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

*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, please, befriend me.
*** 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 >>
Food and eating

All animals, including humans, have to consume matter to stay alive. We can either enjoy the experience of eating, or we can just chow down and stuff our mouth with food during each meal.

Before my accident and 37-day coma, which occurred in 1982, I ate much. After the accident, I went back to how I ate before, yet I was not as active.

You see, before, I was practicing juggling 6 hours daily, running, biking – very active. Therefore, because I did not have high activity after the accident, I started to gain weight.

Eating and weight gain are a mind thing.
Once you learn to control your mind,
you control your eating.

Here are some of the best reasons for
you to start learning to eat healthy >>

• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Have better heart health.
• Eating less reduces the risk of cancer.
• Eating less will give you improved mental health.
• Your digestion system will work better.
• You will have an increased life quality.

As I was recovering, I found that I had the same eating habits as before the accident but without the same amount of juggling practice and exercise, so I started to gain weight. After a time, I saw that the way I ate was a matter of discipline and control.

If I could learn to control my mind,
I knew that I could also learn to control my eating habits.

With some research, I learned quite a bit about health and eating habits. In reflecting on the changes I needed to make to keep myself from gaining more weight, I realized that much of what I ate was out of learned habit.

Many of us are habituated to eating a certain number of meals at a certain time of day following a prescribed way of making up our plates with this much carbohydrate and that much meat and the list could go on and on.

The first step I took in breaking the learned habits was to eat only when I was hungry. I also made sure that I stopped eating when I had just enough to get me past that hungry feeling.

I also learned that incompatible food combinations robbed me of energy and added to my weight gain, so I started to make up my meals and my plate in ways that would give me energy and not cause me to gain additional weight.

Control your eating and you control your life.

I later began a form of intermittent fasting and wouldn’t eat anything after nine at night (this later was moved to seven.) There are several reasons to put a buffer of at least three hours between food and sleep.

First, your body does most of its detoxification while you are sleeping, and if it has to digest food instead, you are missing out on crucial detoxification of other gunk and junk floating in your body.

Also, as you sleep, your body has to work extra hard to digest food and that food can transform into excess weight easily.

Many people might look at these habits and think they are difficult to do. Food cravings can be really strong sometimes and when you really want a cookie or some ice cream at eleven thirty at night, it can be hard just to tell yourself no. Stop and think for a second though:

What is a food craving?

First, it might be helpful to know that you don’t get food cravings; you create them in your mind! If you tell yourself you aren’t allowed cookies before bed, then guess what? You will crave cookies before bed.

You see, we create food cravings through our thought patterns toward food. Eventually, many of these thought patterns will become food habits.

Changing my eating habits wasn’t easy, and even now, sometimes, I struggle to maintain them. Especially after my accident, I would crave certain foods depending on how I felt that day, and often I would be extremely fatigued.

At times, sleep was hard to come by and because I couldn’t sleep, I also had trouble concentrating. Often when I felt tired or frustrated, I would crave sugar, an indication that my adrenal glands were fatigued.

Dopamine is a good thing; sugar is not.

When we are tired, our bodies crave sugar to give us energy. I also appreciated the surge of dopamine the sugar would release in my brain almost immediately upon eating something sweet. Dopamine is known as the feel good chemical because we feel good when it is released in our brains.

The well-known issue with sugar, however, is that it will only energize us for short spurts of time, and the dopamine release it provides is also only short-lived. Shortly after eating something sweet, I would be right back where I started – cranky and tired!

Eat right and you will get through changes better.

Besides feeling cranky and tired, I often also felt unproductive. Because I couldn’t concentrate, I also wasn’t able to do many of the things that I knew I needed to do or things I wanted to do.

Then depression started setting in, harming me in various ways.

I wasn’t physically stuck in bed, but I found it difficult to find any desire to get out of bed and get things started or to get things done.

Eventually, I got to a point where I could see time passing by, but I didn’t care. I didn’t even try to keep up with it because I felt so depressed. I would have frequent pity parties for myself and others didn’t seem to want to be around me anymore, given my foul mood.

One of my doctors suggested that I start taking medication to help me deal with low-grade depression and anxiety, but I decided to opt out of that recommendation. Instead, I decided I was going to retrain my mind to think in other and new directions.

Eventually, I found out that the food I was eating had a direct impact on my mood and was contributing to my depression and anxiety. I started implementing some of the changes that I listed earlier and quickly found that my attitude and my mind changed for the better.

What we eat directly affects what we think and how we feel; exercise will help, too.

Another secret I discovered was that exercise works as well as any drug (better than, actually.) Work your body, and your mind will clear up any depression or flawed thinking.

Brain function is dependent upon the body’s ability to metabolize the food you eat properly. Your brain depends on glucose (blood sugar) as a source of energy. To get your brain to use glucose properly it must have a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals. The proper functioning of the brain is more dependent upon vitamins and minerals than any other organ in your body.

Your brain is the biggest consumer of what you eat, feed it right.

The food and nutrients that you feed your brain are directly responsible for the functions the brain must perform. These can include thinking, controlling your hormones, regulating involuntary functions such as respiration and your heartbeat.

And this can also include controlling motor activity, juggling, and sense perception like smell and taste. If your brain doesn’t have enough energy, you will feel tired and sluggish.

What we eat also directly affects which neurotransmitters are produced and how much of them. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that ultimately determine our frame of mind In turn, your mood will affect your memory, your actions, your ability to learn and perform, and everything else about you.

We discussed previously that while sugar initiates the formation and release of dopamine for a good feeling in the body, that good feeling is short-lived. There are many other nutrients that we can feed our brains for increased production and prolonged release of dopamine. 

Although your brain represents only two percent of total body weight, it accounts for over twenty percent of the total utilization of oxygen and fifteen percent of blood sugar. As you can see, your brain is very hungry and is dependent upon your nutritional intake to function correctly.

