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.

*** Remember, 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.
*** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to my 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!

********************
INTRO TO THIS WEEK

Last week I wrote about seldom hearing from people (you?)
I heard from a few, enough to let me know to keep publishing my weekly blog.

Thank you, Tommy.
Merci, Larry
Çox sağ ol, Betsy.
Спасибо, Jenny.
Vielen Dank, Lee.

To name a few. I see that my words present help to some people. That is enough for me.

Summer time is great with the nice weather, as you know. In my travels all over the US, summer anywhere is magnificent. Living with Beth in McCormick, SC, the summer is comfortable, not too hot.

From my book, “Beyond Your Potential”

For my juggling, for my recovery after going through a 37-day coma, and for other efforts in my life, I had to stretch to reach a higher level. I don’t believe this ability is something I was born with; this is something that anyone can develop.

Reaching for excellence and not being satisfied with mediocrity is a
part of my life. No matter what your life is like, stretch toward the
excellence how you can; don’t be satisfied with less.

IT’S UP TO YOU
Many of us have not learned to tax our full potential; we are operating way below our capacity. You cannot just wait for the good things in life to just fall in your lap. You have to realize that you have a choice! Good or bad, you are responsible for the way your life is.

MAKING PLANS
To reach toward my juggling excellence, I would push myself hard, having fun simultaneously. We have to work at stretching our capabilities to the fullest. You must have a strong drive toward accomplishment; you must value achievement and strive toward it.

Stretch your capabilities to the limit. I am sure that everyone has the power to stretch themselves to accomplish and expand their horizons. Plan for advancement.

DANCING ON PEANUT BUTTER
Planning our life and time carefully was something I think I learned as I planned with the advancement in my juggling. So many people seem so busy, yet they are getting nowhere.

They seem to be running on peanut butter, moving fast; yet not getting anywhere. Sometimes people are taking the least resistant path in life and not taking chances and calculated risks. To get ahead in life, we have to stretch beyond our controlled comfort zone.

RIDE YOUR BIKE
A good example of stretching toward excellence is bicycling. I used todo a lot of riding. When I go on training rides, I ride steadily and hard for a long distance. Then I pick a point ahead of me half a mile away.

I push myself as hard as I can go in reaching this spot. Usually, I get to my chosen spot and then keep pushing as hard as I can to go further.

Then I can look back and see where I really went. Stretch and get away from the mediocrity of life. This shows me that we are usually better than we think we are. Prepare for quality.

BE READY
People do not prepare for the bad—or the good. I think this is one of the major reasons so many people don’t learn and accomplish more. They often are not prepared for changes—for success, or for failure.

As a performing juggler, I found that I had to be ready for anything. An agent could call and say to be somewhere the next day. The performing place might be anywhere, on a stage, on the street, in the dirt. I found that life was like this also.

We have to be flexible. On our way toward excellence, we have to work with the changes and not against them. Expect excellence; it is right around the corner.

PUSH
I “expected” success with my juggling, with my recovery, with my books, with my salsa.

Many people live their entire lives never pushing themselves toward excellence and success. They just go through life living day to day and let things happen. These people are just surviving in their life: getting by. They do as little as possible toward achievement, just enough to get by on.

They don’t see that by putting in just a little extra effort, we can get back so much more, by putting in a lot of effort, well, you couldn’t imagine. You see, it is only those who have gone too far who know how far they can go, surviving
the hardest situations, at times.

We never get beyond survival: you must start beyond it. I continue to push to this day. I work toward stretching myself beyond where I think I can go.

THE LASER BEAM EFFECT
As you know, at a young age, I decided to become a juggler. I didn’t want to be an average, mediocre juggler; I wanted to be the best. After this decision, I stretched myself to be the best. I focused on that and that alone.

This focus I learned through juggling has been used in other aspects of my life as well. When you focus like a laser beam on one thing and find out how good you can become, it adds much to your life. This laser beam can even shine through blocks in your life. Turn on your light, find your laser beam.

TRY AGAIN
On your path to success, you will find blocks and things that come up. In my book, Juggling with Finesse, I wrote, “In learning juggling, don’t think of a drop as, “Oh, &%}*, I dropped,” but think of it as “Oh good, I get to try again!”

Life is the same way.

When we make a mistake, or something goes wrong, learn from what happens and think, “Oh good, I get to try again.” Seeing life in this way can help us through the difficult parts (and there are many). Just keep working your path toward excellence. Remember, winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is.

Reach for more; you will be surprised at what you can obtain.

YOU CAN DO MORE
Yes, we can accomplish much more than any of us thinks we can. Some athletes (and jugglers) of ordinary ability have enough belief in themselves to make them champions. This has happened in many fields of sports. These people don’t let negative thoughts control their actions.

They have learned to push themselves beyond what they “think” they could achieve. People seemed amazed at the level I reached with my juggling, but I never felt it was advanced; it was just what I did. Somehow pushing myself was a natural occurrence for me, but I know it can be self-taught, too. You can go beyond being
mediocre and achieve amazing results.

LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

I find them so interesting, challenging, and important 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.

