With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.
I want to inspire you to see life differently 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.
*** 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— SLEEP

Do you sleep enough?
What is “enough”?
Do you waste life in Sleep?

Sleep is of utmost importance; I never knew how important sleep was to success, but now I do, so I ensure I get an adequate amount daily for my body. Yet, my mind only requires a little sleep.
    
Today, as usual, I awoke between 2:30 and 3 am. I function better with only about 4 or 5  hours of sleep. In my mind, I have always thought that sleep was a waste of time–but necessary for a human. When I sleep more, I am tired throughout the day. People tend to make a long sleep every night essential for themselves. Your body, like mine, might do better with less sleep?
    
I once slept for 37 days; hard to imagine I could sleep for so long. My brain had to heal after a traumatic injury, so it shut things down while taking a break. So if you have gone through the same thing, I hope you are doing better 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Self-talk is so essential—THINK RIGHT!

    
Motivational words, yes, they’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 >>
May these quotes inspire you to prioritize sleep so that you may be in the best of health.
 
1. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures for anything.” Irish Proverb
   
2. “Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.” Tom Roth
   
3. “Sleeping is nice. You forget about everything for a little while.” Anonymous
 
4. “Dream big while you sleep, and even bigger when you’re awake.” Jared Leto
 
5. “Tired minds don’t plan well. Sleep first, plan later.” Walter Reisch
 
6. “Man should forget his anger before he lies down to sleep.” Mahatma Gandhi
 
7. “Sleep is the real beauty secret, but I don’t get enough of that.” Chelsea Leyland
 
8. “I love sleep.” Ernest Hemingway
 
9. “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.” John Steinbeck
 
10. “All you need is sleep.” Anonymous

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.
 
5/13–On this Saturday, it was back to be with Gary DuTeau on his land. Right on Steven’s Creek; very lovely here. You may remember where I came from when I first met Beth at the local library; I had connected with Gary via Facebook and came out to his fest. Then, Beth and I married on his piece of wilderness paradise. Gary has a get-together on his property yearly; nice to get out. The group includes a couple of excellent chefs (Gary is one, too!) So, we eat well while here.
 
To go into the area where we get together, you must step down a three-foot boulder and walk back up an incline. No one liked this, including me. Gary had told me that this same path had been used for years, including by Native Americans when they were in the area.

Well, I always like to find better ways. I saw that by removing some little trees and a few rocks, I forged a new path that stayed level the entire way. Much better, many told me.
 
Do you have something like this that you do not change because it “has always” been done a certain way? Make change happen and have a better life.
 
It may have been something I ate, but I had no energy and felt nauseous for a few days. I stayed home and rested. Usually full of energy, I do not like when I can’t maintain the same. I hope you continue to feel great.
 
After this bout concluded, this was an excellent chance to change my eating habits. Like many, I’ve always consumed three meals daily, hungry or not. Since my feeling off, I’ve decided only to eat when I am hungry, which is seldom. My body will eat enough to keep functioning at a high level. How about you? Is it time to examine your eating habits?
 
5/16–You may remember I choked on food some time ago because my esophagus was condensed. I had an operation to open my throat, which helped much. Today, while consuming some fruit, I ate too fast, and the fruit got stuck in my throat. I hope I don’t have to return for another operation.
 
So far, this has been a bad week for me physically.
 
5/17–Dandelions can look nice if an entire yard holds them. Having dandelions come up here does not look good on a lawn. Today I dug all of them up by the roots so they would not regrow. Also, the rabbits love eating them, so it serves a good purpose there.
 
But, as you might know, I do not like lawns. This is such a massive waste of time to water and mow. No one would go hungry if every house grew vegetables and fruit in its front yard. You will see my lawn grow less as I plant more veggies and fruit trees.
 
5/18–Rain this Thursday, good for the plants, of course. Living in South Carolina, we get frequent storms; I like that. All our rain-saving devices have been refilled with just this one rain episode. Did you ever install a rain barrel or rain collector? This will pay off in the long run.

I am hearing more and more about how water and food may become hard to acquire. That is why I have started growing many things and saving hundreds of gallons of rainwater.

5/19–We are off today for a 250-mile drive to Randalman, North Carolina. I do enjoy driving; this is a short distance for me today. We are going to visit Beth’s parents, who are 83 and 86. Married 65 years, you do not often hear about that.
     
Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
Do you take time to do what is essential in life?
Take some time to watch the sunset or sunrise.
Create memories that will last forever. 
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG
Beth and I will take the 250 mile drive to see her parents in North Carolina on Friday.
You will learn about our trip in the next blog.
*******************

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.
*** 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— Do you camp?
Every year Gary DuTeau invites certain people to his land in the wilderness on Stevens Creek, near to Plum Branch, SC.
There is Gary, right behind me. 

In fact, he had invited me to his event through being friends on Facebook in 2021. This was a life-changing thing. You see, often, in my travels, I go to libraries to get online in which to send you my blog.
 