Feed your brain right.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry compared a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish with a diet of highly processed meats, grains, and fast foods. Those who ate the whole foods diet had a one-third lower risk of becoming depressed. Not to mention that eating processed junk foods means you’re more likely to be overweight, often resulting in depression.

So what is driving you to eat?

Is your brain out of energy and looking for a refuel? Or are you running to the vending machine at three in the afternoon simply because that is what you do every day because your job is frustrating and you need that short-lived burst of dopamine?

Before you put your coins in the slot, ask yourself, are you truly hungry? If the honest answer is no, then put your coins back in your pocket. Remember it isn’t your body that craves food, it’s your mind.

Changing your eating habits for the better will literally change your life.

The first step you can take to change your eating habits for better health and mood is to keep a food diary. This is a book in which you record everything you eat or drink, no matter how little or how much of it went into your mouth. Studies have shown over time, people who maintain a food journal are more likely to lose weight.

For at least one week (month?), record everything you eat at meals and snack times, and record the time. Use an online site such as SparkPeople.com to figure out the number of calories you have eaten and other nutritional information like how much fat, carbohydrate, protein and fiber were in your meals.

After a week or so, review your diary and see where you need to make adjustments. Are you eating too many carbohydrates and not getting enough protein? Are you getting at least twenty-five grams of fiber each day?

Also, remember that nutritional guidelines and advice are just that – guidelines and advice.

When you eat, record how you feel afterward. If brown rice gives you gas, it isn’t the healthier food for you, regardless of what the food gurus say. If you start drinking soy milk and your cholesterol skyrockets fifty points, then soy products aren’t for you.

A Paleo diet isn’t for everyone, but neither is vegetarianism. All of our bodies have been through different triumphs and trials and will respond differently to different foods and eating patterns.

Review your diary for other eating habits.

Do you just eat without thinking? Perhaps you eat to feel better mentally. Inspect the causes of pressure in your everyday life, and one by one, take steps to remove each stress factor. Stress management could help you to control emotional eating or binge eating.

Make each bite smaller, but make each bit an experience.

Another thing to try is intentional eating. This is eating at its best. Don’t grab your bagel at ten of eight in the morning and chew it twice, then swallow while you are driving through ridiculous traffic to make it to that eight o’clock appointment that is thirty minutes away.

Instead, plan your meals, and when you get hungry, sit down and enjoy it. Savor each bite of food that goes into your mouth. Relish the smells as you bring the food to your mouth.

Chew your food thoroughly before you swallow, making sure to get all of the juice and flavor out of it before it goes down your throat and into your belly to be dissected into the nutrients that your brain needs to function.

Yes, we can mindlessly stuff food in our mouth, or we can delightfully savor each morsel we consume. If you really take the time to just put your fork down between each bite and taste all of the aspects of your food.

Do this, as well as examine the texture with your tongue, you can have a delightful eating experience, and you can do this each time you eat. Eating should be much more than just sending food down your gullet.

Make this way of eating intentional, and make it a habit.

Taking your time and relishing every aspect of your meal may be a new way of eating for you. This new way of eating might sound like a lot of bells and whistles, but you will quickly find that you will eat less but you will enjoy your food a lot more. If you are eating less food, then it follows that you will lose weight and keeps your mind and body in better shape.

Change your mind and change your taste.

Eating less won’t necessarily take you to your weight loss goal. We also must be careful of what we eat. While the cravings might be intense, remember, you have control!

After I had been released from the hospital, I was drinking a lot of diet soda. I would typically have two or three cans a day. This went on for five years and diet soda had become simply another habit for me.

I happened to eventually read some reports reporting about how bad soda is for people. The chemicals in soda are known to cause bone loss and can also disrupt and inhibit organ function. Not a drop of soda has gone down my throat since then – and that was over twenty years ago.

It helped me to quit my habit by switching to tea instead. At that time, I would liven up the taste of my tea with some cream and non-sugar sweetener. Eventually, I came across some studies that talked about how artificial sweeteners can be highly harmful to the body and brain. That was the end of my romance with non-sugar sweeteners. Now I use honey, honey (yes, you.)

Think before you put stuff down your throat

Of course, the literature is full of contradictory reports of this or that food being good for you or bad for you. The truth is, you have to be the one to figure it out for your body.

Some things are a matter of common sense, like the fact that an apple has more nutritional value than a sponge cake. Other things, like eating vegetarianism and a Paleo diet, as I mentioned before, are really about what your personal and individual body needs.

Remember, your mind and body come first, for every bite you put into your mouth.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a difference between appetite and hunger. If you have an appetite, it means you are longing for food. This is the three o’clock trip to the vending machine for chips because you feel a need to eat something crunchy for no reason other than that you want to.

Hunger is the actual physical need for food. You might get lightheaded or your stomach might start talking to you. We seldom have true hunger, but that is when we should eat. You don’t have to eat at eight, noon, and five every day if you don’t feel hungry. Don’t just eat out of desire, habit, boredom, a need for comfort, or because others are munching away.

Take control. Remember, your diet can alter your mood and your focus. 

=========================
Another caution is that there are many chemical additives, intentional and unintentional, present in everything we eat and drink. Although research is not conclusive or existent on many of these additives, err on the side of caution and remember that everything you eat affects your body and your mind in one way or another.

Opt for that big salad with one ingredient – vegetables – rather than that bag of chips with an ingredients list longer than this book.

Salad, anyone?

In 1991 I started a habit of eating a salad every afternoon. I make my salad out of a combination of various types of lettuce, broccoli, spinach, carrot, and a few other things. In the summer, I grow much of my salad myself.

I start each week by making a salad big enough to last me for the rest of the week so it is always prepped and ready for easy munching. I hardly ever go a day without my salad and if I am out and about and wind up eating something else, I feel strange.

You, too, can develop better eating habits.

Don’t try to change everything at one time, though. Changing everything all at once will be overwhelming and lead to a quick defeat.

