“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 284—Life Keeps Getting Better and Better!
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!
        

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two different trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** What do you want to accomplish before you’re dead?
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement. 

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Life is Getting Better!
   
“Joyful and Happy”
                or
“Sad and Miserable.”
ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE! 
Continually make your life something others look up to.
     
YOU are the one who can make your life better — no matter what might happen. I’ve never been happier, even after getting hit by two different trucks and going through a 37-day coma, along with other accidents and changes. I have never been more joyful!
   
The problem isn’t that we don’t know we need to change our daily lives or habits; the problem is that we need to know when and where to start or that the change often appears too big to achieve. We frequently believe that “everything” needs to change, and the thought overwhelms us. Break things down.
   
You may want to (or need to) rebuild your life. Before you can begin revamping your life, it’s essential to acknowledge what led to your need for a fresh start. This can be a complex and emotional process, but moving forward and making positive changes is critical.
 
Everything flows smoothly, and you do not need to change? Everyone can make their life better, no matter where they are. Keep pushing for change to reach an even higher level.
   
Be clear about the habit/behavior you want to change or the new one you want to establish. Write it down—it builds commitment and holds you accountable. As you write, reflect on why you want to make this change. How is your current behavior harming you or your relationships?
   
Examine your past and identify any negative patterns or behaviors that may have contributed to your current situation. These could include harmful relationships, financial difficulties, or a lack of self-care. When it comes to change, always go step-by-step, little-by-little–you WILL get there!
 
It’s essential to be honest with yourself during this process and resist the urge to blame external factors. While superficial events may have contributed to your situation, it’s ultimately up to you to take ownership of your life and make the positive changes necessary for a better life.
   
Once you’ve identified the elements that led to your desire to rebuild your life (everyone needs to improve their lives constantly), you can begin to plan for moving forward. This may involve seeking experienced help, setting goals, and making lifestyle changes.
 
Remember that overhauling your life is a journey.
It is essential to be patient and kind to yourself.
Dedication and hard work can create a new and fulfilling life for you.
You must smile and congratulate yourself on every change and move ahead.
 
It’s always possible to start over.
It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or 85—
Even if you had a brain injury as I did.
You can turn your life around!
Design your new life so that you are happy and fulfilled.”
   
I greatly enjoy life. I look for fun, and I tend to be silly. When I’m in a bad mood, I try to be more childlike and not take myself so seriness. For me, life is a joyous adventure. Perhaps that is why I get so little sleep; I just can’t wait for the next day so I can continue playing in life. I love to experience new things.
 
But I am sad that I am not hearing from my three daughters.
 
Don’t Overthink It.
Stop and Smell the Roses.
Try New Things.
Juggle!
Look on the Bright Side.
Make Time for the Things You Love.
Put the Phone Down.
Connect.
 
When life throws us a curveball (like when I got hit by a truck, twice), we are forced to rebuild our lives from scratch. Grieving and processing the changes is essential; sometimes, grief is brief. Grieving isn’t just for the loss of a loved one; it’s also for the loss of our old life, the life that we were comfortable with, the life we were accustomed to living.
 
I will never be the juggler I once was.
Life must go on.
At times, we all must deal with change.
   
It’s common to feel a sense of loss when forced to rebuild our lives, and it’s okay to feel this way. It’s important to recognize these emotions and take time to process them. Anguish has no timeline, and everyone processes changes differently. Some may take days or weeks, while others take months or years. Don’t rush yourself; give yourself time to heal.
 
During this time, it’s also essential to take care of yourself. Self-care is critical in overhauling your life from scratch. Take the time to do things you enjoy–juggling, reading, watching a movie, walking, or spending time with friends and family. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally will help you to process the changes and move forward.
   
Remember that rebuilding your life from scratch is a journey that will take time. Don’t be hard on yourself; take it one day at a time, knowing things will improve. You are strong and will come out of this experience even more substantial.
   
As you improve, surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and share your feelings with them. Integrating regular exercise and a healthy diet into your routine can positively impact your mood. Finding your happiness is gradual, so be patient and kind to yourself as you rediscover what makes you happy.
   
Change Your Life NOW!
Your Two-Week Challenge!
Do each of these daily. >>
1–Journal–Write your thoughts and clear your mind.
2–Exercise–Make time every day to get your body moving.
3–Thanks–List at least three daily things you’re thankful for.
4–Meditation–Relax and think about your life.
5–Kindness–Do something kind for another person.
6–YOU–Remember to do something kind for yourself.
7–Change–Define what you want to change.
8–PLAN–Set clear and measurable goals.
9–Eat Right!–Be careful what you put into your mouth.
10–Plan–Define Daily Actions and PLAN for improvements.
11–Hiccups–Find Other Ways–PLAN for distractions.
12–Chart–Define how you will follow your progress.
13–YOU–Practice self-care.
14–What’s first–Prioritize your to-do list.
15–Stretch–Listen to your body.
16–Relax–Incorporate relaxation into your schedule.
17–MOVE!–Embrace movement.
18–Sleepy time–Get restful sleep.
19–Think of you–Nourish your mind and heart.
20–Be open–Connect with others.
21–The plan–Small to large. Start small and celebrate big.
   