Nearest to Gary’s camp was a library in McCormick, SC. This is where I met Beth. We connected well and are happily married now. So, of course, along with Beth, Gary has a big place in my heart, too. You see, each of us, both at age 63, thought we would never find anyone to be with. Very happy I am.

My first-day camping reminded me of how terrible the pathway is into the place. Of course, after asking Gary, I had to apply myself and make it better. Turned out great and I got good comments. I’ve always believed there is a better way to do most everything. When you have an idea for improvement, make it happen.
 
Many recreationists like myself will testify to the benefits of the outdoors, especially in natural settings. I always feel better after a weekend camping away from the city’s urban sprawl – physically and mentally.
   
But it’s not just unreliable. There’s plenty of research to back up the claim that spending time in the great outdoors is good for your health and well-being.
 
And whilst this is good news, this story has a flip side. Americans spend almost 93% of their lives indoors. The rapid proportion of people living in towns and cities is growing. It is seeing people move away from rural, green spaces and into built-up, high-traffic cities.
   
Enjoying the great outdoors is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
 
There are many potential benefits to going outside:
 
A healthier heart
Improved immunity to cancers and viruses
Longer life expectancy
Increased happiness
Reduced stress
It resets your sleep cycle for a better night’s sleep
Maintains healthy eyesight
ADHD treatment
Improved creativity
Enhanced memory
Better academic performance
Mental health management
 
Get out to the wilderness whenever you can!
     
What new stories are you ready to write?

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

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

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

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

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

How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life. 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 >>
 
“Not all girls are made of sugar and spice, and everything nice. Some girls are made of adventure, fine beer, brains, and no fear.”
-Unknown
 
“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”
– Henry David Thoreau
 
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
– John Muir
 
“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.”
– Jo Walton
 
“I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
-Unknown
 
“Life doesn’t flow backward.”
-Unknown
 
“Nature is one of the most underutilized treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.”
— Janice Anderson
 
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”
-Norman Maclean
 
“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. ”
-Terence McKenna
 
“Go where you feel most alive.”
— Unknown
   
“Water is the most perfect traveler because when it travels it becomes the path itself!”
— Unknown
   
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.
 
5/7 through 9–First time to see Gary, it’s been a while. His land is very inviting and comfortable to be there. I was doing all I could to improve things there as much as I could. Anytime you can, you can improve things too, in that there is always a way to make things better.
 
5/8, 9–Today I worked on the path into the camp, making it wider and flater. Gary let me know how good he thought it was turning out.
 
Gary is an excellent chef. He made shrimp which was the best I have ever had.

Beth and I went to a bookstore today.
Why looky there, my book is for sale there.
     
5/10–Every week a group in Plum Branch gets together at a church in town. Gary has spent much time in Plum Branch and many know him. So, of course, he was a hit and there was much talk.
Gary is sitting next to me, see? 

5/11–I went around the entire camping area and cleared things out, put things away, and made the land we used here twice as big. As I wrote before, when I see and then have ideas to improve, I do just that.
 
5/12–Just stayed the morning there. You see, rain clouds are rolling in, I did not want to get stuck there in the rain. Thank you, Gary, for making this happen each year.
 
Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
 
Do something different–This week get a new haircut. Please let me know how it turns out.
 
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG
 
I will have more photos for you of my time with Gary at his land.
*******************

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.
*** 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— The Come-Back
   
(These words are from my book series, Beyond Your Potential.)
Relearning
Something that did help me in my come-back was I found it interesting to relearn how to walk, communicate with people, and sit up. These are things that almost everyone takes for granted:  
 
Do you ever?
Do you ever think about how you balance yourself when you walk?
How do you form words when you speak?
How do you control a toothbrush?
What muscles do you use when you juggle?
Excuse me; you don’t juggle; you will learn to juggle in chapter five.
 
For Granted?
Don’t take the things in life for granted; see all that you can and can do; we have to feel all that life has to offer. There are so many joys in life if you look for them. Open your eyes to how you can overcome obstacles and see things differently. It made it less depressing for me if I made it enjoyable to relearn. It is how we think about and the attitude we develop toward things that bring us joy or bring us misery. Building this new life was interesting, along with being quite a difficult challenge. I saw that relearning would take time.
   
A short juggling life
In having to relearn, I got to start again in life. Mainly with a background in juggling and performing, I could have gone any direction for my future; the world was open to me. Since I was 15, juggling was my main focus, deciding at that age that juggling would be my passion. But, to tell you the truth, I was a juggler for only seven or eight years. Leaning at the age of 15, then my accident happened when I was 23. So, in seven short years, I mastered the craft. It surprised me to figure this out, in that juggling has been such a large part of my life.

College?
Was college, for me, a critical path for my future? My overall knowledge of things in life was good, and I saw that I could make it without college. The college has helped many people get ahead, but it is unnecessary for someone’s life. People can drive themselves forward without the discipline of what a college education offers. I have asked many students why they are going to college; they don’t know why. Going to college is the “common” thing people think is necessary. A class should be developed for high school students to find the right direction for their future; I think it should be mandatory to help everyone with where they want to end up. Find an endpoint, then design your educational instruction toward that end. Some of the most successful people in the world did not get a college education, so a college education is not necessarily necessary.
 
