(Do you wander or just wonder?)
With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life. By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.
*** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
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*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!
I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!
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INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>
The topic for this week, how to find joy in this world. Yes, I have my Facebook friends, Joy and Joy and Joy, and I know how to find them. But to keep an overall complex of joy in your mind and your life is important.
Do you have joy in your life? How about pleasures, anything there?
Remember, you’re the one to bring on these feelings, these attitudes.
Big Bend National Park in Texas was going to be my next destination, but I’ve since changed my mind. After finishing reading Will Soto’s book, I wrote to him to ask if he would train me in martial arts techniques. So, back to Key West with me.
He will have visitors until 12 February, then I will be with him to learn. I want to discipline my mind and body better, I think he can help. I hope that I will teach him some things, too.
So, about one week to spend in southern Florida. For one, I will aim to the East Coast for some ocean swimming, then I want to return to Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. You will find out as I find out.
How fun it is to live my life not knowing what my future holds and making it as I go. Such as, I am in Collier Library now, which is in Collier, FL. Do you know that I graduated from Collier Jr. High in San Diego in 1974? I know, no connection, except for the name.
Sad about these mouth coverings we are told to wear. I see so many that are on the ground. If it were so terrible, why do we not have a multitude of hazardous waste reciprocals all around the earth?
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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.
This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire yourself.
Inspiration >> The process of being mentally stimulated to do a certain thing.
I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.
When you change the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life—sometim0es instantly!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed humorous quote can make someone laugh, our own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.
You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
To be successful, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.
But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do, the higher you’ll want to reach. So as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.
Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.
I hope the words I pick do help you.
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BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>
To have joy in life is a constant choice we each have during our entire lifetime. I hope there words below will help you find that joy that you deserve.
1. Stop waiting to have joy and be happy.
You can always make fresh opportunities to be happy and joyful. It’s like being at an amusement park, where happy times arrive around the clock. Chances are the opportunity to be happy has already arrived, if you look. Sometimes it’s right in front of us. So many of us don’t even look and therefore don’t even experience the happy times.
Regardless of your experiences, you can feel happier, be more productive, attract success and enjoy yourself during all processes. Learn to shift your focus and the way you think your perspective changes. When the shift happens, your life changes. So get your shift together, as they say.
2. Add happiness to your life—right now – and always.
You make the life you want in your mind, do you see it? Say, you might live on a tropical island. You get up when you like and you do what you want. Some guy named Homer brings breakfast. From your reclined position on your balcony, all you can see is the ocean and your feet. Ah, the life of the young and/or retired.
Yes, we all dream of being happy someday. Until then, we keep ourselves overworked, over-stressed, and under-happy. The dream doesn’t seem possible without a big lottery win or a call from a wealthy aunt in poor health. But what fun is life if we aren’t happy about it? It’s our choice.
The good news is, you can add happiness to your life NOW. It is how you face life. Just a few serotonin-producing activities can reduce stress and make the wait for Utopia easier to bear.
3. Take better care of yourself.
We constantly need to make changes our entire life. But here’s the thing—taking a timeout to give yourself a moment of relaxation or indulgence is only part of the trial. Choose to have happier times and you can make them happen! Part of that is to take better care of yourself.
You choose what you think about. One of the surest ways to let that self-care time be great is thinking the right thoughts. Get yourself sorted so that your “me time” can be as effective as possible.
4. Keep in a joyful state of mind.
A joyful life is the best state we can hope to achieve. It’s the kind of life that produces positive thoughts and feel-good energy. Joy encourages us to look to the future with high hopes and plans. Fresh joy might seem like a momentary emotion, but even if you only feel it for a moment, you can hold onto the joy and enjoy it.
5. Stop worrying!
Worry does nothing to help anything. And, joy works much like love, it has its mysterious ways. However, science tells us that brain chemistry can change our emotions. But in order to activate those chemicals, we have to often change our thinking habits first.
There is a recipe toward happiness. This recipe lies in changing our thought patterns. These patterns—what you do and think and say—determines how truly happy you are. It’s how you think, your constant inner voice.
6. Appreciate the small things (and the big things!)
We often make the small things too trivial. Remember about the little things, too, they can add up to big things. As I wrote before, if you can make ALL of the little things joyful, it will add up to an even bigger happiness!
7. Stay around other positive people.
Happiness being an individual choice, we can all choose to be around the right friends. If you change your life influences for the better, you can dramatically increase your chances for joy in your life.
8. Laugh more!
Remember this!–laughing makes you feel good, but you know that. Try to think about the last time you really laughed. Chances are, it may have been many moons ago. Bring back the childhood fun and joy that you once had.
