focused on tomorrow’s summit that you miss today’s magnificent view.               
WORDS FOR YOU—or FOR ME?
I write these words for you—and for myself. We are all works in progress, and none of us has life completely figured out. That is perfectly all right. Life does not demand perfection; it asks us to stay involved, remain willing, and keep trying.
           
Do not merely collect inspiring words—put them to work! Inspiration becomes truly powerful only when it leads to action. Choose one meaningful thought, turn it into a positive step, and let that small victory guide you toward the next. You do not need to transform your entire life overnight. Lasting success is built one brave decision, one determined effort, and one purposeful day at a time.
                   
Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself—even when progress feels slow, or the road becomes difficult. Every step forward is evidence that you are becoming stronger, wiser, and more capable. Your extraordinary life will not create itself, so lift your head, trust your potential, and keep moving boldly toward the future you want. The next chapter is waiting—and you are holding the pen!
             
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing.
Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
               
Friday has arrived again, and earlier I sent this week’s blog into the world—a collection of my thoughts, struggles, experiences, and hopes traveling through cyberspace in search of someone who might need its message.
         
Can you believe the title is “How to Make a Bed”? I am not desperately grabbing for subjects! Most of us sleep in a bed every night, so learning how to make it comfortable matters. Use my ideas, adapt them, and create what works best for your body.

                     My bed at Legacy. 

At Legacy, I am comfortable on a single bed. As you see, my bed is made and turned down for the evening. This is very comfortable for me, and I often sleep until 4 a.m. I get little sleep, you see.

Making your bed also gives you an early victory. One worthwhile action often leads to another—getting dressed, exercising, writing, making an important call, or finally tackling something you have been avoiding.
           
When the day is over—whether it was magnificent or slipped on a banana peel—a clean, welcoming bed is waiting. Making your bed is not merely about straightening blankets; it is about beginning your day with purpose and ending it with comfort.
       
Here is how I make mine:
I stretch the fitted sheet snugly over the mattress, spread the top sheet evenly, and place the blanket on top. Then I fold the sheet neatly over the blanket, smooth away the wrinkles, and tuck everything securely beneath the mattress. Voilà—a comfortable bed ready for a good night’s sleep! Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_uB8osphQBU
           
I also practice what I call “Making the Bed While I’m Still in It.” Before getting up, I straighten the covers with my arms and feet. Once I stand, most of the work is already done. A few final pulls, tucks, and pillow fluffs—and the bed is ready before I have fully started my day.
             
In the evening, I turn down one corner of the covers. When bedtime arrives, my welcoming bed is ready, and I can crawl right in—with a smile on my face.
           
Sometimes it feels as though nothing in my life changes. I wake in the same room, follow the same routines, and look out at the same courtyard. One Friday follows another, and the weeks seem to march past wearing identical uniforms.
             
Yet my life is continually changing. My health shifts, my thoughts evolve, new people enter my days, and fresh challenges land in my hands—apparently convinced that I need more juggling practice.

Chance and change are somewhat the same if you think about it. 

Growth does not have to be dramatic. It often happens quietly, one thought, one decision, and one determined step at a time. The scenery may look familiar, but I am not exactly the same person I was last week.
           
As long as I remain curious, keep writing, and continue searching for ways to make life better, I will keep growing. Somewhere beyond the next bend, another surprise may already be warming up backstage. Who imagined that an ordinary bed could teach us so much? Pulling up the covers, straightening the sheets, and fluffing the pillows can create order, build momentum, and begin the day with a victory. Apparently, even a rumpled blanket has something to teach us about success!        
             
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delight—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
Good morning! Or good afternoon… or good evening!
Whenever these words find you, consider them right on time.
           
That is one of the marvelous things about words: they never complain when you arrive late, never check the clock, and never expire. With readers scattered across time zones around the world, I have absolutely no idea what time it is where you are. But I do know this—it is always the perfect time for fresh inspiration, a hearty laugh, and one joyful step toward a better life.

Layering a bed can be comfortable. 

>>>>> SEPTEMBER 12
As usual, I was awake by 3:00 a.m., lying quietly as thoughts marched through my mind. Sleep had slipped away once again, so instead of fighting it, I began planning the day ahead. While much of the world was still dreaming, my mind was already wide awake and ready to begin.

Breakfast was the same old, same old—nothing fancy or surprising, just my familiar morning meal arriving right on schedule. It may not have been a grand culinary adventure, but it filled my stomach, fueled my body, and helped me begin another promising day. Sometimes, even an ordinary breakfast deserves a little appreciation. Dependable food is still something worth celebrating.
               
I did not write very much today. Instead, I stayed in my room for most of the day and watched YouTube videos. Part of me feels guilty about not accomplishing more, but not every day needs to be overflowing with productivity. Sometimes, we simply need to slow down, relax, and let the hours unfold. That is Life—and tomorrow always offers another blank page. 
               
They also provide a nice television, which I appreciate. Still, I often find YouTube far more satisfying because I can choose exactly what interests me rather than letting a television station plan my evening. I enjoy watching Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and the evening news—but only in moderation. After all, television is more enjoyable when I remain in charge of the remote!
             
I have also decided to grow my facial hair again. Without a beard and mustache, I must shave twice a day to keep myself looking sharp. With them, life becomes much easier: I only need to pull out the clippers once every couple of weeks. Less shaving, more free time—and perhaps a little extra wisdom growing on my face!
           
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 13
This morning at 4:00 a.m., I simply lay there thinking. I do quite a lot of that. My mind wandered through my past, considered the possibilities of my future, and explored what I could do today to create a better life. You can do the same.
             
You cannot change where you have been, but you can learn from it. I do not know exactly what tomorrow will bring, but I can prepare for it. Somewhere between yesterday’s lessons and tomorrow’s possibilities is today—and that is where we still have the power to make meaningful changes.
             
Today is Sunday, and as usual, most of next week’s blog is already written. Over the coming days, I will carefully review every paragraph, smooth the rough edges, sharpen each idea, and make sure every word earns its place on the page.           The juggling corner in my room

Of course, I still have to write about the daily events because they have not happened yet! Even an early-bird writer like me cannot report tomorrow’s adventures before life delivers them. But I will be ready, fingers on the keyboard, to capture whatever surprises the week decides to juggle my way.
           
ANT OR UNCLE?
I must admit that I miss my little friends—the ants. For several days, they marched into my room as though they owned the place and had invited the entire colony over for lunch. Now they are exploring other grounds, searching for their next great adventure.
           
The tape I placed across their path seems to have done the job. Their tiny parade has ended, and my room is peaceful once again—not that they were making much noise! I am glad they are gone, but strangely enough, I miss watching those determined little travelers. Farewell, my six-legged friends. May you find plenty of crumbs somewhere far away from my window!
           
PANCAKE DAY
Today was Grandparents’ Day, and the morning began with a delicious breakfast of pancakes and bacon. The warm, fluffy flapjacks tasted wonderful and made for a delightful start to the day. Unfortunately, the bacon was too crisp and tough for me to eat without my lower teeth—but those pancakes certainly saved the celebration!
           
MY DAUGHTERS
I am hoping my daughters will call me today. Hearing their voices always brightens my day and reminds me how fortunate I am to have them in my life. Even a short conversation can bring a great deal of happiness and make the distance between us feel a little smaller.
             
My youngest daughter, April, now has a beautiful little girl of her own—which means I have proudly stepped into one of life’s greatest roles: Grandpa! Knowing that our family continues through this precious new generation fills my heart with love, gratitude, and hope for all the wonderful memories still waiting to be made.