If you’re determined to start over and change your life,
point yourself in the right direction.
Identify your values and priorities and understand they have likely changed.
     
Be aware of your feelings.
It’s good for you to have and show a range of emotions. 

• Notice your current mindset.
• Focus on what you “can” control. 
• Spend time doing things meaningful to you. 
• Look for the origins of stress that you can limit.
• Take more breaks and clear your mind. 
• Juggle–daily! 
• Make sure your coping strategies are helpful.
• Focus on your career.
• Take care of your health.
• Keep your relationships healthy and strong.
• Let go of fear.
• Meditate and relax daily. 
• Make yourself proud every day.
• Do things for people you love.
• Follow your passion.     

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to 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!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
“Every day, in every way,
I’m getting better and better.”
Emile Coue
   
“When you think you’ve made it, you haven’t. 
You must keep pushing forward!
The person next to you is also improving.
You must stay ahead.”
Kit Summers
   
“Life is about growing and improving and getting better.”
Conor McGregor
   
“When you are not practicing.
Someone else is getting better.”
Allen Iverson
   
“I need to celebrate life because I’m in a good spot.
I work hard and am happy with who I am and what I do for a living.
Sometimes, I just focus and overwhelm myself so much with the fights.
I must slow down, enjoy life, and train to improve.”
Dustin Poirier
     
“My entire mindset is about getting better and growing.”
Teddy Bridgewater
   
“There is no age limit on the enjoyment of sex.
It keeps getting better.”
Florence Henderson
 
“If you’re not getting better.
You’re getting worse.”
Draymond Green
   
“I’m just cruising,
Doing me.
Having a good time.
And focusing on getting better.”
Alistair Overeem
   
“What is a master’s student but a master’s student? If that’s true, then you have a responsibility to keep getting better and explore the avenues of your profession.”
Neil Peart
   
“Bioethics is a very, very important field. As we increasingly understand science and get better opportunities, the fact that you can do things with biological sciences that impact a human being means you must have ethical standards.”
Anthony Fauci
   
“No limit exists to how much better a person who commits to getting better can get. Every manager can potentially become an excellent manager for the rest of his or her career.”
Brian Tracy
 
I just want to keep improving.
To keep getting better.
Kawhi Leonard
   
“When you do something consistently, you get better.
I don’t care how good you are; you’ll keep improving.”
Aaron Gordon
   
“You always have to think in the back of your mind that someone’s working harder than you, someone’s getting better than you. That’s what drives me every day. There’s always someone out there working harder.”
Malcolm Brogdon
   
“I’m getting better.
Happier.
And more likable as I grow older.
So I will be terrific in a couple of hundred years.”
Maeve Binchy
   
“You can always get better. The day you stop getting better is the day you shouldn’t be living. You have to improve and continue to grow within yourself constantly.”
Antonio Brown
   
“The story of getting better can be just as compelling as falling apart.”
Leslie Jamison
   
“You can always get better.
Nobody can stop you from getting better.
And nobody can stop you from trying to make something right.”
Roseanne Barr
   
“I love to play chess. The last time I played, I started to really see the board. I don’t mean just seeing a few moves ahead—something else. My game started getting better. It’s the patterns. The patterns are universal.”
Forest Whitaker

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
   
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
8/3–I’m already working on this new blog as I woke up at about 3 a.m. Early on, I started cutting the wood. I had collected various branches and trees over the last few months. Today, I used my six-inch chainsaw to cut wood to a size that will go into our fireplace.
   
I often plan ahead.
What do you have to do before winter comes next year? Start planning and do tasks now that will benefit you later.
   
Later, I pulled up all the grass and weeds growing toward the gardens. Once again, I thought ahead, and thinking ahead makes everything smoother.

We recently visited Kathy’s chickens.
Hmm, can I juggle chickens? 

I hope you think about stuff.
When you pull up grass and weeds,
just throw them on your lawn,
later, mow them up and use them for compost. 

Beth needed eggs, so we went to see her friend, Kathy Robinson (who likes reading my blog—yeah!). Kathy has many chickens, as you can see from the photos. When she calls out, they all come running, which was great to see. They used to have many cows and grow a lot in their garden, but with them slowing down, they are doing less.
   
8/4–We spent the day with Sasha, Beth’s (sort of) niece. She isn’t her niece by blood, but Beth and Sasha’s dad grew up together. She has three-year-old twin daughters, Mila and Nova. They are a delight. Of course, I taught them to juggle. The daughters were too young to grasp the juggling, but Sasha was getting it.

We expect Sasha and her daughters to visit again soon. Like many, Sasha is a single mom.
   
8/5–It’s Time to mow again. I want to work it out so that we don’t have any lawn to mow. We’ll grow vegetables, fruit trees, and other things to replace the grass. But until then, I do have to mow.
   
Of course, I put the cut grass in my compost and the gardens. Putting a layer of mulch down is great for keeping water in and other seeds out, giving your garden a nice look. Remember to keep all fallen leaves in the compost, too.