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 for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

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

Remember, 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
Even if you start late, are uncertain, and/or different.
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT SUMMER INSPIRE YOU

Our Earth had donned her mantle of the brightest green and cast off her richest perfumes for us. It was the prime and vigor of the year; all things were glad and flourishing.— Charles Dickens, “Oliver Twist”
===
Oh, the summer night has a light smile, and she sits on a sapphire throne.
— Bryan Procter, poet
===
Rest is not idleness, and to sometimes lie on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
— John Lubbock, politician and scientist
===
I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days — three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.
— John Keats
===
All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer… one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends, and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.
— Lucy Maud Montgomery, author
===
Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
— Henry James
===
And so, with the sunshine and great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
— F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby”
===
Summer was our best season: Sleeping on the back screened porch in cots or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape.
— Harper Lee, “To Kill A Mockingbird”
===
In summer, the song sings itself.
— William Carlos Williams
===
In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky.
— Ray Dorset, musician
===
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
— Yoko Ono
===
The beauty of that June day was almost staggering. After the wet spring, everything that could turn green had outdone itself in greenness, and everything that could even dream of blooming or blossoming was in bloom and blossom. The sunlight was a benediction.
— Dan Simmons, author
===
Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people… You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.
— Deb Caletti, author
===
Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in the sunshine.
— Oprah Winfrey

STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
********************

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

8/13–16—Nothing much to write about on these days. Hope you had wonderful days. Jemma loves to play with water — as you see.

8/17—Today, Beth left to visit North Carolina (about 200 miles) to see her parents and sisters. I was away for two days; that is the only time we have been apart. Got a new lawn mower today. You know that I hate grass, I will be weeding it out and be planting edible things. 

8/18—Beth and I have been together nonstop, pretty much for a full year. We have developed such closeness and love; it is wonderful. We are both very happily married now.

8/19—When I have projects, I often have no idea how to achieve the result. Today it was building a rabbit hutch. I started and did not know how I would build it, but it turned out well, which makes me happy.

For you, you just have to start. Things will fall into place as you go.
*******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Do you know your neighbors? It makes me sad that many live their lives not even knowing the people who just live next door. This week, make three new friends, people who live near you.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
You will see a clean-shaven Kit next week.
Beth has only seen me with facial hair.
Hope I don’t scare her too much.
*******************

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.

*** Remember, 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.
*** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to the 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!

********************
INTRO TO THIS WEEK

As you know, I did not post my blog last week; it was sort of an experiment.

Our backyard–magnificent!

I’ve posted my current weekly blog for more than 183 weeks (I’ve run blogs previously, though), never missing or being late with a post. I wondered if anyone would notice my absence and write words to me.

Further behind our house. 

I only heard from one person; thank you, Jenny.
Jenny Ydinger
Jenny wrote >>
“It’s not Friday night without Kit’s blog!
I know he works hard on it.
Just want him to know he’s appreciated! ”

I’m guessing you are reading these words right now?
Of course, the answer is—“YES”—you are.
Have I heard from you??
NO?
Why not?
These words go out to thousands, yet I hardly hear from anyone. I am always hoping for a back and forth with words, will you?

You don’t have to write many words; remember, less is more. Pick the right (write) words, and you can compose like a master author. That is what I always aim to do. I just start writing, and the words form as I go. The key is to do good editing, again and again.

As the adage goes. “The less clutter we have, the more space is available; the less we worry, the more we can relax.” Get your point across quickly and distinctly.

That’s why, this week, I have the intention to help simplify your life. Try identifying what will free you up — mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Perhaps you would benefit from scaling back your social calendar to make more time for yourself, or, you can leave your cell phone at home and take a sunset walk each evening. Or, simply take a walk in the wilderness and free up your mind.

Simplifying could even be as simple as cleaning out your fridge, house, or car.

We all know the feeling of release from a clear space and a clean slate. There are simple things, like creating a simple statement or implementing a morning writing ritual, to help you embrace a simple living approach.

Start now to clean your life—you will be glad you did.

LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

I find them so interesting, challenging, and important 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.

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 for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

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

Remember, 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.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS INSPIRE YOU

As humans, many of us hunger for stability, you know, the easy habits of everyday living. There’s a good evolutionary account for this: For millions of years, unpredictability and uncertainty were equal to human danger.

There are plenty of benefits to living a life having a routine — It can be a building block of good health, and lowers our stress levels. The “comfort zone” exists for a reason: to keep us comfortable, but you knew that.

Still, there is such a thing as getting TOO comfortable. While we may feel safer living with a routine, a fear of the unknown can also cause us to live life unconsciously. Too much stability has been shown, scientifically, to a link to a lack of growth, learning, and/or happiness in our lives.

As the old expression goes: “Old ways won’t open new doors.” Staying in your comfort zone can hold you back, cutting you off from new experiences or taking a leap toward what you want. Often, it can hold you back from your true potential.

Maybe you’re aware it’s time to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t know where to start — old habits die hard — after all. The quotes below can help give you that gentle nudge out the proverbial door, and into exciting new territory for your life.

========================
Go and make fascinating mistakes, make amazing errors, and make glorious and fantastic misconceptions. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. If you are a juggler, you cannot advance without a drop now and then.

— Neil Gaiman
=====
Without experimentation, and a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.
— Anthony Bourdain
=====
Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.
— Brené Brown
=====
If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
— Dale Carnegie
=====
People do their best work when they’re riding that wave and a little bit uncomfortable. Sell your myth, but never buy it.
— St. Vincent, musician
=====
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
— Lao Tzu
=====
Great people do things before they’re ready.
— Amy Poehler
=====
Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.
— Louis E. Boone, author
=====
Sometimes the place you are used to is not the place you belong.
— William Wheeler, screenwriter
=====
And the thing about blooming is, nothing about the process is easy. It requires every part of you to stretch upward, with your roots firmly planted in the ground; and in the sun, and in the rain, and wind, you stand anyway, even against the pull of the soil. And through it all, one day you will see all along you were transforming.
— Morgan Harper Nichols, musician
=====
Comfort can be dangerous. Comfort provides a floor but also a ceiling.
— Trevor Noah

=====
A bird is safe in its nest — but that is not what its wings are made for.
— Amit Ray, spiritual leader
=====
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
— Maya Angelou

STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
********************

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

8/5—Things are still looking like times will get difficult. I looked into ways to save rainwater. At first, to just water the vegetable plants. Now I am looking into using the water to clean our bodies (shower), and, with filtering, to drink.