        Jasmine and April 
         
I have not heard from my daughters in quite a while, and I miss them deeply. Hearing their voices would mean more to me than they may realize. Even a short phone call—just a few minutes to learn how they are doing, share a little laughter, and catch up on one another’s lives—would brighten my entire day and remind me how precious our family connection truly is.
         
LUNCH
At noon, I headed to the dining room for lunch, and once again, the meal was delicious. The potatoes were cut into perfect bite-sized pieces and covered in a rich, flavorful sauce that made every mouthful enjoyable.
           
Once again, the kitchen staff did much more than simply prepare and serve a meal. They added an extra helping of care, creativity, and pride to every plate. Their thoughtful effort certainly did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
       
A delicious meal can brighten an ordinary afternoon, and this one certainly did. I left the table feeling satisfied, grateful, and impressed. My stomach was happy, my taste buds were celebrating, and I walked away with a smile!
             
>>>>> SEPTEMBER 14
I am actually hungry this morning, which is a welcome surprise. My appetite does not always speak up, so when it finally makes itself heard, I am more than happy to listen. Perhaps my body is simply reminding me that it needs a little fuel—and, for once, it did not have to send a written invitation!
           
I will gladly follow its instructions and head downstairs for something delicious. A good breakfast may be just what I need to begin the day with fresh energy, a brighter mood, and a satisfied stomach. Breakfast, here I come!
MY BOOKS
There are also a couple of publishing companies interested in my books, which is both exciting and encouraging. Still, I will move forward thoughtfully—asking plenty of questions, examining every detail, and making certain I choose the right company to help bring my words and ideas to a wider audience. This is an important step, and I intend to take it with both enthusiasm and care.
           
I have invested years of thought, work, and heart into these books. I want to find a trustworthy company that understands my vision and can help carry my message into the world. Exciting possibilities may be ahead, but I am keeping both feet firmly on the ground while reaching for them. 
           
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
More thunderstorms are rumbling through the area. I cannot remember ever living anywhere with so many tremendous booms. The Florida sky certainly knows how to make an entrance—one moment everything is calm, and the next it sounds as though an enormous bowling tournament is taking place in the clouds!
             
The thunder shakes the air, rattles the windows, and makes sure everyone knows another storm has arrived. Florida may be famous for sunshine, but lately, thunder has been stealing the show. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Mother Nature certainly has a flair for drama—and apparently, she never learned to use her indoor voice.

>>>>> SEPTEMBER 15
TATIANA
I went to breakfast this morning, but Tatiana—the woman I have written about before—was not there. When I asked about her, I was told that she is now in the hospital. I did not hear any further details.
Tatiana mainly speaks Russian, so having a conversation with her can be difficult. Even so, I miss seeing her. Most of the residents here are older, which means the people at Legacy must regularly face illness, loss, and death. That cannot be easy.
             
SUE
Whenever I hear about death, my thoughts return to Sue. She was a very special friend who lived in New York City, and I would visit her on my days off from performing at Bally’s in Atlantic City. Around the time of my accident, Sue and I shared a wonderful romance—one that brought tremendous happiness into my life.
             
Sue eventually married and raised two wonderful boys, creating a beautiful and meaningful life of her own. Yet she always held a special place in my heart, and the memories we created together remain precious to me.
         
When Sue died of cancer, I felt a profound sadness that has never completely faded. I still miss her more than words can express, yet I remain deeply grateful that she was once such an important and beautiful part of my life.
               
Death is a strange and difficult mystery—one we may never fully understand. Although I have come close to it more than once, I still find it difficult to imagine death ever coming for me. Somehow, I continue to see life stretching endlessly ahead—and I intend to fill as much of it as possible with purpose, love, and adventure.
100 years of age, here I come!
           
A NEW PLACE FOR ME?
I just returned from touring a recently vacated apartment here at Legacy. It is smaller than my current place, but it seems perfect for me—comfortable, practical, and easier to manage. The lower cost would also benefit Selective Insurance, which is generously covering my stay here. Thank you, Greg!
         
I can move into the apartment as soon as Monday. Nothing is certain yet, but a new room and a fresh beginning may be waiting just around the corner. Change can be exciting, especially when it feels like the right move. I will keep you posted!
             
DOCTOR
I had a doctor’s appointment today because I noticed a lump on my right elbow. It is not painful, but its sudden appearance naturally concerned me. The doctor explained that it appears to be a buildup of fluid caused by excessive pressure on the elbow.
           
Dr. Nektarios Demetriou—how’s that for a name?—said he could drain the fluid from my elbow, but there is a good chance the swelling would eventually return. Since I am not eager to go through a procedure that may offer only temporary relief, I have decided to wait. He said the swelling might gradually go down on its own, so for now, I will give my elbow some time and see what happens.
           
That explanation makes sense. I often sit at my computer reading, resting my head in my right hand and placing much of my weight directly on that elbow. Apparently, even an elbow will eventually say, “Enough leaning on me!” I will have to change that habit and give it some time to recover.
             
DENTIST
I also had a dental appointment scheduled, but I was told that the dentist’s office was too far away and transportation would not take me there. That was very disappointing. Dental care is important, especially because I am still adjusting to life with my lower denture and continue to have trouble chewing certain foods.
       
Now I will have to find another solution—perhaps a dentist closer to Legacy or another reliable way to reach the original office. I may be disappointed, but I won’t give up. A little distance should not stand between anyone and the care they need. When one road does not work, it is time to search for another!
           
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 16
The sun is never awake when I get up. Apparently, I am not merely an early bird—I am the bird responsible for waking the sun! Quack! Wait…is that even the right kind of bird? Perhaps not, but at that hour, no one should be expected to remember whether early birds chirp, crow, hoot, or quack. Besides, I am sure plenty of ducks wake up early. I am awake, I have my tea, and that is close enough!
               
When daylight finally arrived, the clouds arrived with it—again! I seem to wake up to an impressive collection of dreary skies. Come on, Florida! You are the Sunshine State, not the “Maybe the Sun Will Show Up Later” State. Let’s have some blue sky, a splash of sunshine, and perhaps a little warmth while you are at it!
       
Unfortunately, the gloomy weather sometimes matches the mood here at Legacy. There is not much for me to look forward to, and the meals are often the highlight of my day—fortunately, they are usually quite good! At 2:30 this afternoon, there is a pasta-making class. I have made many different kinds of pasta over the years, but perhaps I will attend anyway. You never know—there may still be a new noodle trick waiting for me!

Too Many Pillows—as my mom had.

Activities like that help fill the hours, but they do not change how I feel about my future. Many of the older residents here will remain for the rest of their lives. I know this is not where my own story will end, although I am still uncertain about where the next chapter will take me. One thing is certain: more adventures are waiting, and I intend to find them.
               
Until that next adventure arrives, I continue noticing the small details of daily life here—including the tremendous amount of unnecessary waste. At lunch, I ordered half a ham-and-cheese sandwich with a little mayonnaise and some diced onion. Instead, I received enough extras for several people. Generosity is kind, but giving someone far more than they can use is not generosity—it is waste, and waste helps no one.             
           
2:30—The schedule promised a pasta-making demonstration, so I expected to see flour, eggs, and fresh dough—pasta made from scratch, as I have done many times. Instead, they cooked store-bought noodles and mixed them with a homemade sauce. After about fifteen minutes, I quietly slipped away. It was less a pasta-making class and more a gathering of people watching noodles take a bath.
         
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 17
Most of my blog is written, but I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to send it to you. I’ve reviewed everything once again, and I believe it all says exactly what I want—or should I say, it is written exactly right! Is it time for you to return to your own writing? You have lived a remarkable life, and you have so much worth sharing. Your stories are waiting—let them out!
           