I’ve written about our electric lawnmower, which American Lawnmower makes. It is so much better than the heavy gas-powered mowers I’ve used. It is very lightweight and cuts superbly, making it a joy to cut the lawn. I have a 40-foot extension cord that does it well. They also have battery-powered mowers, which might do you better.
       
I suggest you get one of these to cut your lawn.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Lawn-Mower-Company-50514/dp/B07JVQDKGK?th=1
   
Rain is forecast over the next five days, and there will be much rain. Yes, the storm is coming through. Officially, it is Tropical Storm Debbie. I walked around the whole house to ensure that so much rain would affect nothing.

8/6–Woke at about 1am again. It makes me sad sometimes that my mind does limited sleep.
 
It’s started, and the rain is coming down. We have five cats who like to sleep under the house. I feed them daily; they each do well. Somehow, they raised some boards on the front porch, which is how they got under the house. I just leave the opening for the cats.
   
Then, right outside the window where I sit to type and right outside the bedroom window, we have birdfeeders. I love to see the wildlife come and feast on bird feed. I am surprised that we never have visits from eagles, turkeys, or penguins, but our birds will do.
 
The storms are soaking the outside.
Of course, this is good for our gardens.
   
I am currently rewriting my books, Accident, and, Your Brain. The books will take off soon, and the review will be in the NY Times. Do you have a copy yet? Send me an email requesting your book, and I will reply with a copy attached. kitsummers@gmail.com
   
8/7–I am continuing the painting of our extra bedroom. Now I see why painters paint all the same color and then paint the molding in gloss paint of the same color; that way, it is quick. I am painting the molding in different colors for each room. I must climb the ladder many times to tape off, paint, and touch up. And I like how it is coming out.
   
Also, only I would know. I am removing grass growing onto this minor road right in front of our house. Nothing has been done to this in a very long time. I worked so hard that I got a large blister on my hand. I should have used gloves for this. I was so into it that I developed a blister on my hand holding the hand shovel.
   
As I type these words, https://app.grammarly.com/ works for me. This program works with my writing and style as I type, including spelling, sentence structure, and many other things. They have a free version that you SHOULD have. I have the paid version that offers even more.
   
8/8–Awankening at about 2am. My mind often clicks on, and I can do nothing to get back to sleep. I know this bothers Beth, but I can do nothing other than just lay there awake.
   
Tropical storm Debbie is on the way.
Winds are already starting.
Yet, the storm never really hit this area.
 
8/9–As the sun rose at 7:30, I saw blue skies clear of bad weather.
   
From what I know, the storm missed up, which is a good thing.
 
Today, I was off to Augusta for some errands. I went to Costco for various things, but more importantly, I went to Geek Squad to get help. I received a video and had to upload it to my YouTube account. I did not know how and needed help.
   
Jose took care of it quickly, and it turned out well. It promotes me and my books.
Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFC5vLPDWRo.
Please let me know what you think. 

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

      
****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

This week, I planted more seeds. Things grow and then need to be replaced. Never stay satisfied; learn to change with the changes.
 
Much rain is coming this week, which is a good thing. Tropical Storm Debbie is approaching. We have battened down the hatches and are prepared. Are you?
   
All the corn stocks were blown over, so I used stakes to hold them up.
   
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer.

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Write down the changes you need to make to improve your life.
Write the steps you must make toward each change on your list.
Start to adhere to changes and keep a smile on your face.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Laughter and play are so important in life.
Next week, you will read about ways to hold on to the joy!

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 283—Do You Lead the Way?
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Do You Lead the Way?
   
My father died when I was only six years of age.
Growing up without a father, I had to be a leader.
Without Dad, I had to find my way.
   
DO SOMETHING!–BECOME A LEADER
Humans have evolved to be a very social species. Evolutionarily, we are better off acting and moving together as a group, whether keeping the peace, teaching, or protecting ourselves from threats. Our social groups, through computers and otherwise, have always benefited from coordination and collective action, which is easier to achieve with a strong leader like you.
 
You may wonder, what makes a leader?
1) Innovation and creativity.
2) Employee motivation.
3) Relationship building.
4) Agility and adaptability.
5) Decision-making.
6) Conflict management.
7) Negotiation.
8) Critical Thinking.
   
Integrity: Honesty and reliability, with clear principles and beliefs you follow. It is essential for building trust and credibility.  
Empathy: Understanding how others think and feel, seeing things from their point of view.
Imagine yourself in their place.
Communication>>Being able to articulate effectively.
Vision>>Expressing your dreams.
Accountability>>Staying open to others.
   
Great leaders have emerged throughout history, from Donald Trump to Mahatma Gandhi to George Washington, Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela. Regardless of when they lived, they often shared similar characteristics: resilience, confidence, and the ability to communicate their vision.
   
You, too, can become a leader! Many of history’s famous world leaders were great people who inspired and helped others like you do. But that’s not always the case. Any list of famous world leaders can include some controversial and even legendary figures.
   
Still, everyone needs to learn more about these people to understand history and our modern world. This list is by no means complete, but it covers a wide range of well-known world leaders from around the globe. Being a leader is not “controlling ” others; it is working together under the main leading person.
   