This week or this month, pick one of my tips and give it a try. Next week or next month, pick another one while still maintaining the first. A year from now, you’ll look back and try to figure out why you didn’t make the changes sooner – they were so easy!

Develop a good habit for yourself (and, no, not a chocolate chip cookie habit.)

Along with the salad, I came up with an excellent salad sauce (I like that wording much better than salad dressing.) Many of the salad dressings you will find in the store have a long list of ridiculous additives and preservatives that aren’t necessary and will not benefit your brain or mood.

I developed this healthy salad topping by looking at many salad sauce recipes and taking the best ideas that I had found. It is healthy, cheap, and easy to make. Here is the recipe – give it a try!

Kit’s Oriental Salad Sauce
2 cups olive oil
1 cup soy sauce
2 small onions, chopped fine
2 stocks of celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup rice vinegar
4 tbls minced fresh ginger
4 tbls honey
4 tbls tomato paste
4 tbls ketchup
2 tbls teriyaki sauce
2 tbls sesame oil
2 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp pepper

Along with this salad sauce, in the 1990’s I came up with a very tasty fresh salsa. Salsa is quite healthy as it is nothing but vegetables which have many benefits for your brain and your mood.

It is so easy to make and the taste is marvelous. Below is the recipe to make your own salsa. Please let me know how it turns out. These are not exact measurements. Change whatever you want to suit your personal tastes.

Summers’ Salsa
One can of corn
One can of black beans (or a can of mixed beans)
One can of sliced peaches (or three fresh peaches)
One bunch of coriander (also known as cilantro)
A 20-centimeter diameter (8-inch square) of fresh Roma tomatoes
One large red onion
Two lemons
Two limes
Four cloves of garlic, minced
Chili powder—one spoon
Garlic salt—one spoon
Maple syrup—three spoons
Cumin powder—one small spoon
One or more jalapeño peppers (depending on how much heat you like)

Did you see summerssalsa.com? 

For the food processor, take everything down into bits to about a centimeter in size. Put the tomatoes, six to ten at a time, and take them down. Peel the onion, cut it into quarters, then put it into the food processor to take it down into small bits. Drain the peaches and add them to the food processor.

Once everything is taken down into bits, add the contents to a mixing bowl. Drain the corn and beans and add them to the mixing bowl. Chop the coriander by hand and add to the mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the lime into the bowl, and add some pulp if you desire.

Add the garlic, chili powder, garlic salt, and honey. In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeño peppers, along with three tomatoes, into very tiny bits and then add them to the mixing bowl. Mix everything together well and then enjoy your fresh salsa.

If you desire a spicier salsa with lots of heat, leave the peaches and maple syrup out, add more jalapeno peppers, and also add habanero peppers, along with more cumin, curry powder, and chipotle spice.

Another thing you may want to consider when it comes to food is the idea that you have to eat three square meals a day and snacks in between.

Most of us eat at least three meals daily because we just always have.

I broke this cycle once by doing a four-day fast (and I did it quickly.) I drank water but no food, and I lost fifteen pounds. The strange thing was that I didn’t get hungry at all in those four days. Since I didn’t get hungry, I’ve always been curious to know how long I could push myself to go without eating.

I enjoyed the challenge of the four-day fast. For me, being hungry doesn’t hurt. I’ve been through other things that were much more painful than I think hunger ever could be.

Going through the fast was quite interesting, and when it was over, I found it much easier to make healthier food choices, almost like the fast was a reboot toward eating success.

How quickly can you do your fast?

I’m thinking I might challenge myself some time to see just how long I can go without eating—I’ll let you know how it turns out (or you’ll hear about my death.) Mainly I did the fasting as a challenge to myself.

Barring any health or religious reasons not too fast, I challenge you to try it sometime (safely, of course.) Don’t eat anything for a day or two and see how you feel. You may want to have a friend or doctor oversee you as you go through this.

Remember to drink plenty of liquids.

Reduce your food intake and eat a better combination of the right foods and you will also reduce or eliminate your stress levels, reduce weight, and be happier – to provide a better life. This I guarantee (but, not a money-back guarantee.)

Examine your own life and what you eat, and make changes where necessary. Change your eating habits and change your life.

Remember, don’t eat for your stomach; eat for your brain – feed it right!
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 for you, determines everything that happens 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 >>

“While weight loss is important,
What’s more important is the
quality of food you put in your body,
food is information that quickly
changes your metabolism and genes.”
Mark Hyman

“To ensure good health: eat lightly,
breathe deeply, live moderately,
cultivate cheerfulness and maintain
an interest in life.”
William London

“Take care of your body.
It’s the only place you have to live.”
Jim Rohn

“By choosing healthy over skinny,
you are choosing self-love over self-judgment.”
Steve Maraboli

“Eating healthy food fills your body with energy
and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at
you and saying: ‘Thank you!”
Karen Salmansohn

“Your body is not a temple,
it’s an amusement park.
Enjoy the ride.”
Anthony Bourdain

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.

2/11—When I went to the juggling festival last weekend in Atlanta, I had a mishap while driving. The road I was on was not so good; while driving close to the right side, there was a dip and my front passenger side wheel got damaged.

I was lucky to have made it home. I ventured out today to go to a Tires Plus Store in Augusta to have them take a look. He went out and showed me how the tire was angled and I needed to go to a body shop—uh ow.

Beth contacted an auto place that is local, and they will take a look on Monday. I will let you know.

Our friend Nancy‘s brother Bob visited today. We had a great get-together and talked about many topics; I did magic for him and taught him some juggling tricks, which was quite nice.

2/12—Rain all day today. I am planning on building more gardens to put around the house. As you know, I want to make this the paradise we are living in.

2/13—My van’s wheel looks bent currently, as I wrote previously. The van is alright to drive but needs it fixed. Today I went to Jiminy Fixit https://jiminy-fixit.com/ I believe Jimmy will find out what is wrong with my van and get it going right.

