With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently and/or better.

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

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Things vs Experiences
 
Throughout my life, I have gained much, and I have lost more. For example, for six years I lived in my van and traveled to all the National Parks in the US and drove through every state (I have also visited Alaska and lived in Hawaii for 4 months. These are experiences that are much better than anything money can buy. How is it for you?
 
Most of us live life on various levels–for a time we do great and are satisfied financially, but then things can get difficult. Like a roller-coaster, up and down we go. When money is tight, you have to remember that things will eventually become stable once again. I’ve lived with no money and been extremely happy.
 
1–Experiences Bring More Joy than Things.
The main reason for this joy we find is that we are naturally inclined to adapt to situations as if they are the new normal, and when this happens, what was once novel and exciting, now seems familiar and somewhat boring. We then raise the bar and want something even newer, leading to an endless cycle of desire. Doing NEW things can change your outlook.
 
These experiences don’t have to cost much or even be time-consuming either, simply choose. Experiences can include anything from swimming, visiting new places in and around your local area, trying new food and activities, or even various ways of juggling.
 
2–New Experiences Will Make You Grow.
Not only do experiences bring more joy into our lives, they also help us broaden our horizons. For example, interacting with people from different countries and cultures gives us a sense of perspective; remembering that the whole world doesn’t center around us, what we’re used to,  and our home countries.
 
There is so much to learn from different groups, whether that be new foods, language, moral, religious, or environmental values, or simply new ways of looking at the world. Do you partake in expanding your horizons?
 
With the advancement of the internet, which connects us to a whole host of different cultures and communities online, there is something special about meeting people in real life and hearing their stories first-hand. In addition, there is only so much sensual satisfaction that the online world can bring, and it’s never quite the same as smelling a special flower from South America or a freshly-cooked curry in front of you, hearing the sound of wildlife in the trees above your head or feeling the warmth of the sand beneath your toes!
 
3–Memories Will be with You Forever.
Another benefit of experiences over things is that memories last for a lifetime. While it may seem, at first, that a physical object will last much longer than, say, a week away on holiday, the truth is that the memories of the holiday will stay with you forever which cannot be said for the latest computer gadget, or juggling club, or pants!
 
While the level of happiness is about the same for material and experiential purchases at the time of purchase, that happiness will go down over time for physical objects, but it will go up for your experiences.

4–Experiences Will Make You Sound Super Interesting.
You’ll be able to tell them about all the cool places you’ve been to. If you add stories of you doing community service with stories of your travels, your friends will think you’re adventurous, and that you are a good person, too. Telling your friends about your latest trip is way more interesting than telling them about your new watch.
 
Often times we work hard to save money to make an expensive purchase and then spend more of our time worrying that the purchase. For example, your new car is going to get scratched, broken into, get a flat tire, or even stolen. So then, do you truly enjoy your new car?
 
5–We Are the Sum of Our Experiences.
As well as broadening our horizons as we form memories, travel experiences also help to shape our identity. I’ve been around the world! It is believed that we are essentially a sum of our experiences, mixed with the values, ideas, and experiences we encounter becoming building blocks for our inner selves. While we may feel as though material possessions help to make up who we are, it is, in fact, experiences that have a much greater impact on our identity.
 
6–You Will Not Have the Stress of Ownership.
The capitalist society we live in the West is mainly centered around purchasing products that we believe will make us feel better–but which inevitably get boring and eventually thrown away. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that younger people have started to question the status quo about ownership and have started changing the game when it comes to buying stuff.
   
7–You will make less Impact on the Environment.
While some travel experiences do have a negative impact on the environment (think: car exhaust, flight emissions, all-inclusive resorts, and irresponsible wildlife interactions), on the whole, experiences tend to have less of an effect on the planet than physical items that often end up in a landfill.
 
8–Experiences Allow You to Find Your Reason for Living.
Experiences can help you to have clarity and to feel productive; adding to the world. Such as, volunteering makes you realize that you want to help other people. Perhaps, traveling helps you see what kind of community you want to be surrounded by. Experiences can show you what your values are in life and how you can add to other people’s lives.

9–Experience can bring us permanent joy that “things” can not.
Why?
Experiences allow us to be more social, to have memories that never get old, and to have something interesting to talk about with friends at holiday. They allow us to be more open and to find purpose.
 