I bought a water catch, the VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel, Portable Water Storage Tank. Take a look here >>
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MNWDF52/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I built a five-foot-high stand for it so that gravity will bring the water out. Then I cut the rain downspout for part of our roof to fit into the top. Now every time it rains the water catch will fill up.

I’m planning on getting a couple more of them, I will let you know.

8/6—Oh no—hornets! They had built a big nest in the back of our house. I used an eight-foot stick to poke at the nest – then I ran like crazy – as they wanted me dead. They didn’t even use their horn (et). I ran to the front of the house and quickly entered and closed the door behind me.

Yes, they were following me, a very angry look on their little faces. Then, later, looking out the front window, I saw a few who were still after me.

The nest looked nice, I could have left it. But, there would always be the fear of getting stung by an angry hornet. This is something I had to do, for the protection of all of us, including Jemma.

8/7—In my life, I very much like to eat hash-brown potatoes in the morning. But, it is hard to find them when they are perfectly prepared. So, I got knowledgeable about how to make the best-fried potatoes. Today I made some, and you will learn.

Like I often say, “If someone else can do it, so can you! You just have to find out the best way.” Knowing this will keep you confident in your life. Always keep those words in the back of your mind.

This same approach will go for any food or meal you make. You go to expensive restaurants and pay a lot for their chef to prepare a dish.
Be that Chef!
With the internet, you can learn to make any dish.

Then, all you need is a small table and candlelight. You are your partner can have a magnificent time together eating like a king and queen.

Back to the fried spuds, here is how to make the BEST hash-browns >>

1. Use a food processor to shred (grate) 5 (or however many you want) russet potatoes, I leave the skin on. First, of course, wash the potatoes well.

2. Here is the key – In a large container, fill it with water and put the shredded potatoes in. Soak quickly and then mix and squeeze with your clean hands. Next, drain the water out into a colander. The final step is to put the shredded potatoes on a clean, dry towel by dumping them on and then twist the towel up to get all the water out. The dryer the better.

3. Finely chop (or use the food processor) red onions and mix in with the potatoes, along with onion powder and diced garlic.

Make sure your pan is hot and heat your olive oil before you place a handful of potatoes in your big frying pan. Cook on medium until the bottom is brown, then turn over and cook the other side.

With some ketchup, your hash-brown meal will be fabulous.

8/10—We have needed windows for a while. I had gotten a few quotes and decided to, perhaps, do the work myself. This would be quite a bit of self-learning about the project; I was ready, but there was one more person from Lowe’s coming, and they came today.

Rick Ricciardelli, from Lowe’s, came to talk with us about windows. He noticed the juggling clubs I had on the porch. He said he also juggles and performs! I showed him a copy of my book, Juggling with Finesse. He said he has a copy at home – nice.

It ended up that his quote and presentation were the best we had out of the five who we met with. We talked of juggling and windows, an interesting mix.

You can find Rick here:
https://www.facebook.com/rick.ricciardelli

They will start on the windows soon, that will be good.

8/11—YIKES! I cannot find my wallet. Last night I looked for it and could not find it anywhere! I made for a hard night of sleep, but I woke in the morn with it on my mind and started looking.

I had not gone anywhere; I traced where I had been working around the house, but nothing. I resolved that it was gone and called up about my one credit card and canceled the card. I ordered a new wallet and would build up what was in my wallet.

On a computer, I keep a list of cards in my wallet. I keep a limited number of things in there, just in case something like this did occur. Just one credit card is kept with me in my wallet, I keep my others well hidden.

Then, about mid-morn, I moved a water jug in my office and found the wallet. What a relief I experienced. I’ve had to start my life new so many times, and I am happy I did not have to again.

If you haven’t already, I suggest you go through your wallet or purse and list what is in it. Don’t forget to include the $1,523 you have in your wallet, of course.

With our dinner salad, we included tomato and cucumber from our garden; I love to eat what I grow. The way things are looking, it might start to become difficult to purchase food. Have you started growing your own?
*******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
You just learned how >>
Make some fabulous hash-brown potatoes for you and your family or friends breakfast, and smile as you do.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Beth is going to visit with her parents for four days next week. They are older but still kicking. It is good that she is taking the time for the visit. I will be here alone, it should be interesting; I will let you know. Beth has our friend and neighbor, Nancy, stopping over to ensure Jemma and I are alive and well. As Beth says, she just never knows what she will come home to! 
*******************

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

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

*** Remember, 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.
*** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to the blog each week.
*** 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!

********************
INTRO TO THIS WEEK

A constant choice.
You have the pick to live your life in joy or in pain.

Throughout my life, I have not had to deal with stress much at all. Even after my first accident and 37-day coma. Then again, eighteen years later, after I was hit by another truck—much of my body broken—in the hospital and rehab again for a few months. I tended to smile through it all and go on.

We each have that control.
Do you choose anger or joy?

From my book series, Beyond Your Potential >>
Stress is Good?
How about this: anxiety and stress can be good for us, at times. They push us to make essential changes in our lives. They indicate when we may be in jeopardy, and motivate us to take action to get ourselves out of risk, such as harm coming our way from an external source that we might not see coming. In this way, feelings of anxiety and stress are healthy and essential. Without them, we may not act in our own best interest.

When we allow too much stress, stress causes us much duress.