Jimmy saw what was wrong and said it just needed an alignment. So, back to Tires Plus for me. A few years ago, I paid for lifetime alignment, so there is no charge whenever I need one at Tires Plus.

2/14—Happy Valentine’s Day! Beth and I celebrated by going out to dinner with our friend Nancy. We dined at a local eatery called Michelle’s Pizza. Beth says we need to cut back on what we eat, but not today. When you can, go to Michelle’s, it’s a great place >>
https://www.facebook.com/michellesgrill/

My Valentine’s card from Beth

2/15—Gathering straw and rabbit poop for the compost from the rabbitry, I hit the top of my head on a metal roof area and, with heavy bleeding, ran into the house to scare Beth. As you know, head wounds bleed a great deal. Beth wasn’t alarmed this time. She says she is used to me bleeding all over the place.

Good news, I received an e-mail from Chris Jacobs, who wrote >>
======================
Hello Kit,

Hope this email finds you well.

My production company, “5 More Minutes Production”, is interested in your published work. After a thorough review, my Film and Production crew highly regard your published story for a possible film / TV/movie series adaptation.

I would like to take this opportunity in working together to create a film or TV/movie series project next year (2024) based on your published material. I can see how this can inspire and influence millions of viewers and readers out there. This impressive and admirable creation deserves a spot on the big screen.

If you have the chance, you may reply to this email and let me know what day and time is convenient for a quick call.

Sincerely,
Chris Jacobs
====================
I hope this story does fly and encourages multitudes of people.

2/16—I drove my van back to Tires Plus in Evans, GA, to have them look again at my alignment and fix what needed to be fixed. Unfortunately, they drove the front of my van off the ramp and now it has to stay there to be fixed. Once again, we have become a one-vehicle family. I treated Beth to dinner at Zaxby’s.

2/17—We woke up to 5 baby “kits”. No, not what you might be thinking; baby rabbits are named “kits”. Our Holland Lop, Priscilla, had five kits. They will be old enough to be adopted by Easter. Would you like to purchase a kit (not me, but you know)?

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, write down EVERYTHING you eat.

You might be surprised at what you consume.

After, make adjustments to nourish yourself more healthily.

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

*******************
NEXT BLOG
I’ll have my van back next week.
I’ll let you know.
*******************

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

• Tweet
• Pin It

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

*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, please, befriend me.
*** 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 >>

Fear.
What are we afraid of?
Why are we afraid?
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
What’s the best thing that could happen?
So many things could happen.
Are you scared?
Why?

If anyone had a reason to fear, it would be me.
I pushed myself through the fear of death (accident.)
Then after getting hit by a second truck eighteen years later.
Additionally, the fear of being alone (divorce) until death.
The fear of never finding love again.
I pushed through with a smile on my face.
Isn’t life a joy, no matter what?

Animals only fear attacks from other animals. They live their lives doing as nature intended – eat, hunt, sleep, reproduce – to preserve their species. Yet, humans take a different route. Yes, you are an animal, too.

I attended Tony Robbins fire-walk without fear. After his motivational talk, everyone from the audience was to walk through a ten-foot bed of hot coals. I had no fear, even through his talk.

But I know our minds control so much of what goes on with our bodies. Because of my 37-day coma, my right side is less-sensitive. I did develop some blisters, but only on my right foot. I believe the nerve connections lack going to my right foot, and that is why.

Remember, fear is >>
“F”alse
“E”vidence
“A”ppearing
“R”eal.

You can control your fears in 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.

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 for you, determines everything that happens 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 >>

“Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it.”
–Judy Blume

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
–Dale Carnegie

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
–Eleanor Roosevelt

“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”
–Yoda

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
–Nelson Mandela

“Nothing in life is to be feared.
It is only to be understood.’
–Marie Curie

“Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.”
–Bill Cosby

“The key to change… is to let go of fear.”
–Roseanne Cash

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We should all start to live before we get too old.
Fear is stupid.
So are regrets.”
–Marilyn Monroe

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.

February 3,4,5—Getting back to juggling, this weekend I attended this >>
https://atlantajugglers.org/festivals/upcoming-festival

On the drive down there, I looked into my rear-view mirror and saw a cop behind me. I could not think of anything I did that was illegal; yikes. I decided to pull into a gas station to get away—he followed me—oh no. He drove to where there were three other cop cars to join their party. Relief came upon me.
Good to see some old juggler-friends. Many were there, with hardly room to stand and juggle for people.

I was to present some workshops to help jugglers. But, for the first two sessions, people went to the wrong place. Then, on Sunday, no one showed up; they seemed to get so into their juggling. Oh well, their loss? I did help at least a dozen jugglers with their juggling one-on-one as I was walking around.

Throwing 3 at the juggling festival, I am. 

As you know, because of my accident and 37-day coma, I can no longer juggle as I did; yikes, I can hardly juggle 3 balls these days. I feel bad, but I saw that I would have been the best there, if this time had been before my accident. 

I stayed in the Atlanta area with Ray and Pat Stern and what wonderful hosts they indeed were. Ray teaches juggling, often to kids, which is why he was attending the festival (they also live in the area, of course.) These two are so good together; great to see.

Like me, Ray is a gardener, and we talked much on the subject. He introduced me to a book called “Square Foot Gardening.” He gave me his book on the topic, an excellent teaching manual on the subject. Thanks, Ray.

Studies have shown that a lot of gardeners (myself included) do their gardens in long single rows. Many would say that this is the way it is done. For big gardeners with tractors, this works best, but not for individuals growing stuff.

I see the logic of the other way, grouping plants. Takes up less space as you group each plant species together. So, I am already changing the way I do gardening.

If you have interest, this website can help >>
https://squarefootgardening.org/

The drive home from Atlanta, Georgia, to McCormick, South Carolina.
Things went smoothly, which is good, I guess?