10–Experiences Bring Long-Lasting Memories.
How often have you purchased a computer only to see that a new model was released a week later? You most likely want that new model and no longer feel cool about your new toy. “Things” provide temporary happiness.

Things get old very, very quickly.
Experiences last a lifetime.
Your experiences are different because they leave you with memories that can last a lifetime. I will always have my memories of the times I went to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and my 31 trips traveling across the US roundtrip. .
   
Start now to develop memories to last you the rest of  your life.
   
What new stories are you ready to write?

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

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

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

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

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

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

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!

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

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
 
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>
“Buy experiences, not things.
Spending on experiences makes people happier than spending on things.
Things get broken and go out of style.
Experiences get better every time you talk about them.”
— Jean Chatzky
 
“Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.”
— Anonymous
 
“If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.”
— Thomas Jefferson
 
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
— Neale Donald Walsch
 
“Two things define you:
Your patience when you have nothing,
and your attitude when you have everything.”
— Imam Ali
 
“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”
— Walter Bagehot
 
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it.
The time will pass anyway.”
— Earl Nightingale

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

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
 
4/22–I had the wood, I had the idea, and I wanted to see the beauty.
Today I built a flower garden, about four feet off the ground, right in front of our front windows. This way it beautifies the front of our house, and we can see the plants growing from inside the house.
 
Make your views in life beautiful, it can affect your life–much!
Beth wrote what is just below.

4/24–To go along with the flowers in front, I put in two gardens in the back for flowers. I will be taking care of the vegetables we are growing; Beth take care of the flowers. This is working out great for us. How about you, how does your garden grow?
 
4/25–Another garden is built. Beth has developed a fascination with cacti and succulents. So, I build a garden to house these.
 
Today we each ate the first two ripe strawberries that we grew. Great satisfaction in the tiny morsel.

We picked up, yet more, bunny rabbits, to add to Beth’s collection. These two buns were owned by Beth’s friend, who no longer wanted to deal with them.

As we get more and more bunnies

I am not allowed to deal with the bunnies myself, Beth wants her own thing. I am fine with that, she handles the rabbits excellently.
   
Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

Because of my accident and 37-day coma, I saw double because my right eye muscles were weak. I went through seven strabismus eye operations (the doc goes in, cuts the muscle, moves in on the eyeball, then sews it back on.) They could not get it right. They eventually did, I do see double sometimes when I am tired.
 
It amazes me how the human body can adjust to various changes and keep on operating.
 
Your challenge for this week is to wear an eye patch and just use one eye to get by.
Can you do it?
   
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG
Our house is not finished yet. I will be starting work on the two remaining rooms (and they are big rooms.) I hope my work on the house has inspired you to make your own home better and better.
*******************

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently and/or better.

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

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Building Confidence!
From my book series, “Beyond Your Potential”.
   
I have noticed that many people go through life lacking confidence, following fear, and being anxious about many things. The words below are to help you to build confidence, to alienate fear, and to help you to get past anxiety. These words can be used to battle any anxiousness in yourself.
 
CONFIDENCE
 
A sense of confidence enhances your life in numerous ways. From relationships to business dealings and any other area of life, your confidence will bring you closer to success. You will live a fuller, happier, and more abundant life. 

A strong confidence will make you stand out as the leader you are.

As your confidence grows, your good influence over others will grow too. Other people will look up to you and expect more from you, and you can provide more to them.  Over time, you will recognize intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to have such confidence and the responsibility that comes with it.
 
There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive telling you to meet your needs. Things like juggling, running, or pleasure-seeking activities are based on intrinsic drive. We do them because we like them, not because we are required to do them.
 
Extrinsic motivation is when you are encouraged by external influences given or controlled by someone else. Most people are extrinsically motivated to go to work every day solely because they get paid to do so. 

 If we can find ways to build our intrinsic motivation to go to work every day, perhaps by building our confidence and earning more respect from our peers and therefore feeling accomplished and like we want to accomplish even more, we can go further in our careers and in our lives than we ever thought we could.  This concept of course applies to all aspects of life.  

   Confidence is not something you have; naturally, it comes through practice.

Even if we have mastered the art of intrinsic motivation on the job and enjoy going to work every day for the personal sense of accomplishment, we may still encounter things we don’t like doing, such as reprimanding other employees for job performance issues or having to fire someone or lay someone off. We sometimes have to do undesirable tasks as part of our jobs, so we have to find the confidence and motivation to get through the depressing things in life. That’s where intrinsic motivation is vital.
 