The skies are clear, but my heart feels heavy. I want so badly to juggle and run—two activities that bring me joy and make me feel alive. Yet I know that when I begin, my asthma will flare, and I will struggle to breathe. Seeing a beautiful day outside while my body refuses to cooperate is deeply frustrating. Still, I refuse to surrender. I will keep working with my doctor, searching for answers, and believing that clearer breathing—and brighter days—are ahead.
         
At lunch today, I sat with Luke, who recently turned 97. He said he can feel his body beginning to shut down, yet he remains in remarkably good spirits. His words made me think about the day I reach 97—another milestone on my journey toward 100. I would hate to feel my body shutting down, but I suppose none of us can ignore such changes. What we can choose, however, is the spirit with which we face them—and Luke is setting a powerful example.

>>>>>SEPTEMBER 18

Perhaps the hardest part of writing is knowing when to stop. At some point, you must put down the polishing cloth, trust your words, and let them travel into the world. The blog is ready—and so am I. Now I simply have to leave it alone until this evening, when I can finally press SEND and let it fly!                     =============

Part 3—BLOG 394—Do You Make Your Bed?
Be Different—Find Your Own Way.
         
Making your bed may seem unimportant. After all, you will climb back into it tonight, and no marching band will applaud your perfectly fluffed pillows. Still, it gives you one small victory before the day has cleared its throat.
             
BUT IT IS NOT REALLY ABOUT THE BED
         
Before breakfast, emails, appointments, or problems come knocking, you have already accomplished something.
           
CONGRATULATIONS—YOU ARE UNDEFEATED FOR THE DAY!
             
Small victories build confidence and momentum. One positive action leads to another: exercising, writing, making an important call, or beginning something you have postponed.
           
BUILDING YOUR OWN BED
           
In every home I have lived in, I built my own bed frame. A simple platform bed can be sturdy, affordable, and raised to create valuable storage space underneath. You do not need to begin as an expert. You need curiosity, a few tools, and enough courage to make the first cut or tighten the first screw.
     
Build it with 2x3s. Measure carefully, make the frame slightly larger than the mattress, and add sturdy center supports, legs, and slats. Sand every edge and tighten each connection. The higher you build it, the more storage you gain. Contact me if you need help—I’d be glad to guide you!
           
Before sleeping in your new bed, give it a firm shake.
Your bed should support your dreams—not perform a midnight juggling act! 🤹‍♂️
             
BUILD SOMETHING BIGGER
           
Soon, wobbling becomes stability.
Uncertainty becomes knowledge.
A pile of lumber becomes a bed.
And “Can I do this?” becomes “Look what I built!”
           
Success rarely arrives with trumpets and fireworks. It grows quietly from small, positive choices repeated each day.
         
When evening arrives—whether your day was magnificent or slipped on a banana peel—a clean, welcoming bed will be waiting. It is a thoughtful gift from your morning self. Near sleepy time, turn down the sheet and blanket a little to create a nice place to settle into.
             
Smooth the sheets. Pull up the covers. Fluff the pillows.
Make the bed. Build the momentum. Create the life.
Your next success is waiting!

No one has ever fallen out of one of my beds !!

==============================
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU. STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
RAISE THE CURTAIN. TAKE A BREATH. AND START YOUR ACT. 🎪🔥
DO NOT WAIT FOR MONDAY. TAKE ONE SMALL STEP TODAY.
YOUR BETTER LIFE BEGINS NOW — ADD TO THE WORLD IN A GREAT WAY.
DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
==============================
YOU ARE IMPORTANT — TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.
WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
LIVE FOR NOW! NOT YESTERDAY! NOT TOMORROW! NOW IS THE TIME!
==============================

PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs. 💥 They wake up the mind, shrink problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can turn “I can’t” into “Why not?”—a small flashlight guiding you through a dark hallway. 🔦
           
But the real magic comes through repetition. The more you repeat a truth, the more deeply you believe it—and the more your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on the wall is decoration. A quote put into action becomes transformation.
             
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by?
Now that’s power. ✨
        ==========
1) “A straightened bed helps to
give you an organized life.”
—Kit Summers
         
2) “A well-spent day brings happy sleep.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
       
3) “The nicest thing for me is sleep.
Then at least I can dream.” – Marilyn Monroe
       
4) “Making your bed is a small victory
that prepares you for bigger ones.”
— Kit Summers
         
5) “Make your bed in the morning,
and happiness will welcome you home.”
— Kit Summers
       
6) “May sleep envelop you as a bed sheet
floating gently down, tickling your skin and
removing every worry.” – Jeb Dickerson
         
7) “Success sometimes begins
by pulling up the blankets.”
— Kit Summers
       
8) “A made bed is a gift from your morning
self to your tired evening self.”
— Kit Summers
     
9) “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy,
wealthy, and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin
       
10) “You may not control everything that happens today,
but you can straighten the sheets!”
— Kit Summers
===============
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Every morning this week, make your bed.
Do it as soon as you get up; don’t put it off.
Make it a habit, and you will be joyful that you did.
That is your challenge for the week.
That is the challenge for YOUR LIFE!
====================
WOODSIDEMOTION!
Always remember Christopher Jones—the man who can help introduce you and your story to the world.
Christopher, thank you for believing in me and recognizing the potential of my journey. I am deeply grateful to you and everyone at Woodside Motion for helping share my story with the world and for bringing the movie about my extraordinary life to life. Together, we can inspire countless people to overcome adversity, discover their strength, and create a better future.
Website: https://woodsidemotion.com/
Email: christopher@woodsidemotion.com
=====
CINDY MARVELL
At this point, I must recognize the marvelous Cindy Marvell. This amazing woman founded and runs the Boulder Circus Center, where she helps others dream big and take flight. She is also an extraordinary performer in her own right —CINDY—take a look.

Cindy has stood beside me throughout this movie project, offering her encouragement and helping in countless ways. Having someone believe in your story makes the journey even more meaningful. For one thing, she is the only woman to ever win the International Juggling Competition. https://www.juggle.org/

Thank you, Cindy, for your talent, kindness, and unwavering support, both personally and financially. I am deeply grateful to have you juggling this dream alongside me!
This amazing woman started and runs BCC https://bouldercircuscenter.net/ and is a fantastic performer herself. As in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbKaLV4I9Q
==================== 
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG 396–Step outside
=====================  

🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
YOU CAN DO THIS IN ALL AREAS. YOU CAN BE MORE—YOU ARE MORE!
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 394–More Ideas for Your Better Life

Read every word; there have been changes.
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here —https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Me >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS 

Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous— Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
Seven of them. A world record— But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Because physics loves a good insult. Balancing healing.
Then came the truck—the coma. 😄 Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️
     
Bigger than applause. What’s next on Kit’s journey?
Now I lift humans. Back to juggling? Back to life?
Writing is how I breathe. Stay with Kit and find out.
Do these words help you, too? Life can get better.
That’s magic catching air. 🎉 Life will get better! ✨

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
My new address here is >>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL  33647
(A love letter would be dandy.)   kitsummers@gmail.com
kitsummers.com     https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/

3 Snowballs Juggled—-Call me >> 610-400-3233       

NONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER—SO MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!
EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY—A CHANCE TO BEGIN A NEW LIFE.
DON’T LIVE IN THE PAST OR WAIT FOR THE FUTURE.
NOW IS THE ONLY MOMENT YOU HOLD!
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MOMENT.
I FEEL THIS IS MY BEST BLOG YET! 