2/6-7—Back to the garden for a few days this week, incorporating ideas I gained from Ray and reading. I hope you are gaining ideas from me to advance.

It is very practical and essential that you start growing your own food, which is already getting difficult to find in stores sometimes. Beth and I will grow much, as we have stopped eating meat so often. Care for a carrot?

I built above-ground gardens to grow vegetables. Included are some photos of how I built mine. I cut the pallets (often free) at 22 inches. Put them together with two pallets on each side, one of each end. I used three-inch screws to screw them into each other to hold them in place. You can also do this using four pallets, a 4’ square you will have.

In the past, I would dig and dig to make my garden. I love the idea of using pallets to hold the dirt in. After you set your pallets, put cardboard on top of any grass or plants. Then start building on top of this. No digging involved at all; it is quite fun, too.

A strip of plastic was put around the inside of the pallets to keep the dirt in. For each of the six gardens, I first filled them with tree trunks, limbs, grass clippings, leaves, and organic matter. Eventually, all of this will break down and become dirt itself.

Tree shavings are great for compost. To obtain free wood shavings, contact a local tree-cutting company. Many times they get trees and chop them into tiny pieces, which they often just throw away. I called a local place, and they sent a truck full of wood shavings and dumped it on our property.

Then I put down, for the top, six inches of a mixture of 1/3 each of peat moss, vermiculite, and compost. This is basically what dirt is made of, and upcoming plants will love it. Also, in this mix, include some dirt from your own lands. For future gardens, each year you simply add more compost to the top of each garden, and you’re all set.

For the paths between gardens, I put down fabric so that no weeds would grow. Then a mulch on top of this.

The strawberries are doing well. 

I think growing grass is such a waste of time and space, so I am glad to limit mine. Having a good lawn is good for kids to play on; that’s about it. Limited grass will be good in the compost after mowing. I have two large compost bins; see the photos?

2/8—My allergies have been awful. We have bunny hutches outside in two different locations, but we also kept bunnies inside. Right now, there are 17 bunnies living here with us, and three are pregnant. We moved 3 rabbits outside and rehomed one, much to Beth’s dismay. But she said she loves me more than her rabbits, just by a little bit.

Sadly, this is one of the rabbits that will be rehomed. 

My runny nose and sneezing have gotten bad; hard to breathe it is. All the rabbits will be outside soon, which will help tremendously. We will be selling and giving away rabbits; upcoming, care for a rabbit for yourself?

Beth loves the furry little creatures, so we will be keeping some; outside, of course. Rabbits are beautiful animals, but I have to live my life, too, you know.

Here is Kit fixing a bunny hutch (or, is the way Beth usually keeps me?) 

Beth did buy an air purifier, which filters out allergens. I keep this on where I do my writing and office work; it helps much. Thank you, Beth, for caring and taking care of me.

2/9—Today was my mom’s birthday.
I miss my mom, much.

I wrote about it before; I built a deck to the back of the house some time ago. Beth and I were out enjoying nature while sitting on this back deck today. As spring and summer come, we will be out there more and more. I am building the back of the house as our refuge in paradise.

Beth and Jemma on the deck I built.

From the back deck, we can see many big trees and an assortment of birds flying and stopping by. Deer have also made an appearance at times. I set up a rainwater collector in front of the house and also in the back of the house. The most sun is at the front of the house, so that is where I built the gardens.

Because no one can see, I have set up the back rainwater collector to shower under, naked. In the summer this will work excellently. Right now, the weather is too cold to be underwater outside. Now, no peeking while we shower back there this spring and summer! (note from Beth: who is this ‘we’ you are talking about?)

Off our deck and next to the fire-pit I built, I will be building a pond to hold some fish and our turtle, too. My plans include a small waterfall, also. The cost to put in the waterfall should be under a hundred bucks, so, paradise for a low price.

Do you have some land?
Can you build a paradise for yourself?
Remember, this is your one life to live; you must live in joy.

2/10—Awakening this morning at 2:30am, up for the day I am. Strange, when I first wake, my allergies are not bad, at all. After five minutes, they start up and get worse and worse. Not a great way to start a day.

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 start building that garden that will be desperately needed in your future. And, do this with no fear. You know what is required, but you just have to start. Please let me know about your progress. Plan to feed and take care of yourself.

My blog is not just words sent from me to you. This is a dialog, so let me know about the building of your garden. And if you have any questions, please write >>
kitsummers@gmail.com

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

*******************
NEXT BLOG
You will read more about the paradise I am creating in our yards.
*******************

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

• Tweet
• Pin It

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

*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, please, befriend me.
*** 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 >>

This blog post is coming to you earlier because I am leaving later today to attend >>
https://atlantajugglers.org/aja-media/events/105-2023-ghfest
It should be a fun time. I will be presenting three workshops while there to help jugglers advance.

You might know, juggling is as much mental as it is physical. Your mind controls all you think and all you do. After my accident and 37-day coma, I had to drive myself forward, knowing that my mind could heal, sending actions of juggling down different pathways and nerves.
You see, our incredible minds can do amazing things, whether we go through a brain injury or not. See the changes, then, with a smile on your face, go forward toward your eventual goal and the outcome that you expect.

A constant choice to see the good or see the bad. Through even the worst incidences, you must take control of your mind, smile, and do what you need to heal and then achieve the outcome that you are looking for.
===============
Hope for the best; expect the worst.
Some drink wine and some die of thirst.
No way of knowing which way you‘re going.
Hope for the best; expect the worst!

Hope for the best; expect the worst.
This world’s a stage; we’re unrehearsed.
Some reach to be top friends, while others drop friends.
Hope for the best; expect the worst!

I knew a man who saved a brilliant fortune.
Then he died the day he planned to go and spend his wealth.
Shouting, “Live while you’re alive! No one will survive!”
Life can be sorrowful—here today and gone tomorrow.
Live while you are alive; no one will survive—there’s no guarantee.