Consider an online business management course if you’re a good manager who wants to become an excellent manager but fears you don’t have the time to invest in a college degree program. Accredited online colleges and universities are designed for busy professionals (like you), enabling you to pursue management degree programs while balancing work and family commitments.
   
Making decisions, mainly under pressure, is an important skill to master.
And, while the pressure is on you, you must calm and settle others.
    
MORE COMMON TRAITS A  LEADER POSSESSES >>
   
1—Leaders communicate clearly. Managing another person or a group, especially in the workplace, starts with good communication, whether writing an e-mail or providing face-to-face feedback. Good leaders say what they mean and mean what they say (and they are not usually mean). Yet, they’re not passive-aggressive or shy away from addressing challenges directly.       
 
2—Leaders are passionate about their work. Many good leaders love what they do and are unafraid to show it. Of course, you can still be a good leader even if your professional and personal interests aren’t a perfect match. Think about what you enjoy most in your work and develop your enthusiasm around that—you may even find that you’re managing yourself into greater workplace satisfaction.
 
3—Leaders don’t care about being famous. If their first concern is whether everyone likes them, they may be less effective. Whether giving sharp criticism or pointing out a practice you believe is unethical, learning to be a good leader means getting comfortable doing or saying things that are best for your team/company and your organization, even if they make you temporarily unpopular.
   
4—People running things must keep their minds open. Another characteristic of a good leader is remaining receptive to new ideas; your ideas. Instead of resisting change, good leaders are flexible and highly adaptable, welcoming ideas. They’re approachable, and they welcome opinions different from their own.
   
5—Leaders work for “their” employees. Managers may answer to higher-ups, but good leaders know their real mission is to ensure their employees have the aid to do their jobs as effectively and efficiently as possible, growing the business more and more.
   
6—Leaders are cheerful and encouraging.
Good leaders are uplifting.
Good leaders praise employees for a job well done and take time to coach and train if performance lapses. They encourage their employees to be their very best, as they are, bringing out the best in them in good times and bad.
   
7—Leaders are open. They welcome all employees’ suggestions and advice. Feedback is how the company gets ahead. Working together, everyone makes the group grow.

8—These leaders respect others. From direct reports to clients and their higher-ups, good leaders treat others as they want to be treated. Those they lead often follow suit, creating stronger morale throughout the workplace, which is how the organization grows.
   
9—Leaders build relationships. Forming productive connections is a vital quality of a good leader. Others don’t threaten strong managers. Instead of guarding their territory, they constantly change and build bridges with others.
   
10—The leader guides by example. The best managers know that setting the right model is essential to being a good leader. From putting in extra hours on a significant project to treating others with kindness and respect, good leaders show they’re ready and willing to do anything they ask of their employees.
   
11—Leaders never stop learning. Perhaps the most essential characteristic of good leaders is continuous education. They prioritize their instruction through formal learning, such as building skills through management degree programs or attending other departments and roles daily. A good leader always wants to know more.
   
12—Strong leadership is increasingly about empathy, integrity, and accountability. It’s also about empowering those who look to you so that they will be ready to lead one day. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “To lead people, walk behind them.” Leaders help others to become leaders

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU!
Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to 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!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
“A leader … is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go ahead. At this point, the others follow, not realizing they are being directed from behind all along.”
Nelson Mandela
   
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
Dolly Parton
   
“The very essence of leadership is that you have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.”
Reverend Theodore Hesburgh
 
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader.
A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
 
“The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. No real success is possible without it, whether in a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or an office.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
“A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don’t
necessarily want to go but ought to be.”
Rosalynn Carter
   
Ultimately, a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King Jr.
   
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character.
But if you must be without one, be without strategy.”
Norman Schwarzkopf
   
“Leadership is about empathy.
It is about relating to and connecting with people to inspire and empower their lives.”
Oprah Winfrey
   
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude, kind but not weak, bold but not bully, thoughtful but not lazy, humble but not timid, proud but not arrogant, and humor but without folly.”
Jim Rohn
   
“The most excellent leader is someone other than the one who does the most extraordinary things. He is the one who gets the people to do the most remarkable things.”
Ronald Reagan
   
“Leadership is solving problems.
The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is when you stop leading them.
They either lose confidence that you can help or conclude that you do not care.
Either case is a failure of leadership.”
Colin Powell
   
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.
When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Jack Welch
   
“Fight for what you care about.
And do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
 
“The art of leadership is saying no, not yes.
It’s straightforward to say yes.”
Tony Blair
   
“To be a good leader, you must be a great listener …
No one has a monopoly on good ideas or good advice.”
Richard Branson
   
“The ability to learn is a leader’s most important quality.”
Sheryl Sandberg
   
“The secret of leadership is simple:
Do what you believe in.
Paint a picture of the future.
Go there.
People will follow.”
Seth Godin

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/27–Today was a slow day. I know it is up to me to make things happen, but I could have been more productive today.
 
We have a water tower in the backyard, catching rainwater from the back gutters. I built a stand for it to be on in the past. This stand could not hold up and needed to be replaced, so I did.
   