A quick directory >>
Part 1—The Beginnings — Obvious.
Part 2—Things that Happened This Week.
Part 3—THE BLOG.
Part 4—Inspirational Quotes.
Part 5—Your Challenge.  
Part 6—Blog for Next Week.
Part 7—Final Thoughts — Obvious.

ALWAYS REMEMBER >>
When your life nears its end — 
What will you want to remember?
The dreams you chased?
The people you loved?
And adventure over the couch?
The moments you chose courage over comfort?
I’m still planning to live beyond age 100; will you join me?

Lake Tahoe–I love it there.                 

We often overestimate what we can accomplish quickly and underestimate the mighty power of steady effort. A remarkable life is rarely created in one enormous leap. It is built through small, determined steps—one brave choice, one hard-earned lesson, and one stubborn refusal to quit at a time.
         
I have written this weekly blog for many years, sharing my struggles, successes, missteps, and occasional magnificent surprises. I hope my words do more than entertain you. I hope they help you think, grow, smile, and see your life through brighter eyes.
       
If even one sentence I’ve written inspires you to make a positive change, face a challenge with greater courage, or appreciate the wonderful life already dancing around you, then every hour at the keyboard has been worthwhile.
         
Improve one little thing today.
Then another tomorrow.
Keep going, and those tiny steps may grow
into something absolutely phenomenal!
         
Every Day >>            

• Speak more kindly.
• Care for your body.
• Learn something new.
• Laugh whenever possible.
• Spend time with people who lift your spirits.
• Keep moving toward the person you want to become.
• Feel the sunshine.
• Enjoy a good meal. 
• Treasure a friendly conversation. 
• Celebrate every bit of progress–
• Even when it arrives wearing mismatched socks. 

Small choices may seem insignificant, but repeated with purpose and persistence, they become powerful habits—and those habits can transform your future.
           
Happiness is not having everything you want; it is appreciating what you already have. There will always be another goal to pursue and another mountain calling your name. Just do not become so focused on tomorrow’s summit that you miss today’s magnificent view.
             
I write these words for you—and for myself. We are all works in progress, and none of us has life completely figured out. That is perfectly all right. Life does not demand perfection; it asks us to stay awake, involved, and willing to try again.
           
Do not merely collect inspiring words—put them to work! One meaningful thought followed by one positive action can become a stepping-stone toward a stronger, happier, and more extraordinary life. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself—and keep stepping boldly toward the life you want to create.
             
PART 1: THE BEGINNINGS
Keep smiling. Keep growing. Keep believing in yourself.
YES—YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
         
It is now September, which brings the beginning of a new season and plenty of exciting things to look forward to.  As summer begins to fade and we welcome the first signs of fall, I hope this month brings cooler days, happy memories, and lots of opportunities to enjoy time with friends.
         

HERE IS LEGACY (MY HOME–I LOVE IT HERE)

At Legacy, they have an exciting month planned—activities, games, social gatherings, special events, and plenty of opportunities to laugh, mingle, and make new memories. Life is much more fun when we step into it, so join the festivities, reconnect with old friends, try something new, and explore the wonderful activities happening around you.
         
Legacy is a wonderful place for me to live. Three delicious meals are prepared and served each day, so I never have to worry about shopping, cooking, or washing a mountain of dishes. I also have my own private room—a comfortable space where I can write, think, relax, and enjoy some peaceful time alone.
               
There is always something happening here, too. Activities, entertainment, social gatherings, and special events take place nearly every day, giving everyone opportunities to have fun, meet people, and try something different. Although no place is perfect, Legacy provides me with comfort, security, companionship, and many of the things I need to live well. It is not merely where I stay—it is my home.
       
As for how involved I will become, I am not entirely sure. Still, here I am—with an open mind, a curious spirit, and a willingness to see where the adventure leads. And, of course, I will keep my juggling clubs nearby, just in case the party needs a little extra excitement, laughter, or a few objects flying through the air!
       
One way I am involving myself is by taking over the garden. I will grow vegetables and also flowers. We will be buying gardens for the courtyard here, and there is also a courtyard in the dementia unit. I want to bring beauty to this place.
       
One thing I have noticed is that most of the residents here are light-skinned, while many of the staff members are dark-skinned. I prefer those descriptions rather than labeling people as “Black” or “White” (I’m kind of reddish myself.) I have also noticed that there seem to be far more women than men living here, although I am not sure why. Of course, I don’t mind that at all.
                     
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delight—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
Good morning! Or good afternoon… or good evening!
Whenever these words find you, consider them right on time.
           
That is one of the marvelous things about words: they never complain when you arrive late, never check the clock, and never expire. With readers scattered across time zones around the world, I have absolutely no idea what time it is where you are. But I do know this—it is always the perfect time for fresh inspiration, a hearty laugh, and one joyful step toward a better life! >>>>>
           
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 5        
Breakfast was simple—just four grapes and a little watermelon. At this point, I am beginning to eat again, listening carefully to my body, and eating only what feels comfortable—nothing more. After a week without food, even the strongest comeback begins with one careful bite at a time. 
               
It bothers me that I want to step outside, send my juggling clubs flying, and begin running again—yet asthma keeps barging in like an uninvited referee, blowing the whistle before I have even warmed up. I always keep my rescue inhaler nearby, but I wish I did not need it. There was a time when breathing happened so naturally that I never gave it a thought. Inhale, exhale, onward!
           
When I lived in San Diego, I ran every day without giving a second thought to where my next breath would come from. What once felt effortless has now become a serious challenge, but I refuse to surrender. My breathing may slow me down, but it will never silence my determination to keep moving forward.
         
My body may be asking me to move more slowly and carefully, but the determined juggler and runner inside me are still very much alive. They are stretching, warming up, and waiting for another chance to run free and toss those clubs toward the sky.
           
Around noon, something rather wonderful happened: I was actually hungry! Lunch was a classic hamburger with all the fixings—a simple, satisfying feast to fuel the afternoon. Sunshine, fresh air, and a hamburger? That sounds like a respectable little celebration to me. Sometimes happiness arrives with lettuce, tomato, and a side of ketchup.
           
By 3:53, however, my energy had vanished. I felt overwhelmingly tired—more exhausted than I can remember feeling before. Could my medications be contributing to this fatigue? I currently receive six pills each morning and two more each evening, so I would like my doctor to review them carefully. I want to protect my health without sleeping through the life I am working so hard to reclaim.
       
Another resident prefers the table where I usually sit, so today I moved to a different one. Soon, Tatiana, who normally sits there, joined me. She is originally from Russia and has lived in this country for several years, but she speaks mostly in Russian and rarely attempts English. Since my Russian vocabulary is limited to absolutely nothing, conversation was something of a challenge.
             
So, we sat together quietly while I ate half a ham-and-cheese sandwich, which was all I wanted and plenty for me. It was not exactly a lively international summit, but we peacefully shared a table—and sometimes simply sitting beside another person is its own small form of connection.
             
Life does not always hand us easy conversations, effortless breathing, or boundless energy. Still, we show up, draw the next breath, enjoy the sandwich, and keep juggling whatever the day tosses our way—one challenge, one choice, and one hopeful moment at a time.
       
>>>>SEPTEMBER 6
Breakfast was the usual, but I nearly forgot about it entirely. I was so absorbed in writing, revising, and chasing ideas around the page that breakfast slipped right out of my mind. Apparently, my words were hungrier for attention than I was for food!
           
I did not take my medications last night or this morning because I suspected they might be causing my extreme tiredness. So far today, I have not experienced the same crushing fatigue, but one better day does not prove the medications were responsible—and skipping prescribed medication without guidance can carry risks.
           