Hope for the best; expect the worst.
You could be Tolstoy or Agatha Christie. 
So take your chances; there are no answers.
Hope for the best; expect the worst!

Hope for the best; expect the worst.
The rich are favored; the poor are cursed.
That is a fact, friends; the deck is stacked.
Hope for the best; expect the worst.
===============
Always expect the best, then you will find more of it.

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 for you, determines everything that happens 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 >>
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
― Bruce Lee

“If you expect nothing from somebody, you are never disappointed.”
― Sylvia Plath

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”
― Alexander Pope

“Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.”
― Brandon Sanderson

“If you spent your life concentrating on what everyone else thought of you, would you forget who you were? What if the face you showed the world turned out to be a mask… with nothing beneath it?”
― Jodi Picoult

“You are most powerful when you are most silent. People never expect silence. They expect words, motion, defense, offense, and back and forth. They expect to leap into the fray. They are ready, fists up, words hanging, leaping from their mouths. Silence? No.”
― Alison McGhee

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.

1/28—I had to relax from writing the blog. Of course, I love to get these words off to you, so I did not relax for too long. Jemma is such a great pooch; we played and had fun today.

1/29—Once again, we did not attend church this Sunday, as many Americans do. Although Beth’s friend, Wendy, has invited us to attend her church on a future Sunday. We are planning to go; I am still excited about the idea of meeting this God, but right now, I do not believe in any of the gods that humans have created. 

1/30—Back to the gardens. I purchased many different kinds of vegetable seeds that needed first to get started in smaller contains to get started before I put them into the garden table. There are some seeds I will plant directly into their place in the garden.

I had about 20 six-cell containers to start seeds. I planted the different seed into each six-cell container. I used masking tape to label each.

The problem I had, on masking tape, I used a green marker pen to list the seed. With the rain, each of the masking tape ink was smeared, and I could not read. I grabbed a couple before they got ruined and marked them correctly. I will have to wait until they emerge from the soil and then figure out which plant is.

1/31—Off to see the doctor who did my hand surgery for a recheck. He was that everything was alright. So nice not to have the intermittent pain in my hand anymore.

2/1—Fixed a few things on the rabbit’s hutches for Bethie. Two more rabbits are leaving Sunday, but three more, beautiful Holland Lops, are currently pregnant; we won’t know how many will come out of the mommas; we will see.

2/2—With time, things like shelving got damaged in my van; there were a couple of things that needed repair. These are significant things in the van that I built some time ago. I had no idea how I was going to accomplish what I needed to.

The thing is, once I started, things turned out even better than they were. That’s the thing, once you start something, you have doubts and things that hold you back. Once you start, then things can go smoothly, and things turn out well.

2/3—Driving to the juggling festival in Atlanta, Georgia, today, a good two-hour drive. I have not been on the road in quite a while. Looking forward to the drive. Then I will be there until Sunday when the festival concludes.

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

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

YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >

When is the last time you got out to the wilderness or a local park? This week is the week. Figure out a good place to get back to the wilderness.

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

*******************
NEXT BLOG
Leaving today to go to this >>
https://atlantajugglers.org/aja-media/events/105-2023-ghfest
You will find out details on my visit.
*******************

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

 

• Tweet
• Pin It

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

*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
*** Thanks to 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 >> Joy as opposed to sadness.

A constant choice, to be happy and joyful, or sad and miserable.

I have to admit, at times, I have been quite down, but then I remembered that I was the one to decide how I felt.

The good
Myself >>
>>From the joys of, in high school, pole vaulting over 18’6”, a record, to
>>Getting first place on “The Gong Show.” A national show like “Americas Got Talent”, to
>>Excelling at juggling and keeping up 7 clubs, a record, to
>>Getting booked as a featured performer at Ballys in Atlantic City, to
>>Recovering from a 37-day day coma, to
>>Writing and self-publishing, Juggling with Finesse, over 25,000 sold, to
>>Traveling the country, inspiring as I go, to
>>One year ago, I met and married Beth, and we are very happy together, to
>>Keeping moving forward with a smile on my face.

The bad
Myself >>
>>At the height of my juggling career, being hit by a truck and going through a 37-day coma, to
>>Because of brain injury, losing my ability to juggle, to
>>Having an accident while mountain biking, injuring my back in two places, to
>>A guy was helping me to publish “Juggling with Finesse”; he scammed me out of much money, to
>>Hit by a second truck, much of my body broken, to
>>Knowing that these bad things that happen are temporary and life will go on.

The good
Yes, I have found that being joyful is a choice.
Always make the right choice of happiness.

The bad
Keeping a sad face will make you depressed, don’t do it.

The good
You can boost your happiness by focusing on positive things and reducing negative thoughts. This week, follow every negative thought with a positive one. This practice will help to retrain your habitual thought patterns to bring more positive thoughts into your life. Remember, a choice; you control what you think.

The bad
Misery has many aspects to it. While there can be a positive spin on misery as an emotion, the same cannot be said of miserable people, even though, ironically, they are the ones who bring on their emotions of misery.

The good
Being positive will improve your relationships: People like being around happy people (you?) Happier people give more to others. Joyful people are also more productive: You produce more when in a positive mood.

The bad
Misery is a part of human life, like other emotions. While no one wants misery to make a permanent place in their heart, in a way, it is something that we all need from time to time to gain a little perspective and to appreciate all that we have that is good.

The good
There are many physical health benefits surrounding happiness, including>>
A more robust immune system.
A stronger resilience in the face of stress.
A stronger heart.
Less risk of cardiovascular disease.
Happiness predicts greater longevity! Yes – happier people live longer!
It can enhance your productivity: You produce more when in a positive mood.
It can promote better health behaviors: Happier people take better care of themselves.

The bad
Misery is simply an emotion that everyone has experienced at some point or the other, but rarely does one think of the varied meanings that it holds within itself. We go through it, then we must move forward again with a smile on our face.