Confidence will factor in when you have work you don’t like to do. If you apply yourself and confidently do the best job, no matter how mundane or upsetting the job may be, you will eventually learn to like what you are doing regardless. 

To learn to like your job or any other aspect of your life that currently isn’t your ideal thing to be doing, train yourself to do things with a different heart, with confidence, and with intrinsic motivations.
 
When I used to perform professionally as a juggler, I would have to look deep inside myself to find confidence in my juggling ability and confidence within my ability as a performer. Everyone at one time or another has seen a street performer or a speaker deliver their performance with little confidence – it’s not very entertaining to watch. 

An overall confidence must be developed to become a good performer, whether juggling on the stage of Bally’s Casino or perhaps just giving a speech in a community college classroom.  I often remember being backstage at Bally’s, waiting to start my routine, and I would be actively engaging my mind and heart to find this confidence. 

Eventually, the music would start, the lights would come on, the curtain would open, and I would come blasting out on stage as if I were the most robust and most able person ever to appear in Bally’s or any stage. 

In my mind, I was overpowering the audience.

I can find this same confidence now when I need it. This confidence must be developed, and tapping into that confidence at a moment’s notice will come with practice.
 
While recovering from my accident and coma, I found that when I had confidence in myself and my ability to get better, I could get much further through my rehabilitation. My progress would stall or stop altogether when I had doubts or fears. Then I discovered something that helped me a great deal. If you fake any feeling or emotion long enough and often enough, you will develop that feeling or emotion, including confidence. 

When you have confidence, you can do just about anything.

I learned that it’s possible and desirable to fake confidence in yourself and others when necessary. Even if you are just faking it, you will still feel better about yourself, you will accomplish more, and others will believe in you and your abilities. Remember, fake or genuine confidence will take you far in your goals.

Suppose there’s some area of your life that you’ve been struggling with, such as finding a new job. After all, you don’t interview well or make new friends because you don’t think anyone likes you, muster up some fake confidence and go for it! You will be surprised at the outcome. What do you think I’m doing now by writing this book? Not really, but then again, who knows for sure? Always be confident that you will reach excellence and end up there before you know it. 

Confidence is a habit that you can and must develop for yourself.

What new stories are you ready to write?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

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

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

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

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

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

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
 
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT CONFIDENCE INSPIRE YOU >>
“The way to develop self-confidence is to do what you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.” William Jennings Bryan
 
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent Van Gogh
 
“Always be yourself and have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and try to duplicate it.” Bruce Lee.
 
“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less-than-perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more self-confident, and more successful.” Mark Victor Hansen
 
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
 
“Low self-confidence isn’t a life sentence. Self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and mastered like any other skill. Once you master it, everything in your life will improve.” Barrie Davenport
 
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” e.e. Cummings
 
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” Golda Meir
 
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe
 
“Confidence in our bodies, minds, and spirits allows us to keep looking for new adventures.” Oprah Winfrey
 
“To be yourself in a world constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
“But failure has to be an option in art and in exploration–because it’s a leap of faith. And no important endeavor that required innovation was done without risk. You have to be willing to take those risks … ” James Cameron.
 
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
 
“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing wrong.” Peter T. Mcintyre
 
“Argue for your limitations; sure enough, they’re yours.” Richard Bach
 
“The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, despite being unacceptable.” Paul Tillich

“If we all did the things we can do, we would astound ourselves.” Thomas Alva Edison.
 
“Shyness has a strange element of narcissism, a belief that how we look and perform is truly important to other people. ” Andre Dubus
 
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?” Marianne Williamson
 
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” Brene Brown

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

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
And time is going faster all the time.
Do you keep track of what you do each day?
Do this for a few weeks, and you will see your time differently.
 
4/15–Showering outdoors is quite an experience. As the summer is coming, I will be showering more often in the outdoor rainwater shower I built. Now, no picking if you are in the area. 
 
4/18–As you know from the past, I purchased a 100-gallon Water Barrel (something to collect and save rainwater.) I bought their 50-gallon container before the 100-gallon one.  For some time ours worked superbly. Just last week I noticed that one of the seams had split and it was not holding rainwater.
 