I will speak with Toni, who oversees nursing here, as soon as possible so we can review every medication with my doctor and determine the safest path forward. She may be concerned that I stopped taking them on my own—and understandably so—but I hope we can find an answer that protects my health while helping me feel awake, energetic, and fully alive again. I want my spark back, but I want to retrieve it safely!
           
Since it was Sunday, I settled in to watch CBS Sunday Morning from beginning to end. I truly enjoy its delightful mixture of fascinating people, thoughtful stories, art, history, and gentle humor. It is a peaceful and inspiring way to begin the day—and somehow, that cheerful sun logo always makes Sunday morning feel a little sunnier.
           
Lunch was fried chicken. I requested only one piece, so naturally, they brought me the biggest piece in the building—possibly the grand champion of chickens. I also asked for exactly four French fries, which they delivered along with a cup of ketchup large enough to bathe them in.
               
I appreciate the generosity, but I hate seeing food go to waste, and there seems to be far too much of it here. Bigger is not always better; sometimes bigger is simply more than anyone needs. One sensible portion can satisfy a person perfectly well without turning lunchtime into a food-waste festival!
           
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 7
Early this morning, I surprised myself by lying comfortably in bed and drifting in and out of sleep until nearly 6:00 a.m.—a wonderfully late start for me! Of course, the moment I opened my eyes, my mind sprang into action, and I eagerly began working on this blog. Apparently, my creativity does not believe in a snooze button.
             
I want to thank my wonderful daughters, Jasmine and April, once again for helping me build a life that is meaningful, comfortable, and truly worth living.
           
Their love, support, and concern have carried me through difficult times and reminded me that I am never entirely alone. I may not say it often enough, but I deeply appreciate everything they have done—and continue to do—for me.
           
Having them in my life fills me with strength, renews my hope, and gives me another powerful reason to keep moving forward. Their love reminds me that even during life’s most difficult moments, I am never truly alone. Because of them, I face each new day with greater courage, a deeper sense of purpose, and a heart overflowing with gratitude.
           
Over the years, I have delivered my inspirational talk thousands of times, standing before audiences large and small and sharing the powerful lessons my life has taught me. Yet, after being away from the stage for a while, I admit that I feel nervous about presenting again.
         
Perhaps those butterflies are simply reminding me how much this opportunity means. I may feel a little rusty, but the stories, experience, and passion are still within me—and once I begin, those nervous butterflies may fall into formation and start juggling right along with me!
     
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The thunderstorms are back, rumbling across the sky and announcing their arrival with all the subtlety of a marching band crashing through the front door. The clouds have darkened, the rain is beginning to fall, and Mother Nature has apparently decided it is time to put on another spectacular show!
         
The rain is pouring down this morning, drumming against the windows and giving every thirsty plant a long, refreshing drink. The flowers, trees, and grass must be celebrating their unexpected breakfast while the clouds cheerfully keep refilling their cups!
         
It is already past 8:30, and I purposely skipped my own breakfast because I have been concerned about gaining weight. I am trying to make healthier, more thoughtful choices—not by starving myself, but by listening to my body, watching my portions, and creating a sensible balance I can maintain.
                 
Still, caring for my body is not about starving it. It is about choosing nutritious portions, eating mindfully, and developing healthy habits I can safely maintain. Like the plants outside, my body needs proper nourishment to remain strong.
             
Improvisation—I hope you find plenty of it sprinkled throughout my blog posts. I never know exactly where my writing will take us. One moment, we may be exploring a powerful life lesson; the next, we may be chasing an ant across my windowsill or wondering how breakfast managed to sneak past me unnoticed.
       
I want these stories to include plenty of humor, because life is far too peculiar to be taken seriously every minute. Yet I also want to share the dramatic moments—the setbacks, surprises, triumphs, and occasional emotional earthquakes. My goal is to make you laugh, think, feel, and perhaps wonder whether I am following a carefully constructed plan. Here is the truth: sometimes I am—and sometimes the plan has already packed its bags and left town!
           
The Labor Day Celebration.
The group was entertained today by “The Boomer Band”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5dslOYodg
           
When I arrived, the seat I usually claim as my own was already occupied—once again—by the same gentleman. I sat across from him at the same table, but I must admit, it bothered me more than it probably should have.
           
Apparently, I had grown rather attached to that particular chair. It is funny how even the smallest change in a familiar routine can ruffle our feathers—or, in my case, completely rearrange the furniture in my mind!
           
Perhaps it is not really about the chair at all. Familiar routines bring comfort, and that particular seat has quietly become my little corner of the dining room. Apparently, even chairs can become treasured territory!

On the menu, Barbecue Chicken and/ Ribs. I had a little of each. Because I have no lower teeth, it is highly difficult to eat lunch today. It always reminds me of the stupid decision I made to have all my lower teeth extracted. I will have replacement/new teeth someday; I just don’t know when.

People liked the music, with songs like “Moondance” by Van Morrison. The sad thing is, apparently, I was the only person in the room physically able to get up and dance to the music. Did I leap to my feet and dazzle everyone with my magnificent moves?
           
Of course not. I remained firmly planted in my chair, allowing my inner dancing fool to perform the entire routine privately inside my head. Perhaps next time I will surprise everyone—including myself—and turn the room into my own personal dance floor!
               
Age: Van Morrison is 81 years old, born on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Like all of us, he is getting older. Here is Van and his smooth sound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOfPywYhmjE&list=RDQOfPywYhmjE&start_radio=1
           
4:31–BOOM BOOM BOOM–As Van makes his music, the sky wants to, too. The rain is coming down heavily. The rain is pouring down in great silver sheets, drumming a lively rhythm against the windows and soaking the thirsty earth. Outside, the plants seem to be smiling as they lift their leaves toward the sky, happily drinking in every refreshing drop. After so many dry days, nature appears to be throwing a grand and wonderfully soggy celebration. The plants are smiling.
           
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 8
It was surprisingly nice to wake up early and simply lie there for a while, quietly thinking. I did not rush to get out of bed or immediately begin chasing the day. Instead, I allowed my mind to wander through memories, ideas, dreams, and possibilities.
          A SMILE ON MY FACE
In the peaceful stillness of the morning, before the world had fully stretched awake, I enjoyed a rare and gentle pause—a little private meeting between me, myself, and whatever curious thoughts decided to wander in.
          LAUNDRY
My clean laundry had been delivered last night and was waiting neatly in the hamper on the floor. I must say, it is a wonderful service they provide for the residents. This goes here, that goes there, and before long, every shirt, sock, and wandering pair of underwear finds its proper home. Even laundry seems happier when life is organized!
              TEA-TIME
Then life gently turns into tea-time. Every morning, I fill one of my oversized mugs with warm green tea and settle in for a peaceful beginning. There is something comforting about wrapping my hands around that big mug, breathing in the gentle steam, and enjoying those first soothing sips.
         
It is a simple ritual, but it awakens my mind, calms my spirit, and prepares me for whatever adventures—or delightful mischief—the day may bring. Sometimes, starting the day well requires nothing more complicated than a grateful heart, a hopeful attitude, and one wonderfully large mug of tea.
              NIKOLETTA
Met with Nikoletta, who runs Legacy. We walked and talked about the gardens I will be building.  Vegetable and flower gardens, and making them beautiful (like Nicoletta). We walked over and through the hospital’s dementia-unit. I live in the old-person unit where I am. I continue to wonder where the juggling-unit might be.
          JUAN OF CITI OF BOOKS
Through the internet, Juan of Citi of Books in New Mexico found me, and we had a good discussion. Like many, he sees how my future books could really take off. That is my hope too, and with your help, we can make that happen.
                    CHRISTOPHER OF WOODSIDE MOTION
Juan told me he read some bad words about Woodside Motion. He told me to be careful, which I will. Then I looked up his City of Books in New Mexico and read some disturbing words. So, I will have to be very careful on whichever road I take.
       