The good
Being positive can promote better health behaviors. Happier people exercise more, which can lead to better immune functioning. Also, happier people are more resistant to colds and experience faster injury healing. Being joyful will add so many good things to your life.

The bad
Misery is as much a part of life as other emotions we feel. While no one wants misery and sadness to have a permanent residence in their heart, at times, we must go through misery to gain a little perspective and appreciate all we have.

The good
Being positive can improve your relationships.
People like being around happy people.
Happiness will give you a better life! Guaranteed! (but not a money-back guarantee.)
Happier people give more to others.

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 for you, determines everything that happens 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 >>
“Happiness depends upon each of us.” ― Kit Summers
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. ― Ashley Montagu
“Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.” — Jacques Prevert
“A little misery, at times, makes one appreciate happiness more.” ― L. Frank Baum
“There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher.” ― Victor Hugo
“Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.” ― Boethius
“I’ve learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances.” ― Martha Washington
“There is no greater sorrow than to recall in misery the time when we were happy.” ― Dante Alighieri
“People label themselves with all sorts of adjectives. I can only pronounce myself as ‘nauseatingly miserable beyond repair’.” ― Franz Kafka

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.

1/21—Continuing to prepare the garden. Our collection of seeds is getting bigger. I will be planting the seeds soon, then, after there is enough growth, I will transfer the small plants to the garden.

1/22—Already starting on this blog for you. I often put it off until the time gets toward Friday. I will be starting today and working every day on words. Good to have much of the blog already written; hope you are enjoying reading my words.

1/23—Today, Beth received the book she ordered for us, written by our friend, Mea Stones’ friend, Chris McLaughlin. Now Beth wants a Hori Hori gardening knife. Thank you, Chris McLaughlin, for suggesting another tool for my wife to do harm! We recommend that you buy this book.

This an excellent book; if you take up gardening, you need this book.

1/24—Jemma, our dog, is modeling a hat my wife made for our friend, Nancy. Another hat attempt was made but did not turn out quite the way Beth had hoped. She now has a bag to hold her extra yarn. At the Summers’ house, we aim to learn new things!

1/25—Beth and I took a walk, with Jemma, of course. Out to the wilderness behind the house, looking for wood, we could use to fuel the fire. It turns out, when a tree or branch dies, it quickly reverts to dirt again. We did not find much we could put into the fire.

1/26—Off I went to the dentist I found who is down in Augusta, Georgia. Quite a drive from here, but they do excellent work for a low price. Don’t get stuck with an expensive dentist, they are so many out there; find another for a better price if you need one.

While down there, I stopped by for my weekly trip to Costco to pick up some things we need. Yes, we are stocking up on food and other necessities. Things are changing in the world, getting more expensive and harder to get. You must prepare.

I was gone most of the day. When I got home, Beth said she missed me so very much. She said that in the old days, when she was living alone, she had no problems being by herself. Our lives have changed–for the better.

1/27—Stayed around the house today and worked on one of the rabbit hutches, making a better home for the little critter. I could make a better home for you, too, should I stop by?

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 use a mouth covering (mask)?
I only wear one when it is mandatory.
Your mouth is hidden; no one can see your mouth.
SO I >>
Smile at some people.
Stick my tongue out at various people who deserve it.
I play games with my hidden mouth.
Try it; you will have fun!

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

*******************
NEXT BLOG
I just got my planting mix for seeds, (ie. dirt), and they will go in in the next few days. You will learn of my planting. Have you started your garden yet? It is necessary, to start today.
*******************

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

• Tweet
• Pin It

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

*** To read past blog posts, go to >> kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend yet, please, befriend me.
*** 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 >> TRAVEL!

As you might know, I have traveled much of the world, often looking for wilderness areas. I think this is something that will add to most people’s lives. And, no matter your situation, you can always find a way back to the wilderness.

In 1977 I drove across the US from my home in San Diego to attend a juggling convention in Delaware. The excellent juggler Jon Held accompanied me on the trip. This was my first time driving across the US; since the first, I have gone on to make 31 round-trip drives across the US.

In 1978, I went to see my friend, Barrett Felker, who was attending college in Arizona. Also a great juggler, and we connected well. In just a few months, we decided to go to Hawaii to live, practice our juggling, and perform. We stayed for three months, and our performance paid for all of it.

Later in 1978, also through juggling and performing, I went to Europe with my friend, John Fox, a friend and performer. We met many great jugglers and had a great time of it.

Just the beginning of my travels. I would eventually travel much of the world. I discovered all the benefits of world travel.

Another drive across the US!
In 1979, I was hired as the juggling instructor at Ringling Brothers Clown College in Florida. Only 18 years of age, teaching clowns juggling skills is another highlight of my life. Can you imagine?

While at Clown College, I met David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. I had no idea who he was; how wonderful, though. He did give me very nice compliments about my juggling. Recently Beth heard that Crosby has died, an awful thing. If I had known who he was, I would have taken a picture with him and saved it for the day I found Beth.

Here comes 1981, the year I got booked as a featured juggler at Ballys Casino in Atlantic City. Yet another trip driving from San Diego across the US. My contract was for one year; they liked my performance so well that they kept me on for an entire year.

Then, on April 3, 1982, I was walking to my performance at Ballys in the evening on a stormy night. I was struck by a truck and went through a 37-day coma. I ended up staying in the hospital for a few months, receiving therapy and help with recovery. As you would know, my traveling was diminished.

My accident was on 4/3/82. The International Jugglers Association (IJA)  had a convention coming up in July. I was still in a wheelchair, and my sister and a friend drove me from San Diego to attend the convention. Friends and caring jugglers were all around, quite lovely. 

Then, the 1983 IJA convention was in Purchase, New York. That provided my goal. I re-established my driving and drove myself to attend the convention solo. I was part of the show, and people loved it. In 1982 I was in my wheelchair; I had performed on stage, even riding my unicycle!

