“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 324–BACK TO BASICS
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I aim to Illuminate Your Life with my Words.
Do You Wander Aimlessly or Wonder About the Possibilities?
Embark on Your Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth.
Let’s Ignite Moments of Self-reflection and Deep Contemplation Together.
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY AND BETTER!
*** A world-class juggler/performer.
*** The value that every moment has.
*** Only YOU know what is best for you.
*** Going through a 37-day coma — Yikes!
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** It was a life-altering experience that gave me joy.
*** More than just you, I hope I help many others through you.
*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop.
*** If you read through Facebook, see >> kitsummers.com
*** Despite being hit by two trucks, I remain happy.
*** What do you want to accomplish before you die?
*** I lived in my van for six years, which was very nice.
*** I visited all the US national parks and met Beth.
*** Beth and I got married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** But sadly, our divorce is imminent.
*** What are you genuinely passionate about?
*** What do you want to accomplish?
*** You cannot change the past.
*** In 2025, I met Jennifer. We are sooo happy together!
*** Remember, the future will come.
*** All you have is now—ALWAYS!
*** Have you seen >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo
BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!
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WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
I’m sure you have many who assist and teach; I hope I help guide you. I want to lighten your path toward excellence. I am not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me each time—I love it! In other words, I hope to continually add to your life and bring you to a higher level. Your life should always be starting again–a better life each time!
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual demise?
These words can fill you with optimism and empower you to think positively.
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life at every age.
Let these ideas motivate and drive you towards self-improvement.
Of course, that leads to helping others have a better life.
We all need to help each other reach a higher level.
MY EXPERIENCES
You already know much about my writing, and I want to remind you of these ideas.
My views can provide you with additional thoughts to help you.
I hope to spread ideas from my life so you can live better.
Remember — only you know what is best for you.
And — you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Learn a New Word Every Day!
Sign up at >> https://www.wordgenius.com/
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE?
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OPENING WORDS
This week, I thought about my life and what I am doing.
It has been a rainy week, so we are staying indoors much of the time.
But a change is on the horizon.
EMBRACE THE PRESENT MOMENT- EVERY SINGLE INSTANT!
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BLOG 324–BACK TO BASICS
Think back about your life as a youngster, then simplify your current life—NOW—and you will be happy you did. Seeing the big picture of life can tear us up. “Back to basics” means prioritizing fundamental principles and simple living over your complexities and expectations.
Getting back to basics is about reconnecting with core values, even your childhood, focusing on what really matters, and then simplifying life to find a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. As you do this, your life will become more and more pleasant to live. At any age, you can change–AND SHOULD!
When you die, people will remember you for a short time, then nothing. Do what is important to you and makes your life better–NOW–as you make other lives better. You only have a small amount of time to find joy. That is the most important, to find joy and happiness, as you help others find their destiny and joy.
This desire for minimalism comes from a deep-seated need for ease and slowness in your life, which isn’t new but has grown in intensity recently. This is probably in response to the changes in your life this year. As my daughters and business grew, my time and energy demands have increased accordingly.
Returning to life’s basics involves focusing and simplifying your core values and essentials—what is most important. This can include decluttering, prioritizing needs, reconnecting with core values, and practicing self-care. Getting back to basics is about prioritizing what truly matters to you and creating space for essential activities and relationships.
1–Identify Your Core Values >>
Reflect on your life values and how they guide your future.
Please examine aspects of your life that don’t align with your values.
Could you focus more on your values in daily life?
2–Simplify Your Life >>
Declutter: Get rid of unnecessary possessions and items.
Prioritize Needs: Focus on essential activities and relationships.
Reduce Complexity: Identify and minimize things that add unnecessary complexity to your life.
3–Practice Self-Care >>
Move Every Day: Make physical activity a part of your routine.
Eat Well: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Practice gratitude by expressing appreciation for the good things in your life.
4–Reconnect with Your Core >>
Appreciate the small moments, experiences, and things in life.
Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and your emotions.
Create Space: Allow yourself time for quiet reflection and relaxation.