Eventually, things will build up in your life. It can cause you a lot of strife.

How do we overcome this petty turmoil and keep it at bay?

What do we have to do to make our days better?

We know that too much stress changes how we think and act.

One way that will help is to find something to occupy your mind.

When you keep busy, the stress will go away; the busyness is helping you unwind.

Don’t let stress take over your life, be aware of the damage it can do.

Fight stress any way you can; don’t let the symptoms get to you!

Control

Stress can be a terrible thing if you don’t learn how to control it. You can let many things bring on stress, but if you learn to handle rejection, frustration, guilt, and financial pressure, there is no limit to what you can do in your life. Remember that you are in control of the time you have and what you think about things. People have mentioned to me that they can’t control their stress, but they can! What you think is possible for you or not possible usually leads to what you can or can’t do. Take control of your mind. You have to send your mind signals that allow you to reach better results. The signals that you send your brain will control any stress and bring on success or failure in your life.

Grow Through Adversity
Yes, after my accidents, there were times when I got depressed, times when I brought on stress. There were even times when I felt like giving up. I saw, with time, that these were feelings that I brought on myself. There is no reason to be depressed or under stress if you stay on top of things and learn to change enough to handle stress.

Stretch Beyond Stress
Every time we go through adversity or obstacle, it intensifies our desire to move forward. If you can learn to handle frustration, deal with rejection, control your self-esteem, and acknowledge yourself for doing good, there is no limit to what you can do for your future. My recovery was my challenge. Think of life’s difficulties as life challenges. By this, I mean make them experiences to learn from. Turn your frustrations into fascinations. Instead of getting frustrated by something, get fascinated by it as you move through it.

Failure?
Yes, you will have failures, you will make mistakes, and things will not go right. Yet, this is no reason to bring stress into your life. You cannot learn without some failures. Everyone who has ever achieved anything has experienced a great deal of failure. You are in control of how you live your life and what you think about. You have the power to be a significant influence on the course of your life. You can’t put yourself down for making an error or not doing something right. Beating yourself into the ground for making errors won’t result in change; being positive will. Stay positive as you move forward through any apparent stress.

Keep Moving Forward
Stress, worry, and anxiety become detrimental when they stop us from moving forward to act. This occurs either because we are worried about things we cannot control or things that have not happened yet. Or, we are powerless by the stress we bring on rather than being stirred to act. Break it down, think it out. Whatever the reason, worry and anxiety can cause much stress on our minds and bodies, which affects our health and well-being. Stress and anxiety will stay away if you keep acting toward something. Remember, that worry is about thinking about how you want things not to happen. Aim toward thinking about how things will turn out. Change your thoughts to focus on successful outcomes, and your stress will go away.

The Ten
Planning and being prepared are great ways to battle stress. I’m not saying to live your life so concerned that it holds you back, but to be prudent and to take some time to know things may be coming so that you are ready for them rather than pretending such things will never happen. I present the ten most stressful happenings in life:

1. The death of your partner, a loved one, or a close friend.
2. A life-change through a tragic accident, like mine.
3. Separation or divorce.
4. Major personal injury or illness.
5. Finding a new love and getting married.
6. Being fired or laid off from work.
7. If the health or behavior of a family member changes.
8. Sexual difficulties.
9. Gaining a new family member.
10. Finishing this book series?

Think Right
You might want to go after all that life has to offer, but if you think you don’t deserve it. Or that you could never be that good a juggler. Or you don’t have enough time. Or that you are too stupid. Or any self-defeating belief you come up with. If you bring these on, you will never achieve anything you desire. Also, do not dwell on or regret the minutes and days that have already passed, for you cannot relive them; they are gone. Look at them as training for this minute and live your life with hope and joy.

Feeling That Guilt
Guilt is a terrible thing. Thinking I was responsible for the accident was wrong thinking. Feeling guilty is not going to make your life any better. Learn from your mistakes, try never to repeat them, and move on. Along with this, do not dwell on the minutes ahead; their very existence is uncertain. The past is gone, the future is not here yet, but you have now – use it well. Make every NOW in your life magnificent!

Some Solutions for Dealing With Stress:

• The main way to combat stress is to exercise. As you know, this gets your blood flowing and gets your thoughts away from the mess. As an exercise, juggling will keep your stress levels minimal or nonexistent. You will find that you cannot have stress when you juggle; they just don’t mix.
• Take time each day to work on and play with your juggling.
• Stress is often just worrying. Figure out what is causing you to be anxious or upset. Be specific. These areas might be apparent, but you might have to think about others. Charting your outcomes can help you to work toward results, or you can always talk to a friend about the consequences.
• Decide exactly what you need to do. Figure out what part of the circumstances is under your control and what is not. Measure the concerns to see whether the threat is real or if you are just making the worry too immense. If the problem is just a made-up situation or a worst-case situation, decide if it is likely that your fears will, in reality, come to be. Three significant destructive enemies to stay away from to make things better – are indecision, doubt, and fear.
• Eating correctly will make your brain and your life run much better. Reread chapter five on eating correctly, and that will help. When you eat right, you will bring on less stress and have fewer conflicts in your mind.
• When you are miserable or anxious, you are thinking in a negative, irrational, self-defeating manner. This brings about a self-defeating way. Get your thinking on track, and the stress and anxiety will go away.
• Often, you simply need to take action to move ahead and achieve something. Doing so is the main cure for any stress you may have. Once you do so, the problem causing you to feel stressed is often insignificant. Once you have done all you can, just let it go. In your life, you have to keep asking yourself what is most significant.
• Like everything in life, beating stress is easier said than done, but with repetition, you can get skilled at letting go of unnecessary levels of stress and anxiety. You can do this by concentrating on something else. Go juggle for thirty minutes. Remind yourself of the solutions you can work on or take other actions that will relax you so that you can get on with your life.
• If I am suffering from depression or stress, I find the antidote is to get involved in a project or activity that is fulfilling for me. Along with that, the more you help other people, the more it will help you.
• To keep your discipline in life, you have to be very positive. With a disciplined life, there is so much more you can achieve. By discipline, I mean being in control and keeping a positive attitude.