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 9
Oh, no. I awoke with a lump in my elbow, and under the lump is pain. I will talk with the nurse here today about it. It’s just a strange growth that is new to me. I may need to see a doctor; I will let you know. It turned out that the nurse, Toni, knew nothing. I set up an appointment to see a doctor next week.
           
Breakfast was the same as usual—nothing particularly exciting or worthy of a parade—but it was still a pleasant way to begin the day. Sometimes the familiar things bring a quiet kind of comfort, even when they do not arrive with fireworks, fanfare, or a juggling waiter!
       
I thought today was Thursday, but now I have an extra day to spend. How?
           
They held a lively event called “New York, New York, Fashion Week”—their own version of Fashion Week. People gathered along both sides of the wide hallway, transforming it into a grand runway. Then employees, staff members, and even residents took turns strutting down the center, showing off their outfits and finest model poses.
       
The audience applauded enthusiastically for their favorites, filling the hallway with laughter, cheers, and plenty of fashionable fun. For a little while, Legacy became our own little slice of Manhattan—without the heavy traffic, impatient taxi drivers, or eye-watering price tags!
        
I felt a little foolish afterward. Why hadn’t I brought along some colorful juggling scarves? They would have floated through the air beautifully, brightened the room, and probably brought a few smiles and laughs. It would have been perfect!
               
Oh, well—there is no need to juggle regret. I missed this opportunity, but I have a better idea for the next one. Next time, the scarves are coming with me, and I will be ready to add a little color, movement, and joyful mischief to the occasion!
     
Yes, they even had the bar open, adding a little extra sparkle to the festivities. Naturally, that meant it was officially wine time for Kit! I picked up a glass, settled in, and raised a cheerful toast to the occasion. After all, every good celebration deserves a little laughter, a little fun, and perhaps a friendly sip of wine to help the evening dance along. Cheers to enjoying life—one delightful moment at a time!
       
I just watched a video about the growing number of restaurants closing locations or filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Remember TGI Fridays? That familiar restaurant is gradually disappearing from communities across the country. Have you been cutting back, too?
Watch this >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRb5f1NLJkE
       
Hardee’s, Long John Silver’s, Smokey Bones, Salad and Go, and On the Border are also closing locations or facing financial difficulties. Restaurants that once seemed permanent are fading away—one familiar sign, one empty dining room, and one final order at a time. When’s the last time you ate out?
       
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Thunder is rattling the sky again tonight, while brilliant flashes of lightning keep turning the darkness into a wild outdoor light show. The storm sounds as though the clouds have formed their own marching band—and the drummer is feeling particularly enthusiastic!
           
We seem to be getting storms like this remarkably often, and it does not feel normal for this area. Perhaps the weather has decided that ordinary rain is far too boring. Whatever the reason, Mother Nature is certainly putting on another powerful performance tonight—and she apparently forgot to turn down the volume!
           
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 10
When my eyes opened this morning, I discovered a strange lump on the outside of my right elbow. It does not hurt, but it certainly does not belong there. I will have the nursing staff examine it and determine what might be causing it.
       
As I awoke this morning, I had a deep sense of loneliness. It has been years since romance filled my life, and I miss the tender moments that make two people feel truly connected—holding someone close, sharing a gentle kiss, and knowing there is always a loving hand to reach for.
         
I miss having someone special with whom to share the ordinary details of life: morning conversations, quiet evenings, spontaneous adventures, private jokes, and dreams for the future. Life can still be meaningful when lived alone, but many moments become warmer, brighter, and more beautiful when shared with someone you love.
       
Still, my heart has not given up. It remembers the joy of companionship and continues to believe that love may find me again. Perhaps another wonderful chapter is waiting just beyond the next page—and when it arrives, I will welcome it with an open heart and grateful arms. Do you, perhaps, have a lonely friend?
                 
Once again, am I writing too many words for my blog?
Right now, writing is about the only thing I have until death.
Yes, death is the easy way out, but who will be there first?

I’M STILL WAITING FOR YOU. 
     
>>>>>SEPTEMBER 11
I heard from my sister, Kath—whom we affectionately call Willow—yesterday. She has been experiencing severe headaches and is understandably concerned. She recently underwent several medical tests and sent me the results. Thankfully, everything appears to be all right, which brought me some welcome relief.
               
I have already been awake for several hours, and somehow the clock has marched all the way to 7:00 a.m. The world is beginning to stir, another day is unfolding, and life is moving forward—just as it always does.
            YEAH — RIGHT (OR WRITE)
It will continue with or without me, but I am deeply grateful to still be included in its grand adventure. As long as I am here, I intend to keep learning, loving, laughing, and adding a little something worthwhile to the day. Life has invited me to participate once again—and I gladly accept!
                 
It’s Friday, which means this blog is heading out into the world today—ready or not! I have been carefully combing through every paragraph, polishing the sentences, moving words around, and making sure each one earns its place.
        FRIDAY–AGAIN!
With every revision, the message seems to grow clearer, stronger, and more meaningful. Eventually, though, a writer must stop tinkering, release the words, and let them find their way to the people who need them.
     
Now comes the exciting—and slightly nerve-racking—part: awaiting your verdict. Is my writing connecting with you? Am I sharing ideas that make you think, smile, or look at life from a fresh perspective? I genuinely want to know.
    LET ME KNOW, PLEASE
Your comments help me become a better writer and remind me that these words are not simply floating through cyberspace wearing tiny invisible parachutes. Please tell me honestly: Is this material worth reading?
                    =============
PART 3—BLOG 393—More Ideas for Your Better Life
Be Different—Find Your Own Way.
       
50 ADVANCEMENT IDEAS
1) ### Tapping You on the Shoulder?
Life is waiting for you—not somewhere in the misty land of “someday,” but right here, right now, tapping its foot and wondering when you are coming out to play. Open the door, embrace the unexpected, and take one brave step forward. This is your Life—beautiful, surprising, and ready to be lived!
     
2) ### Make the Right Choice.
You have choices—wonderful, powerful, and occasionally peculiar choices. Every day, you decide how you will care for your body, nourish your mind, use your time, face your struggles, and share your unique gifts with the world. Some choices will be enormous, while others may seem delightfully small: taking a walk, calling a friend, offering kindness, resting when you need it, or choosing courage when fear begins making too much noise.
           
3) ### No Worries.
You will not always choose perfectly—nobody does. We are human beings, not highly polished decision-making robots! What matters is that you keep learning, adjusting, and moving forward. Choose what strengthens you, brings you alive, and helps you become the person you know you can be. Day by day and choice by choice, you are creating your Life—and what a magnificent creation it can become!
         
4) ### Choose Boldly!
Choose joyfully.
Choose intelligently.
And whenever possible, take the path with the most magnificent view—and bring a delicious snack for the journey. After all, every grand adventure deserves a little something tasty! This is the only life you have to live, so savor every moment, embrace every possibility, and live it fully!
           
5) ### Your Life.
Live a Life that awakens your curiosity, strengthens your spirit, and makes your heart eager to greet the morning. Follow the people, places, and possibilities that fill you with energy and remind you how wonderful it is to be alive. Life is not merely something to survive—it is an extraordinary adventure waiting to be explored.
         
6) ### Choices.
Choose a life that helps you come alive. Laugh loudly, love generously, dream courageously, and keep moving toward whatever sets your inner lights sparkling. The road may twist, climb, and occasionally lead through a few potholes, but keep going. There is still beauty ahead, joy around the next bend, and plenty of room in your backpack for hope—and that snack!
         