Follow these ideas to get back to basics >>
1) Know your own values and vision.
2) Be mindful of your mental space.
3( Be intentional with your time.
4. Learn to say ‘no’.
5) The past cannot be changed.
6) Question the stories you tell yourself.
7) Implement systems and routines.
8) Pause and reflect.
9) Declutter your physical space.
10) Accept slow progress and release perfectionism.
This season has brought new challenges, but the solutions are well known to me. No matter where we are, we can all benefit from returning to the basics of simple living. People are finding and embracing a minimalist society.
Simple living isn’t about discipline; it’s about focusing on what truly matters.
It’s about finding joy in the small things and appreciating the present moment.
Live with intention rather than being overwhelmed by possessions and obligations.
Embracing simplicity can lead to greater clarity, peace, and meaningful connections.
IF IT IS NOT GOING TO MATTER IN FIVE YEARS–
DO NOT SPEND FIVE MINUTES BEING UPSET BY IT!
Life is short. How many people know who their grandfather’s father was? If you stop to think about this, it shows how nothing really matters—just the time you have now! Make each moment a joy, and make your life an adventure.
One hundred years from now, you will not have or care about that expensive car you had or the fabulous home you built and/or added to. People will eventually throw out your photos and writings. Eventually, everything about you will be forgotten. For that reason — find all the joy and pleasure you can NOW!
ALL YOU HAVE IS NOW!
MAKE THINGS FANTASTIC!
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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness, and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
READ
Reading through the quotes below about life can do the trick if you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a healthy dose of motivation. Whether centered around positive affirmations, self-care, or success, life quotes can be powerful inspirational tools.
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed, amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to real life. Have this control! You have complete control over only one thing in the universe—YOUR THINKING!—and that’s where motivational quotes come in!
“YOU”
Your quality of thinking and how you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determine everything in your life. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work, and it’s next to impossible with your busy schedule. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
QUOTES
Motivational quotes affect our brain, behavior, and lives because they make us feel like we are in control of our success and have self-efficacy. Quotes make us believe that we have the confidence to complete a task successfully, which is different from having the motivation to succeed.
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation when we need it most.
WORDS WILL CHANGE YOU!
The correct motivational quote can change you and things, helping you ditch the excuses, escape your comfort zone, and take action. Read these words with an open mind and learn to improve your life.
THESE QUOTES
When you read these quotes, you’ll also realize that many other people worldwide are experiencing these feelings. These feelings make you think you’re the only person who could feel this bad. But you’re not. Lots and lots of other people feel bad, too. This is the irony of it. You don’t want other people to feel crappy, but it does make you feel better or at least comforted to know that other people feel just as bad as you.
READ CAREFULLY
These quotes can be used when you wake up or prepare for work.
You can write your favorite quotes somewhere where you can see them first thing in the morning.
These quotes are motivating, inspiring, and encouraging.
They will help you see your potential, stay motivated, and see the beauty in every morning.
Use them to your advantage!
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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS
INSPIRE YOU AND ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
“It is time to return to those core values, time to get back to basics: to self-discipline and respect for the law, to consideration for others, to accepting responsibility for yourself and your family, and not shuffling it off on other people and the state.”
Shane Black
“When we appreciate how much we have, we feel the urge to pare down, get back to basics, and learn what is essential for our happiness. We long to realize what’s really important.”
John Major
“Back to Basics was absolute humbug, wasn’t it?”
Tracy Chevalier
“To find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them.”
Gary Crowley
“Play small ball. Get back to basics. I would say that you need to be conservative but maintain your independent streak.”
Michel Odent
“L.A. burns, and so many other cities smolder, waiting for the hose that will flood gasoline over the coals, and we listen to politicians who fuel our hate and our narrow views and tell us it’s simply a matter of getting back to basics while they sit in their beachfront properties and listen to the surf so they won’t have to hear the screams of the drowning.”
Ezra Taft Benson
“We can choose a future where we export more products and outsource fewer jobs. After a decade defined by what we bought and borrowed, we’re returning to basics, and doing what America has always done best: We’re making things again.”