Live your life without the stress, and you will live a better life. I hope I have helped open your eyes to the life you could have without negative thoughts and stress.

LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with 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.

At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way 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 own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

In fact, 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 for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

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

Remember, 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.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT STRESS INSPIRE YOU

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
– Sydney J. Harris

“One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren’t enough hours in the day, but if we do each thing calmly and carefully, we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.”
– Viggo Mortensen

“Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.”
– David Allen

“In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”
– Lee Iacocca

“Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive.”
– Ziggy Marley

“It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials.”
– Bruce Lee

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
– William James

“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”
– John Newton

“It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.”
– Paulo Coelho

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
– Ovid

“Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.’
– Eckhart Tolle

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
– Elbert Hubbard

“It’s not stress that kills us; it is our reaction to it.”
– Hans Selye

“There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression. That’s what happens to me every day. My thoughts get off my chest, down my sleeves, and onto my pad.”
– Garson Kanin

“Somehow, our devils are never quite what we expect when we meet them face to face.”
– Nelson DeMille

“You cannot always control what goes on outside.
But you can always control what goes on inside.”
– Wayne Dyer

“Breath is the power behind all things….
I breathe in and know that good things will happen.”
– Tao Porchon-Lynch

“We must have a pie.
Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.”
– David Mamet

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
– Leo F. Buscaglia

“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.”
– Brian Tracy

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”
– Lou Holtz

“I promise you nothing is as chaotic as it seems.
Nothing is worth diminishing your health.
Nothing is worth poisoning yourself into stress, anxiety, and fear.”
– Steve Maraboli

“Remember that stress doesn’t come from what’s going on in your life.
It comes from your thoughts about what’s going on in your life.”
– Andrew Bernstein

“The day she let go of the things that were weighing her down, was the day she began to shine the brightest.”
– Katrina Mayer

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”
– Hermann Hesse

“If the problem can be solved why worry?
If the problem cannot be solved then worrying will do you no good.”
– Shantideva

“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.”
– Najwa Zebian

“Breathe.
Let go.
And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
– Oprah Winfrey

“Don’t try to force anything. Let life be a deep let-go.
God opens millions of flowers every day without forcing their buds.”
– Osho

“If the problem can be solved, why worry?
If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do you no good.”
– Buddha

“Don’t believe every worried thought you have.
Worried thoughts are notoriously inaccurate.”
– Renee Jain

“If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.”
– Lucius Annaeus Seneca

STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

7/24-25—Some warm days. Did not do much.

7/26—I will be appearing in a musical in September. We had a rehearsal about such today. It looks to be a fun time.

7/27—In the past, I have had trouble swallowing; at times, my esophagus not being open and wide enough to even swallow right. Last year I went through the procedure, he had to go back in to look again.

Here is about the procedure >>
https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-eso-dilation-updated

Under anesthesia, I was out for the operation. Something that has, at times, kept me awake at night is, that I try and see the point where my mind goes from consciousness to unconsciousness. Of course, this simply keeps me awake and away from good shut-eye.

Because I knew I would be put to sleep, I tried to keep my mind going and trying to see when I went through the transition point. Alas, my mind just shut down, and I could not see that point. Maybe next time . . .
Our first sunflower! 

7/28—I still go to Costco every couple of weeks because of the good prices and the quality of the merchandise. Beth informed me that Jemma was awaiting my return for the longest time. Yes, a dog and her boy.

7/29—Oh, happy day! Today the shipment of ladybugs arrived (I’m sure there were some male bugs, too.) For our garden, these are good for controlling aphids and other varmints of the garden. Or, did they just hit the road and fly away?

And, it’s FRIDAY! I get to send my blog off to you today. What is sad to me is I hardly hear from anyone after I post. I do hope I hear back from you.
*******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
You have control.
Get through this week with a smile while you laugh at stress factors in your life.
Let me know how it turns out.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Once again, we did not get to the wilderness (did you?)
I promise you, this week we will, and you will hear the details.
*******************
THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!

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

*** Remember, 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.
*** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to the blog each week.
*** 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!

********************
INTRO TO THIS WEEK

Challenging myself, I believe, is one of the main ways I made a good recovery from my accident and 37-day coma. When I could not walk, I forced myself, in my hospital room by myself, to hold onto the bed and work on balancing and walking.

Later, when a therapist was helping me learn to walk again outside, I saw my chance and jumped over a bush; I knew I could do it, and another challenge was achieved. But, I had to push myself to make things happen more quickly, so I did.

Challenge—could I ride a bike again? I had a friend help me get on, and it worked. After I started showing up at outpatient therapy by riding the twenty miles round-trip, my therapy sessions soon ended.

The unicycle was my next challenge. I rode in a hallway, holding onto the walls. In a day, I was riding all around on the single wheel once again. I guess it’s true what they say, “Once you can ride a unicycle, you never forget.”

Challenging myself started when I was still young. In high school, I did the pole vault. My best was going over the bar at 18 feet, 6 inches, way up there. Another challenge was accomplished.

And running track, I had a personal challenge to run a mile in under five minutes. My best was 4:52, so I guess I met that challenge.