Within a week after contacting the company we received a new one. I don’t even have to send the old one back. A magnificent rainwater saver and superb company. If you are not saving rainwater, you need to–start today.

Here they are >> https://www.vingli.com/products/vingli-50-gallon-collapsible-rain-barrel
I did buy mine through Amazon.

4/21–Sending out the blog today. Not much happening this week, I will have to “make” things happen next week. 

Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

Stretching and bending help your body and your mind.
This week, start a routine of daily stretching and bending, you will be glad you did. 

Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG

As I wrote earlier, I need to “make” things happen, as you might do.
You will find out next week what I did.
*******************

THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently and/or better.

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

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—A Good Sleep?

Hard to imagine; I once took a nap for 37 days. After my accident and long nap after, I thought I would get right back to where I was. But, brain injuries can change a person, completely.

At first, I was awake only briefly during the day and night. As time went forward, I found that I was functioning for more extended periods and did not need the sleep. But, I would forget when I slept because of my brain injury.

In fact, at one point, while living in Sharp Rehab Hospital in San Diego, I often told therapists that I did not sleep at all most nights. A group who worked with me got together and purposely came and woke me. They laughed at my being asleep. A good joke performed by friends.

At this point, I function well on only about five hours of sleep each night. Part of it is that I think sleep is a waste of time (we do need it, though), and because I always have projects to work on.

About 35% of American adults get less than seven hours of sleep a night, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which, they say, isn’t enough. We often either can’t get to or think of sleep as wasted time. What actually goes on while we’re lying there?
Why are we designed to do nothing for a third of our lifetimes?

The answer is that our bodies are doing the necessary work to keep us going when we’re awake. But, really, scientists still have plenty to learn about how.

I’ve always been a curious sort. We sleep every night, adding up to thousands of nights. I wanted to witness the point where my mind shut off, and I would go to la la land. Of course, in working on this, I would think I would not get to sleep. Kept me up many nights. Will you be trying this?

What Is REM Sleep
In 1951 (not that long ago), a graduate student at the University of Chicago and a doctor there hooked up his 8-year-old son, Armond, to a device that tracked eye movements and brain waves. After Armond fell asleep, Aserinsky noticed from another room that the eye-tracking “pens” were swinging back and forth.

Thinking Armond must be awake and looking around, Aserinsky went to investigate. He found the boy was sleeping deeply, with his eyes closed. Aserinsky’s paper, published in 1953, was the first time REM sleep had been described; before that, scientists had believed that the sleeping brain was more or less turned off.

We now know that not just humans but all land mammals and many birds undergo spells of REM, or Rapid Eye Movement, sleep. In those spells, the heart rate speeds up, breathing becomes irregular, and brain waves are more variable. Significant muscles that we usually control can’t move.

Are you getting enough REM sleep?

And, what is Sleep Paralysis?
A young person waking up again, looking at them-self. Sleep paralysis is an inability to move that sometimes happens briefly as you fall asleep or wake up. The mind is awake, but the body lags behind for a minute or two. This often happens with people who are in a coma, too.

Although the feeling is bizarre and often scary, sleep paralysis is not rare or even dangerous. It occurs most often in young people, beginning in the teens, and in people with other sleep issues, including narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and nighttime leg cramps.

It is more common in people with brain injury, post-traumatic stress, or panic disorder. In those moments of paralysis, some people feel they are falling, floating, or having an “out-of-body experience.” Others hallucinate a presence in the room, hovering nearby, and may conclude they have been abducted by aliens or visited by ghosts.

According to one theory, people who feel outside their own bodies or sense ghostly presences might be experiencing a glitch in their mirror neurons, the part of the brain that fires when we observe activity in other people.

A few times in my life, I kept awake all night, such as when I once flew to Europe and, not being able to sleep on a plane, I didn’t. Although losing an entire night’s sleep zombifies many of us, there are exceptions: Some people feel much happier or calmer after not sleeping. That’s probably because the jolt is a reset for their body clocks, which might have been out of whack

They say eight hours is the key to good sleep, but ideally, we’d all have a sweet interlude. Just don’t turn on your lights or use your laptop or phone. Never worry about not getting enough sleep. Your brain knows what you need and will be there for you when needed.

What new stories are you ready to write?