So, from being on four wheels (wheelchair) in 1982 to being on one wheel (unicycle) in 1983. 

You might think the accident ended my traveling, but it was just the beginning. I could not juggle as I did because of the accident, yet, I still knew jugging so vastly. I ended up developing a two-day workshop to help jugglers improve.

The workshops did well, as I helped hundreds of jugglers advance, first around the US, went to Europe three times with the workshop, and Japan three times to work with jugglers there, too.

In 2012, I brought the workshop to Australia, where I spent a month traveling and did five workshops around the country at circus schools and for juggling groups. Then, it was on to New Zealand, where I was there a month, too, presenting five workshops for jugglers there.

From 2013 to 2021, I hit the road. Living and traveling in my van, I mainly went to national parks and wilderness areas. I went to all the national parks and have been to every state in the US.

Traveling has been a massive part of my life. Marrying and settling down with Beth is also a big change. I guess my traveling has come to an end. I love my new life with Beth.

Traveling as much as possible will add to your life; travel when you can.

About traveling, studies show that being outside in nature is relaxing, reduces stress, you will find lower cortisol levels, better muscle tension, and an improved heart rate – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

HAVE >>
Less stress.
Improved sleep.
Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness.
Better vision.
Improved relationships.
Higher self-esteem. You will find >>
Improved short-term memory.
Reduced inflammation.
Awareness of conservation.
Boost your immune system.

Also, being in the wilderness >>
1. INCREASES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
As you would know, we move more when we’re outdoors. Do you know that every hour spent outdoors is associated with seven more minutes of heart-pumping physical activity, taking 762 more steps, and spending 13 fewer minutes being sedentary?
  This is in our backyard (see Dolly, the cat?) 

2. IT WILL LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE.
Compared to city environments, getting a 30-minute dose of walking in nature can lower your pulse and blood pressure and, of course, put a smile on your face.

3. BEING OUTDOORS, YOU WILL FIND IMPROVED AIR QUALITY.
Indoors is often worse than outdoors in air quality. In fact, spending large amounts of time indoors increases exposure to infectious diseases and common allergens (like pet dander and dust.) Indoor air may even lead to the development of chronic respiratory conditions.

4. BEING OUTDOORS WILL HARNESS IMPROVED SOCIAL INTERACTION.
Being outdoors enhances our desire to seek and improve social connections. Improved social interactions help fend off excessive feelings of loneliness while generally boosting mental wellness.

5. IT WILL BOOST YOUR MOOD.
Forests and natural environments are considered therapeutic landscapes and have demonstrated many positive mental effects. Exposure to forests and trees leads to increased liveliness and decreased levels of stress, hostility, and depression.

6. BENEFITS YOUR IMMUNITY.
Breathing air in the wilderness is healthy. Essential oils from the trees, leaves, and soil help improve your immune system function.

7. IT CAN DECREASE YOUR LEVELS OF STRESS AND ANXIETY.
Increased exposure to the outdoors, including forested environments and beaches, has been shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Essentially, in the outdoors, people feel less stressed and more rested. Interestingly, some doctors even prescribe walking outdoors as part of their patient’s treatment plans for managing stress and anxiety.

Get out in the wilderness as often as you can.
This will only benefit you. For me, all I have to do to be in the wilderness is to walk out our back door.

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 for you, determines everything that happens 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. “At some point in life, the world’s beauty becomes enough. You don’t need to photograph, paint, or even remember it. It is enough.” – Toni Morrison

2. “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” –Edward Abbey

Why look, there’s Gary!

3. “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

4. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau

5. “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” – Shikoba

6. “Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir

7. “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” – Ashley Smith

8. “Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

9.“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle

10. “Hiking’s not for everyone. Notice the wilderness is mostly empty.” – Sonja Yoerg

11. “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
I love the wilderness. See Dolly, the cat?

12. “Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.” – Diane Spicer

13. “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” – G.M. Trevelyan

14. Backpacking: An extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.” – Anonymous

15. “Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong.”
– Jennifer Pharr Davis

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.

1/14—Every week, I feel relief after I publish my blog for you, which was released yesterday. Knowing my words are out there to benefit you as you read.

1/16—I worked on the six raised-bed gardens that I built. I usually purchase already-started plants (tomatoes, lettuce, and such.) After checking out Amazon, I found that I could buy 25 excellent seeds for about a buck, for example. My future gardens will be started from seed from now on.

Also, today my new chainsaw arrived!
Big enough for all I need, an excellent tool. 

1/17—We have almost 20 rabbits, quite a bunny menagerie. Today Beth sold six of the little creatures. This weekend six more will be finding new homes. I had some bunnies when my daughters, Jasmine and April, were young, one of which had little ones. The girls loved it.

1/18—Off today to find wood for the fire. Of course, I feel terrible when we have to pay for wood. Recently, I purchased that small battery-powered chain saw that I can bring with me out to cut wood. This is working excellently. I did find a scary face in a piece of timber; see the photo.

1/19—Cold days are upon us. I’ve developed a good way to use the fireplace to keep us warm. We also have electric heat. We have not had to use the heater much, saving us money.

1/20—The new showerhead came in! I’ve hooked it up, and the new head is working well. But, I think it puts out too much water. I will look into getting another that is more water-saving.

How about you, are you handy?
Can you fix simple things?
Remember, videos on YouTube can teach you anything.
I’ve become quite an expert is fixing things around the house.

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

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK > >
Every day this week, try something new.
Suggestions >>
A new meal that you prepare.
Start learning that new language that you want to learn. Japanese anyone?
Begin your garden that you need to develop.
Take a day to thoroughly clean you house (you know it needs it.)
Start that exercise routine that you have been meaning to commence.
Remember, something new everyday.
Then, make it a habit to learn new things constantly.
Do something new, daily, then keep doing it for the rest of your life.
*******************
NEXT BLOG
Our garden is going in.
You will hear of the progress.
*******************

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

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