Juggling, being a constant challenge to advance, had been my passion for many years. I practiced many hours daily (some days up to 12 hours) and advanced to a high level. Juggling 7 clubs was a world record at the time. I practiced much and got about 50 throws with the 7, so I had achieved that challenge, too.

To this day, I continue to challenge myself. It has been 181 weeks since I started putting out this blog for you, and I have never missed one week. I’ve learned much about writing and communicating, it has been a good challenge.

One of my future challenges is to grow beyond the age of 100 (I am currently 63). Nowadays, more are able to achieve that goal, as I want to do, too.

Challenging yourself is a habit that you can bring on yourself to keep advancing in your life. What is something you could work toward and/or achieve?

Hi Phyllis!
===================================
Here are a few challenge ideas for you to go toward.
Tackle as many as you can; it will add to your life >>

1. Be more open about how you feel
We often choose to believe that people should be mind-readers and understand how we feel based on our actions. But most people aren’t. Practice being more open with those in your life to friends and family about how you feel.

Studies have shown that keeping our emotions silent can harm our well-being. Helping people understand how you’re thinking can make your relationships operate a little more smoothly.

2. Read more and better books
We have access to all sorts of knowledge in books and with computers more than we ever did before. You can find a book or search topic on anything that interests you and you can learn something new.

Along with nonfiction, it’s a good idea to consider reading fiction too. Research from Harvard Business Review found that reading fiction can increase your social acuity and better understand other people’s motivations.

3. Take more time for your health
You only get one body to take care of, yours, and as you get older. The decisions you make now determine your quality of life in your future. Some of the ways self-care can help you include:

Being able to live longer
Fostering resilience
Managing stress
Keeping happier in life.

We can often let things such as work or school get in our way of the necessary things we need to live well. Make it a challenge to decide that no matter what you have made you busy in life, you’re going to put your well-being first.

That means pushing yourself to get your sleep, eat well, and exercise. Do all the things that will make you feel your best. Doing these things will add to your life.

4. De-clutter your closet (along with your life.)
You will find >>
Increased confidence
Increased energy
Reduced family tension

5. Accomplish new goals and plans that would make you feel better about yourself.

Think of different experiences and activities you’ve never tried to do before. What are some things that would make you feel happy to say you can do?

I can’t imagine how much less meaningful my life would have if I had never learned how to juggle. Try something new. Learn a new language. You might be surprised how much it enhances your life. Much of the value we get from life is from gaining new experiences and developing ourselves in ways you thought you couldn’t.

6. Intensify your creativity
Believe it or not, being creative is good for your well-being. Creativity can boost your moods, make you more intelligent, and improve your physical well-being. Learn about how to be more creative in all areas of your life.

7. Take difficult classes
Perhaps one of my regrets in my life was limiting my education. I guess I took it easy and didn’t look at the hard classes as something that could help me develop my study habits or improve my critical thinking abilities.

Instead, I looked at them as just something that would be a difficulty in my life and chose to avoid if I could. Next time you start a class and, after the first day, you feel like it’s going to be hard, look at that as a good thing.

9. Take part more
Some people are naturally comfortable raising their hands to ask or answer questions in class, like me, as I am always curious. Being more on the extroverted side, I was one of them.

Even with slight nerves about speaking up and learning, I did. Usually, the more you do something, the easier it can get. In life, you’re going to have to speak up at times, so you might as well get some practice. Always build your confidence.

10. As you can, take the lead on work projects.
You can show yourself how well you can lead others on a task by taking on more leadership roles at your work and in life. You never know what opportunities it will open up for you in your current career or your next career.

Even if you fail to lead things as well as you would have liked, you gain great lessons from it. You’ll potentially help yourself be better at leading in the future. Once again, building confidence.

11. Work extra hours when you can.
We often underestimate how much we can really do with our time if we put our mind to it. Of course, we shouldn’t become workaholics. But we can test our ability to put in more work in our day and see what we can accomplish.

12. Have side work, as you will.
Working for yourself, as I have done most of my life, can be a rewarding experience. The rewards include being proud of yourself when things go well. It’s also possible that as you develop your side-work, and can eventually become your full-time hustle.

13. Exercise at least three times a week
When you keep a regular workout schedule, it can be a challenge for most people with how busy our schedules can be. But the benefits of regular exercise are many, and you should not avoid physical exercise.

No matter much you may have to do throughout your day, you can spare 15 to 30 minutes of time for your wellness. You will feel better about it. Exercise as much as you can and as often as you will.

14. Do weight-lifting as you can.
Building your muscles can be a good aid to your confidence and is good overall for your body. If you don’t have weights at home, you can use heavy objects you have around your home as a weight. Just start lifting!

With juggling, I limited my arm exercises. And, it’s always been a fun challenge for me to see if I can increase the amount I can lift from week to week. It could be fun for you too.

15. Gain or lose some weight.
Weight can be a tricky challenge for many of us. I see so many Americans who have too much weight. And, for those who need to lose it, it’s probably one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do.

The same is the case for those of us who’ve also had a hard time “gaining” weight (or losing the pounds.) And getting yourself to the weight you want to be can be one of the most satisfying challenges to overcome in life. So, reach the weight you are aiming for.

LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
********************
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with 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.

At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way 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 own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

In fact, 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 for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

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

Remember, 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.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
********************
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT CHALLENGE INSPIRE YOU

You see, challenges come to us to make us better, not bitter. There is wisdom in challenges; you must look at them that way. Challenges often can make you or break you. May the quotes below inspire you to grow to be the best that you can possibly be. Keep up your confidence and never give up.