Chocolate Chip Cookies! YES, it was time again.
Using a recipe I developed some years ago,
Beth put everything together.
I baked and ate them (well, one or two.)
Have you made some yet?
The taste is the best!
Make some today>>
Chocolate chip cookies
3 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons Kahlua
2 tablespoons vanilla
4 eggs
6 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
325 for 15 minutes
 
7/28–Projects around the house are getting finished.
What time do you wake up?
Today, as usual, I woke up at about 3 a.m.
   
7/29–Finished painting the second bedroom. Turned out quite nice.
   
7/30–I went to see Dr. Babb about my root canal work. The previous root canal was not down far enough for two teeth. But I am having no pain, which I told Dr. Babb. I told him I would like to have it done later when any pain came in. He was fine with that. I did not want the insurance company to charge over two thousand bucks for nothing.

7/31--I always seem to awaken early; I am used to it. We’ve had many different kinds of birds come to see up at the feeder. It’s nice to make their life as better as I can.
 
Beth has been designing and fixing up our bedroom. As you can see from the photos, it is turning out quite nicely.
     
Grass was growing into the street, so I had to stop it. The front of the yard looks much nicer now, don’t you think?
 
8/1–I finished painting the molding in the second bedroom. As you can see from the photos, there is much more to do.
 
8/2–I went to Greenwood for a little while. We have very particular cats; they eat just certain things. I got some food for them today, which they should like.
   
Beth found a toad out in the woods, our new temporary pet.

The mushrooms, with all the rain, are coming up nicely.

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

      
****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

This week, I pulled out the Amaranth; it was about done. We did not consume this plant this year, but we will next year. You can eat the leaves and use the seeds to make flour. I mainly wanted to grow it because it is such a beautiful plant.
 
Much rain is coming this week; that’s a good thing.
   
I pulled all the green bean plants up. Neither Beth nor I liked them that much, anyway. I planted Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Beth’s favorite. It is late in the season, but I will let you know after they appear.
 
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Find a group or friends with whom you can practice your management skills.
Have them learn as you do.
Design, build, or write something that will help in the future.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Life keeps getting better and better!
You will learn how and why.

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 282—And Then You’re Dead
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!
         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!
     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.
     

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. 
     

MY EXPERIENCES

Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN! 

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
        

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — DEATH–Here it Comes!
   
As you might know, I have covered this subject before. Something few people talk about or even think about: we are all going to die. As I get older, I see death coming closer and closer. We are all on our way there. Yes, I am the age of 65 now.
 
After having gone through numerous accidents and incidents that might have killed me,
I am here,
I am happy.
   
I’ve written my thoughts on death, life, and dying in the past; I hope you remember. As I’m getting older, it is on my mind that everyone should think about their death at times. You see, everyone will die. We need to accomplish what we must before our eventual death.
 
VERY IMPORTANT!
I’ve found that we need to stay happy as much as possible.
You can stay happy–no matter what!
Nothing else matters!
Find joy in how you can!
And, more importantly, bring joy to others!
YOU ARE ALIVE, REMEMBER THAT!

I want to live beyond the age of 100, how about you?
Or are you scared of death?
For me, there is no heaven; there is no hell.
There is no god; there is no devil.
There is life.
Live your life to the best you can!
   
HERE IS HOPE IN LIFE!
I’m reading “Life Force” by Tony Robbins.
With Peter Diamantis MD and Robert Hariri MD PhD.
What a great read it truly is.
 
I first met Tony when I lived in San Diego. I attended one of his talks and then his presentation. While I was there, I taught the group to juggle! Lunch at Tony’s home, just the two of us, was a special time. This is a man who will help you in your life.
   
In their book “Life Force,” Tony Robbins and his co-authors, Peter Diamandis and Robert Hariri, highlight actions you can take to improve your health. They also describe several up-and-coming technologies with the potential for incredible health achievements. This book will help you!
   
“Life Force” is a book that every human should read. It contains the latest breakthroughs in dealing with cancer, finding energy, learning to focus, regeneration of stem cells, dealing with addiction, finding strength, dealing with Alzheimer’s, helping with weight loss, and more. This book will make you a better human!
 
A review in Amazon about “Life Force” >>
–“This book is an excellent, smooth read.
— Just straightforward exegesis by Tony.
— There is little technical jargon, though, as Tony talks about medical terms and facts.
–A thick book. But I was able to peruse it smoothly – surprisingly.
–Tony agrees with some medical breakthroughs, mainly stem cell regenerative research and applications.
— Tony is also a stakeholder in some of the products mentioned in the book. You can expect a promotional undertone for those products or services.”
   
In this book, Tony Robbins, the world’s #1 life and business strategist who has coached more than fifty million people, brings you more than 100 of the world’s top medical minds and the latest research, inspiring comeback stories, and incredible advancements in precision medicine that you can apply today to help extend the length and quality of your life.
   
This book is the result of Robbins’s life-changing journey. After being told his health challenges were irreversible, he experienced firsthand how new regenerative technology not only helped him heal but also strengthened him.
   