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

I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

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

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

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

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT SLEEP INSPIRE YOU >>

True silence is the rest of the mind and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment, and refreshment. — William Penn

There is more refreshment and stimulation in a nap, even of the briefest than in all the alcohol ever distilled. —Edward Lucas
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. — Irish Proverb

Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep. — Mesut Barazany

A day without a nap is like a cupcake without frosting. — Terri Guillemets

Sleep is the best meditation. — Dalai Lama

Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds. — JoJo Jensen

Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. — Phyllis Diller
There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep. — Homer

Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it’s time to get up.
Laugh, and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone. — Anthony Burgess

If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for in the morning, sleep late. — Henny Youngman

Never waste any time you can spend sleeping. — Frank H. Knight

A well-spent day brings happy sleep. — Leonardo da Vinci

A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow. — Charlotte Bronte

No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap. — Carrie Snow

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

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

4/8—Currently reading the “Lord of the Rings” 3 book series, by JRR Tolkien. I read these back in Jr. High, loved ‘em then, and love them now. As I read, not many books “take me away”; these do. Books by Dan Millman do the same, “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” is fantastic; have you read this book? If not, you must.

Rain and bad weather, all day. I went up to the attic to look for leaks and saw a couple of places needing work. I will be back when the weather is better and warmer.

4/9—What a perfect Easter! Two people came for rabbits today. When the mother asked one of the little girls if she wanted a bunny, the little girl cried with happiness. It reminded me of when we first got rabbits for Jasmine and April, my daughters.

Then, later, we realized that rabbits are going away quickly. We played Easter Bunny and delivered three buns to a good home today. What a perfect gift for Easter Day.

4/10—It turns out that I am very allergic to rabbits. So, we will only be keeping the little fur balls outside from now on. Beth loves her rabbits, but I do have to breathe.

4/13—Needed pallets to build the one last garden for the front of the house. I went to Lowes to see what they had. When you acquire pallets from Lowes, they are free, my kind of price. Look to Lowes for your pallet needs.

You can see how our gardens are turning out—fabulous! Have you started work on yours, yet?

And, Tractor Supply Store has good pallets, too.
The cost is only three bucks a pallet, well worth it.
Find a Tractor Supply here >>
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/store-locator

As you have read before, I cut the pallets down to 22” and then use two inch screws to hold them together, top and bottom. Finally, I put a 2×6 board on the top and put in two inch drywall screws to hold everything together. The side supports are painted green, and I stain the boards on top.

We plan to grow much food that we can consume and not depend on stores to have what we need. Broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, zucchini, raspberries, strawberries, carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, jalapeno peppers, spinach, cilantro, to name a few things.

Then, to finish things off, I mount a six-foot bamboo pole to each corner and put spinners in to the openings. When there is good wind, and they are all spinning, it makes a fabulous yard.

4/14—Friday once again. Each week much of the blog is put together. Just some minor editing on Fridays. Are you enjoying the read?

Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

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

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

While laying on the ground, get up to standing without using your hands or arms in any way.

Now, get up without using your legs at all (just kitting around, again.)

Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

NEXT BLOG

Plants are growing much. You will learn more of the garden of edible vegies.
*******************

THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently and/or better.

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

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Your Death?

With that title for the blog, scary, yes?

A few years ago, my mom died, a shock to me. As I am getting older (64 now), more and more people I know are passing away (a nice way to say dead). That is how it will be for everyone; I had just not seen that at a younger age. People rarely cover this topic much, at all.

I’ve covered the subject of death in a blog post in the past; you may remember—a significant subject, and I wanted to cover it more thoroughly, as a reminder. And don’t forget, death is coming for you, too.

Are you establishing your legacy?
Are you helping other people as you can?
Can you remember when you were not here?
Is there a God there to save us? (I think not.)
Are you getting accomplished what you want before your end?
What is the one thing he can do to leave the world a better place?

So many questions, yet death is the only important thing in life. Death is the only thing we can count on happening for everyone; we can’t escape it.

Because death was right in front of me, a few times, I see it coming easier than before. We must aim for all the joy we can; I hope for others in their life, too.

Not trying to scare you; that’s just how it is. In life, so often, death is a subject so many avoid talking about.

But, you can start designing and living the life you want now!
Start today, right now!

What new stories are you ready to write?