7) ### Eat Nourishing Food.
Move whenever you safely can, rest without guilt, and listen when your body asks for help. Your body is the only vehicle you have for this amazing journey. Give it good fuel, regular care, love, and an occasional tune-up. Even a magnificent machine needs maintenance—and sometimes a nap!
         
8) ### Learn From Yesterday and Prepare for Tomorrow.
Do not miss the only moment you can truly touch—this one. Today is not the waiting room for your life. Today is your life! Open the door, step boldly inside, and make yourself wonderfully at home. Now bring your life up to a higher level.
           
9) ### Learn to Juggle!
If you cannot juggle yet, now is the perfect time to learn! Juggling improves coordination, concentration, patience, and confidence while giving your brain and body a playful workout. It also teaches an important lesson: dropping the ball is not failure—it is simply part of learning. Pick it up, try again, and soon you may surprise yourself with what you can do! My friend, Niels, will show you how >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whgT2oAIGJc
         
10) ### Stay Connected! (Call Me!  610-400-3233)
Call someone. Share a laugh. Offer encouragement. Allow others to help you, too. Life becomes warmer, brighter, and infinitely more interesting when it is shared. We are not meant to perform the entire show alone—every great act needs a few friendly faces in the audience.
         
11) ### Keep creating!
Write, teach, juggle, speak, dream, paint, dance, build, sing, or begin something delightfully new. Purpose keeps your inner lights glowing—and every now and then, it turns them into fireworks! You do not have to create a masterpiece today. Create a sentence, a smile, a possibility, or a gloriously wobbly first attempt.

       The big star–Niels Duinker

12) ### Spend Time Outside.
Feel the sunshine, watch the clouds, listen to the birds, and let the breeze rearrange your hair. Nature has a marvelous way of reminding us that the world is much larger than our worries. Trees do not hurry, flowers do not compare themselves, and squirrels remain astonishingly confident despite having no long-term financial plan.
         
(ARE YOU WRITING DOWN IDEAS THAT WILL HELP?)
         
13) ### Practice Gratitude.
You do not need a perfect life to appreciate one delicious meal, one kind person, one hearty laugh, or one beautiful morning. Gratitude does not erase Life’s difficulties; it simply helps the good things shine brighter. It opens the curtains and lets the light back in.
           
14) ### Turn Adversity into Opportunity.
You cannot always control what happens, but you can decide what you will create from it. A wall can stop you—or become something you climb to discover a better view. A setback may knock the wind out of you, but it does not get to write your ending. That pen still belongs to you.
         
15) ### Keep your Inner Child Awake. Stay Curious, Playful.
Also, be willing to look a little ridiculous.
Splash through a puddle.
Tell a wonderfully silly joke.
Try something new—even if you wobble at first.
Laugh at yourself before anyone else gets the privilege.
Life is far too short to remain serious all the time, and joy rarely arrives wearing a business suit!
           
16) ### Your Story Is Filled with Treasure!
What does it take to rise after Life knocks you flat?
What does failure really give you?
Hint: almost everything you need to grow.
   
17) ### Share Your Adventures and the Lessons You Collected Along the Road.
Explore how discomfort can become a doorway to growth, how living with less can give you more, and how saying **YES!** to life—even with shaky knees—can lead somewhere extraordinary.
Collect moments instead of possessions.
Memories require no storage unit!
             
18) ### Mindset and Daily Habits: Small Actions, Big Ripples.
A remarkable life is often built from remarkably small actions.
Morning routines matter. Tiny habits matter. Making your bed, cleaning your room, taking a short walk, writing one paragraph, or encouraging one person may appear insignificant. Yet small actions, repeated consistently, can produce enormous change.
         
19) ### Clean Your Space, and You May Clear Your Mind.
Train your thoughts as you would train your muscles.
Choose your attitude—especially when that choice is difficult.
That is when it counts the most.
You may not control the weather, but you can still dance in the rain.
Waterproof shoes are optional—but highly recommended!
         
20) ## Connection, Legacy, and Impact
What does it mean to truly love people well?
Your legacy is not something that begins after you are gone.
You are building it right now—one choice, one conversation, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time.
           
21) ###Who are you when no one is watching?
How do you treat someone who can do absolutely nothing for you?
A warm smile, a sincere compliment, or a few encouraging words can change the direction of someone’s entire day. Sometimes the smallest kindness becomes the biggest part of another person’s story. Leave every room, every relationship, and this wonderfully wobbly world a little better than you found it.
           
22) ### Fun Wildcards: The Unexpected Gems
Some of the most powerful ideas sneak up behind you, tap you on the shoulder, and shout “SURPRISE!”

Ask yourself:
– If today were my final day, what would I change?
– What would I write in a letter to my younger self?
– What advice would my 100-year-old self give me today?
– If I had to begin again with nothing, what would I do first?
– Which moment in my life changed everything?
– What am I postponing while waiting to feel ready?
– Life can get better and better . . . 

These questions and suggestions are not intended to frighten you.
They are invitations to wake up, step forward,
And live with your eyes—and your heart—wide open.
             
23) ### The Toss You Almost Didn’t Make.
I almost refused to try—but found the courage to try anyway. Life often changes through tiny decisions that seem almost insignificant at the time. A quiet “yes,” one brave step, or one small toss can begin an entirely new routine—and send your life soaring in a direction you never imagined.
       
24) ### Butt Patrol Philosophy.
Remember my daily cleanup into lessons about leadership. True greatness is not always loud, glamorous, or followed by applause. Sometimes it quietly picks up the mess when nobody is watching. No spotlight. No standing ovation. Just you, doing the right thing—and possibly holding a trash bag.
           
25) ### The Clock That Doesn’t Care.
Time keeps ticking whether we act or not. Time is not our enemy, but it is not our personal assistant, either. Use your time right. It will not tap us politely on the shoulder and say, “Pardon me, but perhaps you should begin now!” The clock keeps moving. We should, too.
           
26) ### The Show Must Go On… Even When You Can’t Feel Your Legs.
Remember my story about life and recovery? We are all recovering from something. Sometimes courage arrives before strength. Sometimes we take the next step before we know whether our legs are ready. Bravery is not always a roar; sometimes it is a trembling whisper that says, “Let’s try once more.”
         
27) ### The Door You Thought Was Locked.
You assumed it was impossible—until you finally tried. Sometimes the door was never locked. You simply need to turn the handle. Push, pull, jiggle if necessary—but do not spend your whole Life standing in the hallway!
         
28) ### Rebuilding a Brain, One Thought at a Time.
Come close to my story: the forgotten words, the frustrating moments, the tiny victories, and the unexpected strength. A Life is rebuilt the same way a book is written—one word, one thought, and one page at a time. Progress may be slow, but slow progress is still wearing its traveling shoes.
         
29) ### The Best Map I Ever Threw Away.
Use your travel adventures to explore the difference between control and freedom. Sometimes losing the plan helps us discover a destination better than the one we originally imagined. A detour can be Life’s mischievous way of saying, “Trust me—you will want to see this.”
         
30) ### The Life I Didn’t Plan Became the Life I Needed.
I’ve written about love, marriage, loss, and reinvention.
These detours are not interruptions to the road.
Very often, the detours *are* the road.
         
30) ### Ambition vs. Purpose: The Day I Got It Wrong.
You read of chasing something I thought I wanted—and then discovering what truly mattered. Ambition may win applause, but purpose keeps you going after the audience has gone home, the theater is dark, and somebody still needs to fold the chairs.
         