9. Love more.
Such a powerful thing love is. It’s wonderful to receive, but even better to give. Keep a strong love in your life—always. With strong love comes joy to your life.
10. Plan your joy and happiness.
We put money in the bank. We take vitamins and supplements. We exercise. We hope these precautions will protect us as we age. But as we safeguard our money, bodies, and blood pressure, we forget to safeguard the one thing that can make a difference in the quality of our lives as we get older: our joy and happiness.
I’ve said before, “People turn into Adults”. So many of us lose our childhood fun, curiosity and joy in life. It’s still within you, you can bring it back whenever you like.
Studies show that while positive feelings may not improve outcomes for people with certain diseases such as cancer, the evidence that joy leads to better health is “clear and compelling!” Keep that joy—keep that happiness.
Now, it’s time to get out there and do
something incredible that you can rejoice in! =================================
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Haven’t worked on my blog for a couple days, just traveling around southern Florida. I took some pictures, hope you enjoy.
2/5—About twenty miles away and in the same shopping center was both a Costco and a Best Buy, so that provided the next stop, had to go to each. Then, on the way was a Walmart, so three good stops this evening.
I am parked at the Best Buy and this is where I will be bedding down tonight. Noise will quickly dissipate to nothing when the stores close, so no worries.
Here is a photo of what I am aiming for.
2/6—Moved on and slept in the library parking lot last night. Very quiet and I can darken the inside of the van, completely. Had a good sleep I did.
Yet, today I woke up itchy, so, shower time. The library is in a remote location, so no people around. I park with bushes on one side and Van on the other, so no one could see me in my nakedity. Feels so good to be clean.
Recently Alan did the work on the front end of the van, I wanted to make sure the wheels were aligned.
I have lifetime alignment at Tires Plus, so I went by this morning, getting there by 7:30 a.m. and I was out of there by 8 am. Good I went, the alignment was just a little off, and now it’s back on key.
Next, back to Costco for a couple of items. Then, Best Buy opens at eleven, I waited until then to go and see Geek Squad again. There are a couple of questions about my laptop and phone. They were able to see me first thing and my questions got answered.
So, right now I have no idea which direction to go in. I could head toward Texas, I could go back south in Florida. I will have to study the map and decide where to go. Perhaps I’ll even come and see you!
As I was driving along in Naples, at about 4:15 on Saturday in the afternoon, I saw people gathering at a church, so I thought I’d join them. St. William Parish had a mass starting at 4:30. Since I have time on my hands and have yet to meet God, I thought I would join them.
In this church, I saw only a few people who were under 50 years of age. What will the church do in ten years when they have no people in the church?
I’ve gone to a few Catholic churches in the past. They all seem the same, nothing new here. I must say, people here get a good workout—stand sit kneel, stand sit kneel— repeat. Once again, nothing new here.
At one point the father said, let’s all do some jumping jacks. Suddenly the whole group did synchronized jumping jacks. Aww–just kitting around again, that would be fun, though. (Who is Jack, anyway, and why did he jump?)
It seems this is mainly reading from the Bible.
Have people not read their bible?
I went through the process of the eating of the bread and drinking of the wine, better known as Holy Communion or Eucharist. This seems so cannibalistic to desire to eat someone’s body and drink their blood. I never liked the idea of it.
As I was up there, I asked the man in charge what is the name of this process? He asked me, aren’t you Catholic? And he was not going to give me the bread. I told him I just had forgotten the name, so I got my bread (a small tasteless cracker). I just can’t believe that if you aren’t a Catholic you couldn’t participate, seems so wrong to me.
I parked in the back and slept at the church. I felt comfortable because I knew God was there protecting me?
2/7—Slept well, off and on, last night. At a McDonald’s right now about a mile away from the church. Can plug in and get on their wifi.
It is so hard to find beach access around here because of all of the resorts and mansions. But, I finally found signs about beach access. When I got to the beach, I saw a group of people laying on their towels. It was cloudy, no sun. Just seemed funny to me.
I went into the water. Cold at first, but got used to it. Afterward, there were beach shower, so I did. Swimming in the ocean in February, while it is snowing up where I used to live in Pennsylvania. Smiling I am.
2/9—Today was my mom’s birthday. She died a year ago, it was a shock to me. I never thought about life without mom around.
Currently, I am traveling on I-75 from west to east. I plan to go back to Big Cypress National Park. So much to see there, many animals to meet.
I contacted Will Soto how about returning to see him. He is a master in the martial arts and I asked for his training. I’m curious on what my body can achieve physically through martial arts.