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

I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

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

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

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

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT DEATH INSPIRE YOU >>

“Funny how it usually takes impending death or tragedy to think about life in light of timeless existence; that made me willing to explore life more.” Kit Summers

“If you have lived your life loving your time on earth, your death will be no big deal.” Kit Summers

“If there is anything in life we can count on occurring without fail, it is physical death.” Paul Snyder

“Death is a natural part of life.” Yoda

“It is death that provides life with all its meaning.” M. Scott Peck

“Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.” Amelia Burr

“Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.” Rabindranath Tagore

“We’re all a little afraid of death; we’re afraid because no matter how old you are, you always make plans and don’t want to be interrupted. I’m ninety-seven years old, but after everything that’s happened in my life, I feel as if I’ve lived two hundred years – and I wouldn’t mind two hundred more so that I can keep doing what I’ve been doing.” Louis Zamperini

“Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.” Hans Christian Andersen

“If I can find positive things coming from the loss of my wife and daughter, then believe me, you can find the positive side of anything that happens in your life; you just have to work a little harder.” Thomas E. Pierce

“But, rather than be sad, wouldn’t it be much better to face our own death knowing that our life had been lived to the fullest and without regret? Even though we may not want to face death, it is inevitable, just as it is for the setting sun each evening.” Byron Pulsifer

“You needn’t die happy when your time comes but must die satisfied, for you have lived your life from the beginning to the end.” Stephen King

“Death is part of life and will make room for the new. Anyone who meets death had the chance to live happily.” Ben Friedland

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

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

4/2—Today, I went to pick up a 275-gallon tote that will hold rainwater from the roof.
I run the roof gutter water to fill this tote. It will also be raised up about two kilometers.
As things get tight regarding water and food, I want to be prepared so we have no worries.
How about you? Are you preparing for the upcoming changes that will occur on the earth? Gather food and water now while you still can. I am not trying to scare you; I am just helping you prepare for the changes.

I’ve shaved my beard, a clean face once again. My facial hair proliferates, I usually shave twice daily, so I brought the razors out once again.

4/3—On this date in 1982, I had my big change (or big chance?)—Hit by a truck, resulting in my being in a coma for 37 days. So much bad came from this, but also so much good. Did you see >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc&t=9s&ab_channel=KitSummers

4/4—Looking around the backyard, we found some distinct mushrooms. I thought you should see them, enjoy.

4/5—As I was working in the office, my mind shut off, an interesting paradox.
After a short time, like I am in the photo, it was back to life for me.
Perhaps that will be the topic for my next blog? 

4/6—After working on the gardens, I visited Baker Creek State Park today, just by my lonesome this time.
The out-of-doors intrigues me; I try to get all I can. Are you able to get away to wilderness areas?


4/7—Daily, I get dandelions for the rabbits to consume—they love them. Today I gathered much.
Hutches come in, and hutches go out. I fixed up one that went to a new rabbit person. 

Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

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

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

Come up with your own challenge this week and let me know;
I will accept and let others know about it in my next blog.

Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

NEXT BLOG

Right now, big thunderstorms are about to hit!
The forecast is for torrential rain.
I will let you know next week.
*******************

THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently and/or better.

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

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

********************
TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK—Do you ever dance—for yourself?
This also includes freestyle juggling, just for yourself to see what limits you have and can break.

Sometimes I move with the music, and Beth loves when I dance for her. This is not exotic dancing in any way; it is moving with the music with a smile on my face.

What drives us to do crazy things like this and test our limits? What pushes us to reach our full potential, the madness, and craziness that rushes inside of us to succeed?

Everything we do leads back to one beginning – our inspiration.
Watch this guy dance in the woods; smooth, I must say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9iQ2wq55gw&ab_channel=CarolinaCreeksideCabin

Whether it comes from history, people surrounding us, or an inner desire to excel – in dance, juggling, or other. We are driven to pursue our ambition for success. No matter what might have occurred in our past, this may be a change, such as going through an accident, as I did.

We are inspired, whether this means simply getting out of bed in the morning or putting on our dance shoes. Some live to dance, some to run, juggling consumes many, and others like to sing, but we are all connected by the inspirations of these disciplines.

Peter Davison, an excellent juggler, took up dancing and went to excellence in his new endeavor.
Here is Peter; enjoy>>
https://youtu.be/zJfW2gxcJRk

Something inside us ignites the chance to do more, become the best, and prove to everyone that we are worthy of dance or whatever our choice is. But where do this dedication, desire, and motivation come from? Each of us builds it ourselves as passion grows.