“Life Force” will show you how to wake up daily with increased energy, a bulletproof immune system, and the know-how to help turn back your biological clock. This book is for everyone, from peak-performance athletes to the average person who wants to increase their energy and strength to those looking for healing. “Life Force” provides answers that can transform and even save your life or that of someone you love.
 
YOU CAN LIVE LONGER!
   
Written in Tony’s style, the book is easy to read. With his first word, he again assured us that you must know about your body and how to live better. I highly recommend you get this book as soon as possible. Search the internet to find the best place to buy a copy.
   
What do you have to do before you are too old or dead?
=====
HERE IS A STORY FOR YOU >>
Death asked me to join him for dinner, so I slipped into my favorite black dress, which I had been saving for a special occasion, and let him walk me to our candlelit tryst. He ordered an extra-rare ribeye. I ordered two desserts and red wine, and then I sipped and wondered why he looked so familiar and smelled like earth and memory.
   
He felt like a place both far away and deep within my body. A place that whispers to me on the crisp autumn breeze along the liminal edges of dusk and dawn, somewhere between dancing and stillness. He looked at me with the endless night sky in his eyes and asked.
 
‘Did you live your life, my love?’ As I swirled my wine in its glass, I wondered If I understood the thread I wove into the more extraordinary fabric,
   
Suppose I loved deeply and freely if I let pain and grief carve me into something more grateful. If I made enough space to be in awe that flowers exist and take the time to watch the honeybees drink their sweet nectar.
   
I wondered what the riddles of regret and longing had taught me and if I realized just how beautiful and insignificant and monstrous and small we are for the brief moment that we are here before we all melt back down into ancestors of the land.
   
Death watched me lick buttercream from my fingers as he leaned in close and said, ‘My darling, it’s time.’ So I slipped my hand into his as he slowly walked me home. I took a deep breath as he leaned in close for the long kiss goodnight, and I felt a soft laugh leave my lips as his mouth met mine because I never could resist a man with the lust for my soul in his eyes and a kiss that made my heart stop.
~ Gina Puorro
======
Thinking about death can be a good thing. An awareness of mortality can improve physical health and help us re-prioritize our goals and values, according to a new analysis of recent scientific studies.
 
Some people have a short burst of mental or physical energy in the hours or days before they die. This final energy surge may include unexpected, clear thinking or speaking. This is called “terminal lucidity.” An end-of-life energy surge can provide a chance to have meaningful conversations.
   
Your self-esteem highly manipulates mortality salience. People with low self-esteem are more apt to experience the effects of mortality salience. In contrast, people with high self-esteem are better able to cope with the idea that their death is uncontrollable.
   
The fear of death is quite common, and most people feel that dying is scary to varying degrees. To what extent this fear occurs and what it pertains to differs explicitly from one person to another. Some fear is healthy because it makes us more cautious, but people may also have an unhealthy fear of dying.
   
I am OK with death and dying.
I will miss you, though.
   
It’s so important to accept death because, first of all, while eternality sounds attractive, being cognizant that life is fleeting reminds everyone that our time here is limited. And it is the limit of something that we zero in on the most important and reject what’s just frivolous and inconsequential.
   
Your death is imminent >>
1) Accept that death is a natural process.
2) Be grateful for your experiences and live in the present.
3) Make the time you have left the best you can.
4) Focus on making the most of your life until the end.
5) Make plans for your passing.
     
The minimum number of deaths today,
worldwide, on July 20, 2024–133,175
The minimum number of births today,
worldwide, on July 20, 2024–294,655
There is more life than death in the world–I like that!
   
Here are some horrific facts I found >>
The leading causes of death in 2022:
Heart disease: 702,880
Cancer: 608,371
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 227,039
COVID: 186,552
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 165,393
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 147,382
Alzheimer’s disease: 120,122
Diabetes: 101,209
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 57,937
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: 54,803
   
Take better care of yourself!
You can beat it; death will resist you.
What will your legacy be?
How can you add to the life of future humans?
   
Married men and married women live, on average, two years longer than their unmarried friends. One reason for this longevity benefit is the influence of marital partners on healthy behaviors. Study after study shows that married people eat better and are less likely to smoke and drink excessively. I’m glad you’re there, Beth.
 
This week, Bob Newhart died. He was such a comedy legend. He will be missed. On his show, Peter Scolari appeared. Peter died, too, not too long ago, from Cancer. Back in the 1980s, as a skilled juggler, Peter worked toward making a TV movie of my story. At that time, studios were not buying stories like mine.
   
Once again–NOTHING MATTERS!–Find Joy!
     
We are all on our way out.
But who will get there first? 

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to 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!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
People living deeply have no fear of death.
—ANAIS NIN
   
“To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die.”
—THOMAS CAMPBELL
   
“No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.”
—TERRY PRATCHETT
   
As I have written before, you MUST never forget this
Say this to yourself often >>
“If someone else can do it, so can I! I just have to find a way.”
 