Some who did not complete college were Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Walt Disney, Ray Kroc, Will Smith, Ted Turner, Mark Twain, and Mark Zuckerberg. Don’t get me wrong, I want you to pursue college for your future if you are sure that is the direction you need to take. But first, do the hard part, figure out where you want to end up with your life. This can always change later; get a direction now and stick to it. You know you and where you are going if you take the time to figure it out. Define who you are and decide what direction you will be taking. And remember, at any age, you can change your life and pursue a new direction. If that new direction takes a college education, then jump right in.

Know yourself
On my way back, I listened to people who made suggestions. Then, I sorted through these suggestions and used ideas I knew would help me. Who is defining who you are? So often, we follow a path someone else has set for us. Who has set your self-image and standards in life? So many people will speak up on how we should act and what we should say.
 
Listen to people, but you must be the one to direct your life. Also, the image you hold for yourself must be kept current as you grow; and change in life; our demeanor changes, too. Keep up to date with yourself and stay who you are; know yourself. There will be changes in your life; there will be trials; there will be circumstances beyond your control. The more you know yourself, the better you will get through these times. You will be way up and down for the length of your life. Like a juggler, find the balance point and stay there.

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 >>
   
“Maybe it’s not about trying to fix something that’s broken. Maybe it’s about starting over and creating something better.” – Unknown
 
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” – Maya Angelou
 
“The direction you choose to face determines whether you’re standing at the end or the beginning of a road.” – Richelle E. Goodrich
 
“There’s an important difference between giving up and letting go.” – Jessica Hatchigan
 
“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” – Lao Tzu
   
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” – Hermann Hesse
 
“Starting over can be challenging, but also it can be a great opportunity to do things differently.” – Catherine Pulsifer
 
“Pain will leave you when you let go.” – Jeremy Aldana
 
“Though nobody can go back and make a new beginning, anyone can start over and make a new ending.” – Chico Xavier
 
“Take a deep breath, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” – Frank Sinatra
 
“Holding on is believing that there’s a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.” – Daphne Rose Kingma
 
“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell
 
“It’s painful, and it’s messy. But sometimes you just have to make the break and start again.” – Tony Parsons
 
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
 
“You are allowed to let go of all those that do not set you free anymore.” – Dhiman

    
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.
 
4/29–Because my laptop was out for repair, I had to use the computer at the library. That’s a good thing, I could continue to bring you words and ideas.
     
4/30–On A rainy day, I worked on the gardens as I could. Things are really popping up; we will have many edible things too much on. Here is a shot of the zucchini. As you see, doing well, it is. And, you will the onions growing closer to the camera.
 
Last summer, I found a branch from a tree that was quite interesting. I kept it, and today I planted it in cement (so it will stay up, I suggested to Beth that she puts all her jewelry on it. It turned out nice. These are just a few of Beth’s jewels; more will be on the tree.
 
5/1–Got more bags of garden dirt down in Augusta, Georgia. As I wrote before, always look for bags (or ask) for broken bags. Usually, I can get these for half off, a great deal.
 
And this is the only dirt I will ever need to purchase; in the future, I read that all you have to do every year is add fresh compost that you put together to mix in with the top dirt.
 
5/2–A town near us neither of us has been to, named “Ninety-Six.” It was a strange name for a town, but it turned out the place was not too weird. The town’s name was derived from being 95 miles away from two local towns.

Beth treated us to a Philly Cheesesteak at Migs. Friendly, good food, fast, a good time we had. Here is Migs >>
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057686400195

5/3–It was time; the lawn needed a haircut, and today was the day. As I’ve seen, many mow their lawn like a typewriter, going down on the side, then down a path right next to the first. The turn on each end takes time, too much time for me.
 
I’ve always tried to be very efficient in what I do. When I mow, I go around the outside and work in smaller circles toward the middle. The most challenging areas are on the sides, so I take care of those first. Try it, and you might have a better way to mow your lawn.

Of course, the gardens continue to do well >>

5/4,5–As you see, only a little is happening this week.
     
Is it time to “make” things happen and live a fuller life?
“Make” a great week for yourself.

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

A fun challenge this week.
   
Usually, someone places their bed in a specific spot and sleeps with their head in the same place every night. After you wash your bed coverings this week, set up your bed so that your head is where your feet usually are. Sleep in the position for at least two nights.
   
This may give you a new perspective on your sleep; you may want to change everything.
 
Let me know how it works for you.
   
Do something new daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG
Beth has a new passion; she has taken on succulents and bought many. She is making gardens of them, and I will show you photos next blog. She is learning, and growing is her passion.
 
When is the last time you brought on a passion?
This week, discover what you love and make it a passion you pursue.
*******************

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?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.
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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.
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