Of course, you will find out from future writings.
I go back and forth, part of me wants to be in the wilderness continuously, the other part wants to be in the library on the computer writing to you. Of course, you win out every time.
This is what I awoke to.
As I was driving on I-25, I thought I’d turn off at a rest area/Big Cypress access. I found a trail that lead you through two closed gates. The constant traffic noise behind me let me know I could not get lost.
I went about a mile in, then the trail got too wet and muddy and I turned back. I know that not many in this world have been on this area, which feels good to me, I know you are with me, though.
Continuing on I-25, I saw a turn off to the left, into the park, I saw another turn off that said Wagon Wheel Road. I went down this and right away I saw a ranger who happened to be standing by his truck.
He informed me that this road leads to other roads into the park. He also told me of some other roads to take down into the park and about a campground, he said that it was fabulous.
So, I’m on my way down now to see what I can see. Hearing some bird and beast sounds coming from the wilderness. How exciting. Looks like I might be here for a couple of days.
Did you know I cut my own hair? I just bend forward and use a Clipper to cut all the same length. I do the same thing with my facial hair. I used to have to shave twice a day because my beard grows fast and thick, now I do about once a week.
I’ve never had complaints or laughter about my hairdo. Saves a lot of money, which I don’t mind at all. Would you do such a thing?
Back here on my way to the campground, I saw a big lawnmower cutting the lawn on both sides of the dirt road. For me, it just seems like such a waste of time and money to cut lawns. So what if I get a little taller, and that goes for all roads. Grass growing the natural thing – why cut it? Cutting lawn on dirt roads should be illegal.
Next, it was a left on Turner River Road. On both sides of the road it is swamp; much water. Still hearing strange sounds coming from the wilderness, how exhilarating!
I seldom get hungry—I had hunger pang’s. It was about noonish, so I pulled over and made a salad, including chicken and cheese that I had.
The temperature gauge in the van currently says 91, quite comfortable, I must say. Back where I was living in Pennsylvania, there is snow now. My daughter, Jasmine, wrote that it was ten degrees today up there. I like this climate much better, I must say (sorry you’re not here, Phyllis.)
I got to the end of the road. A couple of people have vehicles here, yet not much to see. I might go hiking later, I just don’t want to get lost. I lay-ed in the van and read for an hour. I’ll find a way and get back to you.
I’m surprised, even out here I am getting a connection.
As I was heading out, I saw a guy pulled off the road. I talked with him for a bit. He pointed out the road for the campground, which was back just a little bit. I’m here now, but seems quite boring.
It’s only 1:30 in the afternoon, shall I stay or go???
I went and looked at the campground. And nice place, but no one is here. I’m back in the one campsite and almost got stuck in the mud. And, because there are only palm trees around, I wouldn’t have fuel for the fire, no wood trees.
So, I’ve decided to head down the road.
2/10—And down the road I went. I’ve been before, had to go again. In Everglades there is Shark Valley (no, there are no sharks anywhere.) You go seven miles in and there is a tower you can climb to look around. And, on the way, there are often Alligators to see.
To get in there they have a trolley (twenty five bucks and the driver points out things on the way.)
Or, I could have walked the seven miles?
Rode my unicycle?
Ran?
Or ride my bike.
I’m guessing you can guess which I choose.
Going out I kept up a good clip, passed other riders. But, even the seven miles out I felt my muscles; not in shape. I remember back in high school I could easily ride 100 miles in a day.
So, I got all the way to the end and thought to myself, “I shouldn’t do this because it’s really too far out here”, so I turned around and headed back (just kitting.)
On the way back I took it more easy on the bicycle. When I got back by the entrance were a couple alligators. One was moving and as he was about to enter the water I grabbed him by the tail.
I expected his skin to be lizard/snake like to the feel, but felt more like skin than scales. He looked at me with a “get away from me” look on his face, so I did.
Found a nice place to bed down in the wilderness. I do like it out there.
I’ve been here before, back to the Naranja Library in the city with the same name. This is far enough from a big city to be comfortable for me. You can get wifi in the parking lot, so I did last night. Then, this morning at 5am, I went to the back and plugged in in the outlet they have there.
Later I am inside and working on my next blog to you.
2/11—Still at the library writing and reading.
From that bike ride yesterday my muscles are hurting with growth.
I’m lonely out here, I would love to hear from you.
Either through Facebook or email, kitsummers@gmail.com
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MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>
Bring joy to at least five other people this week!
It will be good for them, and better for you.
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NEXT BLOG>>
Working with my juggling friend, Will Soto (who is also a marshal arts master) and he will be training me to use my body better.
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