“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
—JOHN STEINBECK
   
“The boundaries between life and death are, at best, shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends and where the other begins?”
—EDGAR ALLAN POE
     
“Life is a song—sing it.
Life is a game—play it.
Life is a challenge—meet it.
Life is a dream—realize it.
Life is a sacrifice—offer it.
Life is love—enjoy it.”
—SAI BABA
   
“Life is for the living.
Death is for the dead.
Let life be like music.
And death a note unsaid.”
—LANGSTON HUGHES
   
“How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?”
—CARSON MCCULLERS
   
“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.”
—MAYA ANGELOU
   
“Ultimately,
it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.”
—ABRAHAM LINCOLN
   
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”
—THUCYDIDES
   
“Lives are like rivers:
Eventually, they go where they must.
Not where we want them to be.”
—RICHARD RUSSO

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/20–One of the things I did
today, I mowed the lawn.
I know, I know, big deal.
And what did you do on this day?
   
7/21–I set up another 100-gallon rainwater saver for the back of the house. It was difficult to set up because I wanted it high. Things came together, and rain will be dropping later. I will let you know. This week, we expect many more showers suitable for the plants, which are growing well. 

Yes, Beth and I live a simple life; all we need is right here. I wrote before about making your home a castle, which we are doing. Look over the inside and outside of your home. What can you do or add to make it even more spectacular?
 
It does not have to be expensive to make these changes. Look at garage sales and second-hand stores. There are ways to change what you obtain to make it better for where you live. You can even ask friends if they might have what you need and get it from them.
   
We have bird feeders and hummingbird feeders out of several windows of our house. We often see birds, so it’s a great way to see nature. Beth just got a new feeder with suction cups so it can stick on the outside of the window. (Thank you, David Sheffield, for all your great ideas, which have my wife ordering new items almost weekly!)
   
This is where you spend most of your time; it should be fabulous. Study TV programs and see what you like on the home set. Find a way to buy or make what you like. I am all for making things myself; we end up with what we want. Design the interior of your home; this is where you spend most of your time.
   
People save up gobs of money to stay in a nice hotel in the woods. Why do they not make their own homes as lavish as any hotel? You have that choice; take the time to redesign your home into magnificence! I would rather stay at our home than any hotel on earth.
   
Along with your home, you often spend a lot of time at your job, yes? What can you change there to make it more special for you? I frequently see people move into a career and make no changes to make it more personal for them. Make changes! Make it better! My wife told me she kept fish and plants on her desk and a candy supply on her desk for everyone.
   
How about your vehicle? What changes and improvements can you make to create a better time on your wheels? Don’t just have a machine to transport you around. You can make changes and improvements to make the drive better. Beth has seat covers and a steering wheel cover that she found cheap online. Also, a colorful handkerchief was wrapped around her mirror. Do you need to clean your vehicle thoroughly? It’s time to get going with this project.
   
Do you remember your favorite restaurant? With the internet, it is easy to replicate a great meal. You could have your favorite meal with your family at home, and you could even design the room like a fabulous restaurant. Send me photos of your great home restaurant. I make a terrific stir-fried rice dish, homemade pizza, and Mexican food. Beth prefers my cooking to eating out, which makes me happy.
   
Details, details, details. Where our lawn meets the road, grass grows onto it. I made a line and pulled weeds on the road. It looks much nicer now.
 
As I’ve written before, if you take care of all the small details of your life, you can have an amazing life. I’m talking about ALL the small details. Make them excellent, and you will find delight. Start doing this, and you will see improvements in your life right away.
 
7/22–My shoulder has been hurting a lot. I went to one doctor and was prescribed Methylprednisolone for the pain, which did help. Today, I am going to a specialist in Greenwood to find out what is really wrong. I will let you know.
 
This doctor did x-rays and found nothing. They even looked for arthritis but could not find it anywhere. So, once again, seeing a doctor could have been a better use of money and time. Go if you must, but you may not need to see a medical doctor and can take care of it yourself.
   
You can often find the information you need on the Internet. Be sure to check out what online information is available to help you.
   
7/23–The cost of gasoline has grown so much. I am pleased that, where Beth and I live, we are self-contained and do not need to go out very often.
 
7/24 to 7/26–I’m sorry I did not keep a record of these days. I will be more careful. And, what did you do last Sunday? 
   

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

      
****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it. 

This week, I pulled out the Amaranth; it was about done. We did not consume this plant this year, but we will next year. You can eat the leaves and use the seeds to make flour. I mainly wanted to grow it because it is such a beautiful plant.
   
Much rain is coming this week; that’s a good thing.
   
I pulled all the green bean plants up. Neither Beth nor I liked them that much, anyway. I planted Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Beth’s favorite. It is late in the season, but I will let you know after they appear.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Next week, record your life daily, as I do for this blog. You will see how difficult it can be. 

Have you planned your time until you are dead?
Very important, you must.
Start this week.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
A leader–you–YES!
Next week, you will learn about leadership. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 281—Do You Lead the Way?
Don’t sleepwalk through life.
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG

You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!
     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER! 

Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.
     

YOU ALREADY KNOW

You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you. 
     

MY EXPERIENCES

Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!

Don’t forget–you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN! 

Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement.
        

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Do You Lead the Way?
   
My father died when I was only six years of age. Growing up without a father, I had to be a leader to get through. Without Dad, I had to find my way.
   