“We don’t grow when things are easy;
we grow when we face challenges.” Anonymous

“Don’t limit your challenges.
Challenge your limits.” Anonymous

“When life gets harder,
challenge yourself to be stronger.” Anonymous

“If you don’t challenge yourself,
you will never realize what you can become.” Anonymous

“Be thankful for each new challenge.
Because it will build your strength and character.” Anonymous

“If it doesn’t challenge you,
it doesn’t change you.” Fred Devito

“Challenges are what make life interesting.
Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful.” Anonymous

“There is no challenge more challenging than the challenge to improve yourself.” Anonymous

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.” Paulo Coelho

“When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They’re sent to promote, increase and strengthen you.” Anonymous

“There’s always a new challenge to keep you motivated.” Sean Connery

“I’m accepting the challenge.” Robert Whaley

“Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution.” Anonymous

“The biggest challenge of life is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else.” Anonymous

“The bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity for growth.” Anonymous

“Challenge yourself every day to do better and be better.
Remember, growth starts with a decision to move beyond your present circumstances.” Robert Tew

“We are not defined by our challenges but lifted up by them.” Anonymous

“The moment you stop accepting challenges is the moment you stop moving forward.” Anonymous

“A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it.” Anonymous

“Sometimes those who challenge you most teach us best.” Anonymous

“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself.
The challenge is to silence the mind.” Anonymous

“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” Anonymous

“Constantly challenge yourself.” Anonymous

“Everyone faces challenges in life. It’s a matter of how you learn to overcome them and use them to your advantage.” Celestine Chua

“Don’t run from challenges; run over them.” Anonymous

“All of my past challenges have helped me become who I am today.” Demi Lovato

“Sometimes overcoming a challenge is as simple as changing the way you think about it.” Anonymous

“Be your biggest competitor; challenge yourself daily to be better than you were yesterday.” Anonymous

“You don’t become enormously successful without encountering a number of extremely challenging problems.” Mark Victor Hansen

“What if your current challenge is a call to action,
a rallying cry that will prepare you for the next phase.” Anonymous

“Don’t run away from a challenge. Instead, run toward it; the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet, and the more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” Kemmy Nola

“The most challenging times bring us the most empowering lessons.” Karen Salmansohn

“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew.” Cicely Tyson

Remember, life is about accepting the challenges along the way,
choosing to keep moving forward,
and savoring the journey”

STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!

COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

Not much happened this week. Or, I should say, I didn’t “make” much happen. You see, it is up to each of us to make things happen in our life.

7/17—I put a better roof on the two-story rabbit hutch.
Now the rabbits are safe from any rain.
Here is me and Marigold. Our new baby bunny, hopefully, she won’t grow up to harm us. 

7/19—Tomatoes are growing well, but something has been eating the leaves. They are so hard to see, but the very big tomato hornworm has been invading.

These are scary big creatures which I pulled off the plant, gathered a few, then took them to a different part of the land and released them. I do not like to kill anything, so I just relocated them. They really are quite beautiful, though.
Here they are, enjoy >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM-smywYsJQ

*******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
This week figure out five challenges and achieve them.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Beth and I MUST get outside to somewhere in the wilderness.
That is my joy, as you know.
Will you join us and get to the wilderness, too?
*******************

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

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

*** Remember, 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.
*** Thank you, my wife, Beth, for adding to the blog each week.
*** 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!

********************
INTRO TO THIS WEEK

As you saw, I wrote last week about a god in the world. I only heard from two people concerning this topic. It makes me wonder if anyone is even reading my words or am I wasting my time.

The bible was written by priests without knowledge of cosmology or astronomy more than they could see with the naked eye. The book was also written over a long period of 3,500 years, starting with writers in the bronze age. As it was written, editing took place, with new writers and constant changes.

The creation narrative in it is, to a great degree, based on another religion’s creation stories which the priests got a whiff of during their exile to Babylon. Yes, there were religious books written before the bible book that authors took material from.

On a different subject–It makes me wonder if it is worth my time to keep posting these weekly words to you. I never wanted this to be me just writing to you; I was always hoping my blog would become a dialog back and forth between you and me.

Not much happened this week, so I am sending you photos of my past travels. If you are new to the blog, I lived and traveled in my van for about eight years. I still try to get out to the wilderness as often as possible, as you should.

As you might know, I lived in my van for more than six years and traveled all over the country. Mainly going to national parks and wildness areas, I wrote my weekly blog to inspire people.

Wilderness areas were the main destination for me. Native American people were some of the main people who first settled the lands I have traveled. For many years these humans were called “Indian”. That is because the first European people here thought they had gone back to India; therefore, they gave all the new people the name “Indian”.

It makes me angry that this one “name” stuck with the new people in the new land. Better would have been calling each by their tribe names, such as Apache, Sioux, Choctaw, and Chippewa, to name a few. The same as Europeans are called French, English, Spanish, German, and so forth.

The wisdom of indigenous peoples is vast and disappearing at a startling pace. They knew the benefits of nature. The lands they inhabited are often the healthiest ecosystems remaining on earth.

The early people’s knowledge of how to care for the Earth is immeasurably valuable and must be preserved and needs to be followed by more people. We must preserve what is left of our planet.

Over time, more and more plants and creatures are becoming extinct. Ecological studies in some areas, such as the Amazon rainforest, have uncovered important medicinal plants for human use and beautiful and unusual animal species found nowhere else on Earth, things humans may need to help them survive.

The habitats of some of these florae and fauna would be hard or impossible to reproduce by humans. Extinction is accelerating because, as wild places disappear, there is nowhere for them to go. Protecting wild habitats is critical to the health of the Earth.