But, also, we may have gone through an accident or something that limits us, as I have. Even with the change, you can excel to the point of accomplishment for yourself. No matter what condition you find yourself in, you can find joy and happiness.

To dance is simple; start by just swaying to the music. You can then move your hands and arms to the sound. Keep the beat by moving your head up and down. You are only doing this for yourself, remember.

What new stories are you ready to write?

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

I find them so interesting, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

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

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

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

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — Your Thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

EVEN IF YOU START LATE, ARE UNCERTAIN,
OR ARE DIFFERENT –
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget that you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
REMEMBER, VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.

********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU >>

1. “There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” — Vicki Baum

2. “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!” — Constanze Mozart

3. “The body says what words cannot.” — Martha Graham

4. “Dancing is the poetry of the foot.” — John Dryden

5. “The job of feet is walking, but their hobby is dancing.” — Amit Kalantri

6. “The most essential thing in dance discipline is devotion.” — Merce Cunningham

7. “To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” — Indian Proverb

8. “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style.” — Fred Astaire

9. “He who cannot dance puts the blame on the floor.” — Hindu Proverb

10. “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” — Jane Austen

11. “Dancing is silent poetry.” — Simonides

12. “Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” — Samuel Beckett

13. “When you dance, you can enjoy the luxury of being you.” — Paulo Coelho

14. “Dance every performance as if it were your last.” — Erik Bruhn

15. “Dance for yourself. If someone understands, good. If not, no matter.” — Louis Horst

16. “Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness, and envy.” — Jacques d’Amboise.

17. “You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that fleeting moment when you feel alive. It is not for unsteady souls.” — Merce Cunningham,.

18. “The truest expression of a people is in its dance and its music. Bodies never lie.” — Agnes de Mille.

19. “Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye, but the dance lives on.” — Michael Jackson

20. “I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.” — Mikhail Baryshnikov.

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

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

3/25—This is Saturday, and the latest blog was released yesterday. I am starting this one early; I want to try different writing techniques. I hope you like what I’ve composed, and please let me know what do you think

As I’m always looking out, I saw trees, and a small Forest, at a close distance. The rain had been falling all morning; a break in the storm now. Nature has so much; it enthralls me. Starting cool, the day should warm up nicely.

The rain was coming down, gentle drops flowing to the Earth. The forecast shows that the rain should last most of the weekend. As you know, that can be good, and that can be bad.

Do you ever get out and witness nature?

3/26—I was alone; a rhythmic beat in the background set my feet in motion as I stepped into the room. My mind wanted to dance! I couldn’t hold back; what fun I had.

Have you ever danced by yourself, for yourself? Today I did, it’s quite fun. Today, I want to take you on the journey with me. We could dance, sing, and, most importantly, laugh out loud at the joy we find in our lives.

Today my van went over 240,000 miles. Quite an accomplishment, I must say.

3/27—A baby squirrel was hanging from a tree out in the forest. We had to save it! Beth was holding a pet carrier, which fell right in like magic. We went in and watched a video of finding baby squirrels; it said we should return it to where we found it, and its mother would reconnect. If not, then another mother would take over command of the baby.

We played with the little squirrel for a bit, took some photos, then released the little guy into the forest, where he immediately climbed a tree. Hopefully, his mom will find him again.

3/28—We are gathering avocado seeds. Not sure how well they will grow in this area, but we are to find out.

3/29—The cat we planted is in Full Bloom. Dolly Kitty gets around, all over the area. Because of allergies, I have never been close to cats. I am close to Dolly, though. A friendly cat, I think I will teach her to juggle!

3/30—Our gardens are growing. Today I put six pallets together to make the first two additional gardens. The new garden is filled with flowers and cared for by sweet Beth.

Currently, we are growing >>
Lettuce
Spinach
Cilantro
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Zucchini
Red onions
Potatoes
Carrots
Tomatoes
Jalapeno peppers
Habanero peppers

Are you hungry?
Want to stop by for a meal?

3/31—Got more dirt for gardens today. I went by two Lowes stores and two Walmarts.

For some strange reason, I thought about you all day.
Did you think about me?

Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

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

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

This week, take time to dance, just for yourself, with a smile.

Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.

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

NEXT BLOG

Time to get out to the wilderness; it’s been a while.
This week we will, will you?
*******************

THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!