Dennis Lehane
“I started out as a drummer, and now play with a back-to-basics rock band called the ‘Luddites.’ I’m happiest when I’m behind the kit.”
Barack Obama
“Adele is so great! I love “Someone Like You”! Everyone is just raving about it. What’s so nice about it – and many of her songs – is that it just takes it back to basics.”
Rick Astley
“In times of life crisis, whether wild fires or smoldering stress, the first thing I do is go back to basics… am I eating right, am I getting enough sleep, am I getting some physical and mental exercise every day?”
Sarah Ban Breathnach
“We must return to basics: learning to care for ourselves. Learning to love our bodies – and that’s a good beginning – and taking care of our bodies and ourselves by learning how to eat and think. Living is really about thoughts and food, and we’ve got to get back to basics.
Edward Albert
“Riding a bicycle is about getting back to basics. It’s good for the waistline and it’s good for the wallet, is what I’m saying.”
Louise Hay
“As I get older, I use less jewelry – necklace or earrings each morning, not both; my clothes are getting more basic – fewer colours and simpler cuts; and my make-up is stripped back to basics.”
Phil Keoghan
YOU MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE!
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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly.
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
You can keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day, each moment!
5/17–We are working on clearing the two-car garage. Jennifer has a lot of stuff; we must give it away, sell it, or discard it. This is a big garage, and I see how we could even live there and rent out the house. There is so much organizing of stuff for the garage and house. Jenifer has lived here for over seven years; she likes it very much, and I can see why.
It is a nice place to park, as it is so park-like. Beyond the tall trees in the back is a huge grass field, which is great to see. The other day, I saw a deer meandering through, which is always good to witness. There are no monkeys in the trees, though—oh well.
Jennifer is off to church. I still have not heard or seen a reason to believe. In the afternoon, she told me that in her early years, until the age of nine, she lived in Philadelphia. Then, the family moved to the Bethlehem area.
Next, we drove to the area where Bethlehem Steel was set up. The company went out of business many years ago; they are now making it a tourist area. Take a look, quite interesting >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQZmo7OtL0
5/18–Like usual, up at about 3 am. Jennifer made an excellent stew for lunch today. I like who I am with, where we live, and love, so we can reach the next higher level. I think ahead to the next step for my blog and other things in my life. A habit that could be good in your life–yes?
Finding words to help you. Life couldn’t be much better than that.
5/19–In returning a crockpot to the cupboard directly above the refrigerator, the lid slid off and bonked me right between the eyes. The pain was much, and the swelling went down toward the evening. Not a good day for me.
5/20–Perhaps I was drained much of the day from my medications today. I was very strange and sleepy, so I did not do much today.
The swelling from yesterday’s accident is down; I feel better. It was just a reminder that an accident can destroy things any time. But you can react to any situation and deal with the change well.
5/22—Jennifer is away this morning on business. It is strange to be at her home without her; it is my home, too. Today is not a good day for me. You will find out more in the next blog. Mainly, Fennifer decided that I needed to leave—I am shocked.
5/23–Up at 2 am. Often, I cannot sleep; I hate that. Jennifer seems to hate me today. This whole thing came on so quickly.
THEN, KEEP DOING NEW (DAILY) FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
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THE GARDEN THIS WEEK 
I keep this section about gardening in.
I do like the skill and hope you do, too.
Winter is here now.
But there are still things you can grow.
And remember about indoor gardening.
A self-supporting life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.
Because I am back on the road.
There will be no more words about the garden.
I do hope Beth keeps it up.
We did a lot of work establishing our vegetable garden.
When I drove the van seven years ago,
I grew stuff under the sunroof windows on the top.
I may start that up in my van garden again.
You will find out, of course.
START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE!
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ALL OUR LIVES, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Bring your life back to just the basics.
This should be refreshing for you.
A minimalist and straightforward foundation can be better.
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NEXT BLOG >>
I’m facing another huge change for my future.
I will let you know in the next blog.
Next topic–LIVE INTENTIONALLY!
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AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?