Just a few things we may lose >>
The night sky.
The forests.
The stars.
The planets.
The earth?

Our species originated as a part of nature, yet few humans today live in a way that is truly connected with the natural world. When was the last time you were out in the wilderness? Or even at a local park?

Most of us want to return to our natural state. This is why many believe that wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity. Natural places and wilderness areas provide us with solitude, recreation, and beautiful vistas that calm our minds and help us to feel at peace and connected with our truest selves.

Additionally, wilderness places filters and cleans the air you breathe and the water you drink. Through the natural processes of evaporation, precipitation, and natural filtering in streams and rivers, our air and water are refined and made healthy for our bodies to consume.

There are few places left on earth where clean air and water can be found. Additionally, trees and other plants in natural areas produce oxygen that the world (you!) depends upon. The Amazon rainforest alone provides over 20% of the Earth’s oxygen.

As often as possible, get out to and back to nature as much as you can.
Doing so will bring on >>
• A healthier heart.
• Enhanced memory.
• Increased happiness.
• Improved immunity to cancers and viruses.
• Reset your sleep cycle for a better night’s sleep.
• Maintains healthy eyesight.
• Longer life expectancy.
• Reduced stress.
• Good ADHD treatment.
• Improved creativity.
• Better academic performance.
• Mental health management.

So, get out as often as you can to the forests, mountains, beaches, and other natural places. And, take better care of these areas all you can.

Beth and I get out to the wilderness as often as possible. We will continue to do this over time.

LIFE IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME – ARE YOU KEEPING UP?
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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with 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.

At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way 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 own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

In fact, 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 for improvement, to be better, and to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

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

Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind.

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE.
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I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ABOUT NATURE INSPIRE YOU >>

1. In nature, nothing is perfect, and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted and bent in weird ways and still be beautiful. –Alice Walker

2. Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. —Khalil Gibran

3. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. —Albert Einstein

4. Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. —Henry David Thoreau

5. To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug. —Helen Keller

6. We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. —Native American proverb

7. I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. —Frank Lloyd Wright

8. Choose only one master—nature. —Rembrandt

9. Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. —Lao Tzu

10. If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere. —Laura Ingalls Wilder

11. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. —Rachel Carson

12. Leave the road; take the trails. —Pythagoras

13. Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. —Henry David Thoreau

14. I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. —John Burroughs

15. It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit. —Robert Louis Stevenson

16. For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it. —Jacques-Yves Cousteau

17. There’s a whole world out there, right outside your window. You’d be a fool to miss it. —Charlotte Eriksson

18. To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. —Mahatma Gandhi

19. Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known. —Carl Sagan

20. Study nature, love nature, and stay close to nature. It will never fail you. —Frank Lloyd Wright

21. The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do. —Galileo Galilei

22. To make a prairie, it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee, And revery. The revery alone will do, If bees are few. —Emily Dickinson

23. Men argue. Nature acts. —Voltaire

24. All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child. —Marie Curie

25. Colors are the smiles of nature. —Leigh Hunt

26. Land really is the best art. —Andy Warhol

27. Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are. —Gretel Ehrlich

28. The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

29. Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

30. Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’ —Robin Williams

31. The earth has music for those who listen. —William Shakespeare

32. There are always flowers for those who want to see them. —Henri Matisse

33. The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature. —Joseph Campbell

34. The Amen of nature is always a flower. —Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

35. Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. Getting a spark out of a stone is easier than a moral. —John Burroughs

36. Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

37. A weed is no more than a flower in disguise. —James Russell Lowell

38. The earth is what we all have in common. —Wendell Berry

39. Although we say mountains belong to the country, they belong to those who love them. —Dogen

40. The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble. —Blaise Pascal

41. The goal of life is living in agreement with nature. —Zeno

42. Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. —Henry van Dyke

43. Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. —Langston Hughes

44. Nature is loved by what is best in us. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

45. Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong. —Winston Churchill

46. A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books. —Walt Whitman

47. The world is not to be put in order. The world is order. It is for us to put ourselves in unison with this order. —Henry Miller

48. One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. —William Shakespeare

49. By discovering nature, you discover yourself. —Maxime Lagacé

50. Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time. —Katrina Mayer

STOP MAKING EXCUSES—YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STOPPING YOU!

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

Look, it’s Kit and a Jemma dog on a disorganized front porch. 

7/10—Today, I made more of my delectable fried rice. Make some yourself; you will love the dish.

Delicious Fried Rice
4 cups cooked rice
4 green onions
1 cup chopped onions
3 large eggs, scrambled with a fork
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup red pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 or 2 cups of chicken or shrimp (unless you’re vegan, then leave these out)
Olive oil to stir fry

7/11—Worked more on the area where we keep the rabbits. I’d love to make a Bugs Bunny joke here, but I don’t know any. We mainly have three hutches that were placed in different areas of the yard. I basically moved them together to the same area.

7/12—There has been a dish TV antenna on the roof for years. And, of course, it has not worked for a long time. It was difficult; I used a socket wrench to remove the monster, so the top of the house looks quite better.

7/13–We Went for our weekly trip to Costco. Quality items at great prices; I like them. I checked out a toilet and had a seat, but didn’t.

Those are the main things performed this week. As I said, a slow week.
I like to accomplish more when I can, how about you?
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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
You have my recipe, make some of the fabulous fried rice that I wrote of earlier.
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NEXT BLOG >>
Next week you will hear of the wilderness area we found to go to this week.
How about you, is it time to get out how you can?
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THIS WEEK,
MAKE YOUR LIFE
SOMETHING
THAT YOU CAN
WRITE ABOUT!