31) ### The Quiet Power of Showing Up.
No fireworks.
No parade.
No marching band—unless one happens to be available.
Just keep showing up, day after day and toss after toss. Consistency is ordinary effort wearing superhero clothing. It may not arrive with a cape, but it can still save the day.
           
32) ### From Standing Ovations to Starting Over.
Contrast the applause at Bally’s with the lowest point of my recovery. That fall may have ended one performance, but it also began a far more meaningful story. The spotlight changed—but your ability to inspire an audience became brighter than ever.
           
33) ### What Happens When You Stop Eating—and Start Noticing.
I explore what fasting taught me about awareness, habits, control, and choice, while recognizing the importance of medical guidance and safety. True strength includes knowing when to invite qualified professionals onto my team. Courage and wisdom make excellent partners—and neither should attempt dangerous stunts without supervision.
           
34) ### 5 A.M.: When the World Whispers Instead of Shouts.
Capture your peaceful early hours: quiet hallways, sleeping neighbors, distant sounds, and thoughts arriving before sunrise. Sometimes the world’s greatest wisdom speaks very softly. You simply have to be awake—and apparently holding a cup of tea—to hear it.
           
35) ### The Catch That Matters Most.
Everyone watches the toss, but the catch completes the action. Life is not merely about beginning. It is about following through, finishing well, and being fully present when the moment returns to your hands. Keep juggling life and do not drop.
           
36) ### You’re Not Broken—You’re Rearranged.
A rearranged life can still be meaningful, magnificent, and overflowing with unexpected possibilities. You may not become the person you once imagined—but through every twist, tumble, and triumph, you may become someone wiser, braver, and even stronger.
         
37) ### Start Before You’re Ready.
You may never feel completely prepared. Begin anyway. This lesson connects writing, juggling, recovery, travel, speaking, and nearly every worthwhile adventure. Readiness often arrives after the first step, slightly out of breath and wondering why you did not wait for it.
         
38) ### Take a Look at Yourself—but Don’t Flinch.
Write honestly about self-reflection without turning it into self-punishment. You can admit your mistakes, forgive yourself, and grow without using your past as a hammer. Reflection should be a mirror, not a weapon.
           
39) ### The Gift Hidden Inside the Worst Day of My Life.
Do not minimize the pain of an accident. Honor its devastation, its struggle, and everything it took away—then reveal the extraordinary transformation that grew from the wreckage. The tragedy was never the gift. The gift is the person you fought, struggled, and ultimately chose to become afterward.
           
40) ### Purpose Isn’t Found—It’s Built!
Purpose rarely falls from the sky wearing a name tag. We construct it through action—brick by brick, choice by choice, word by word, and toss by toss. Do not wait for purpose to introduce itself. Start building, and it will meet you on the job.
             
41) ### You Still Matter—Especially Now.
Speak directly to the person who feels invisible, forgotten, or left behind. Remind them that age, scars, mistakes, and circumstances cannot erase their value.
You still have something to give.
You still have someone to encourage.
You still have a reason to rise.
         
42)### A Little Spark to Send You Off
You do not need to search very far for inspiration. You have lived it. Every scar, every comeback, every mile traveled, and every ball you tossed—or dropped—is part of a story that could help someone else survive. That is more than history. This is not someone else’s survival guide waiting to be written. So choose one idea. Start before you feel ready.
         
43) ### Write messily, boldly, honestly, and joyfully.
Write with your whole heart.
Write as though your words matter—
Because they do! And if you become stuck, remember this >>
Even the world’s greatest jugglers drop things and mispel.
They do not stand there arguing with gravity or their pen.
They pick everything up, flash a grin, and continue the show.
         
44) ### Changes
What change can you make right now to improve your life? You do not need to transform everything overnight—begin with one positive choice. Take a walk, call someone you love, let go of an old regret, or start what you have been postponing. Small steps, repeated with courage and consistency, can create extraordinary results. Ask yourself >>
“What can I do today that my future self will thank me for?”
Then do it—progress begins the moment you move.
           
45) ### Your Better Future
Your Brighter, Better, Bolder Future Is Waiting!
Step Forward, Dream Bigger, and Create a Life.
One that Makes You Want to Dance!
       
46) ###Your Garden?
Have you started your edible garden yet? If not, today is a wonderful day to plant the first seed! You do not need a huge backyard or years of experience—a sunny windowsill, balcony, patio, or a few containers may be all you need. Begin with something simple, such as herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, or strawberries. Imagine picking something fresh and delicious that you grew yourself! An edible garden provides healthy food, gentle exercise, peaceful moments, and the satisfaction of watching life emerge from the soil. Plant one seed today, give it patience and care, and before long, your future salad may be growing right outside your door!
         
47) ### Remember Your Exercise Routine!
This should get you going >>
Warm-up—2 minutes: March slowly in place, roll your shoulders, and swing your arms.
Chair stands—1 minute: Rise from a sturdy chair and sit down slowly. Use your hands if needed.
Wall push-ups—1 minute: Keep your body straight and move gently toward and away from the wall.
Supported marching—2 minutes: Hold a counter or chair and lift one knee at a time.
Heel raises—1 minute: Holding support, rise onto your toes and lower slowly.
Balance practice—1 minute: Stand with one foot slightly ahead of the other while holding a sturdy surface.
Easy walking—1 minute: Walk around your room or hallway at a comfortable pace.
Cool down—1 minute: Breathe slowly and gently stretch your legs and shoulders.
                 
48) ### Your Daily Routine
Make this a habit, you will love that.
       
Morning launch—5 minutes: Make your bed, drink water or tea, take five slow breaths, and decide on your most important task.
Gentle movement—5 to 10 minutes: March in place, circle your shoulders, perform several chair-assisted squats, stretch, and walk comfortably.
Balance practice—3 minutes: Stand beside a sturdy chair and practice heel raises, toe raises, and carefully standing on one foot.
Brain boost—5 minutes: Read a page, write a paragraph, learn one new fact, or practice a simple juggling pattern.
Joy break—5 minutes: Play a favorite song, step outside, call someone, or do something delightfully silly.
Evening reset—5 minutes: Put away five things, write down one victory and one gratitude, then prepare for tomorrow.
         
49) ### I Know You Eat (Can ya cook?)
You can start with simple meals and grow with time >>
Scrambled eggs with toast
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Spaghetti with marinara sauce
Baked potato topped with cheese and vegetables
Chicken-and-vegetable stir-fry
Cheese quesadilla with salsa
Tuna or chicken salad sandwich
Sheet-pan chicken with potatoes and carrots
Yogurt parfait with fruit and granola
Oatmeal with bananas, cinnamon, and honey
         
I have grown a huge repertoire of recipes.
I cook, and I’m getting better all the time.
You might call me a master chef (no, not chief) 
           
Find recipes on the internet.
Start with one recipe; take your time.
Enjoy the process, then eat the rewards.
Cooking is a lot like juggling—master one simple move, then add another.
Before long, dinner is in the air!
     
50) ### Show Love
You show love through your actions:
You listen—not merely to reply, but to understand.
You make time, even when life is busy.
You offer encouragement when someone doubts themselves.
You forgive mistakes while protecting healthy boundaries.
You remember the little things that make someone smile.
You help without keeping score.
You say, “I appreciate you,” “I believe in you,” and “I’m glad you’re here.”
Remember, it’s not all “YOU”—it’s always them.
             
Love does not always arrive with fireworks and a marching band. Often, it appears quietly—in a warm hug, a thoughtful message, a shared laugh, a cup of tea, or simply sitting beside someone who does not want to be alone. Most importantly, show love consistently. Grand gestures are wonderful, but the small acts repeated day after day are what make people feel truly treasured. ❤️