DO SOMETHING!–BECOME A LEADER!
     
Humans have evolved to be a very social species. Evolutionarily, we are better off acting and moving together as a group, whether keeping the peace, teaching or protecting ourselves from threats. Our social groups, through computers and otherwise, have always benefited from coordination and collective action, which is easier to achieve with the presence of a strong leader like you.
   
You may wonder, what makes a leader?
Just a few qualities>> 

• Innovation and creativity. 
• Employee motivation. 
• Relationship building. 
• Agility and adaptability. 
• Decision-making. 
• Conflict management. 
• Negotiation. 
• Critical Thinking. 
• Integrity: Honesty and reliability, with clear principles and beliefs you follow. It is essential for building trust and credibility.
• Empathy: Understanding how others think and feel, seeing things from their point of view, and imagining yourself in their place.
• Communication: Being able to articulate effectively.
• Vision: Expressing your dreams. 
• Accountability: Staying open to others.

Great leaders have emerged throughout history, from Donald Trump to Mahatma Gandhi to George Washington, Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela. Regardless of when they lived, they often shared similar characteristics: resilience, confidence, and the ability to communicate their vision. 
         
You, too, can become a leader! Many of history’s famous world leaders were great people who inspired and helped others, like you do. But that’s not always the case. Any list of famous world leaders can include some controversial and even legendary figures.
   
Still, everyone needs to learn more about these people to understand history and our modern world. This list is by no means complete, but it covers a wide range of well-known world leaders from around the globe. Being a leader is not “controlling ” others; it is working together under the main leading person.
   
Consider an online business management course if you’re a good manager who wants to become an excellent manager but fears you don’t have the time to invest in a college degree program. Accredited online colleges and universities are designed for busy professionals (like you), enabling you to pursue management degree programs while balancing work and family commitments.
   
Making decisions, mainly under pressure, is an important skill to master.
   
HERE ARE SOME COMMON TRAITS THAT A LEADER POSSESSES >>

1—Leaders communicate clearly. Managing another person or a group, especially in the workplace, starts with good communication. Whether writing an e-mail or providing face-to-face feedback. Good leaders say what they mean and mean what they say (and they are not usually mean.) Yet, they’re not passive-aggressive or shy away from addressing challenges directly.
   
2—Leaders are passionate about their work. Many good leaders love what they do and are unafraid to show it. Of course, you can still be a good leader even if your professional and personal interests aren’t a perfect match. Think about what you enjoy most in your work and develop your enthusiasm around that—you may even find that you’re managing yourself into greater workplace satisfaction.
   
3—Leaders don’t care about being famous. If their first concern is whether everyone likes them, you may be less effective. Whether it’s giving harsh criticism or pointing out a practice you believe is unethical, learning how to be a good leader means getting comfortable doing or saying things that are best for your team and your organization, even if they make you temporarily unpopular.
     
4—People running things keep their minds open. Another characteristic of a good leader is remaining receptive to new ideas; your ideas. Instead of resisting change, good leaders are flexible and highly adaptable. They’re approachable, and they welcome opinions different from their own.
   
5—Leaders work for “their” employees. Managers may answer to higher-ups, but good leaders know their real mission is to ensure their employees have the resources to do their jobs as efficiently and effectively as possible, growing the business more and more.
   
6—Leaders are cheerful and encouraging.
Good leaders are uplifting.
Good leaders praise employees for a job well done and take time to coach and train if performance lapses. They encourage their employees to be their very best, as they are, bringing out the best in them in good times and bad.
   
7—These leaders respect others. From direct reports to clients and their higher-ups, good leaders treat others as they want to be treated. Those they lead often follow suit, creating stronger morale throughout the workplace and, therefore, helping the organization grow.
   
8—Leaders build relationships. Forming productive connections is a vital quality of a good leader. Others don’t threaten strong managers. Instead of guarding their territory, they constantly change and build bridges with others.
   
9—The leader leads by example. The best managers know that setting the right example is essential to being a good leader. From putting in extra hours on a significant project to treating others with respect and kindness, good leaders show they’re ready and willing to do anything they ask of their employees.
   
10—Leaders never stop learning. Perhaps the most essential characteristic of good leaders is continuous learning. They prioritize their education through formal learning, such as building skills through management degree programs or attending other departments and roles daily. A good leader always wants to know more.
   
Strong leadership is increasingly about empathy, integrity, and accountability. It’s also about empowering those who look to you so that they will be ready to lead one day. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “To lead people, walk behind them.” Leaders help others to become leaders. 

BE THE LEADER THAT YOU ARE!
YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
   
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to 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!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
     
“Show them the way!”
Kit Summers
   
“A leader … is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, at this point, the others follow, not realizing that they are being directed from behind all along.”
Nelson Mandela
   
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
Dolly Parton
   
“The very essence of leadership is that you have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.”
Reverend Theodore Hesburgh
   
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader.
A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
   
“The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, whether in a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
   
“A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.”
Rosalynn Carter
   
Ultimately, a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King Jr.
   
“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character.
But if you must be without one, be without strategy.”
Norman Schwarzkopf
 
“Leadership is about empathy.
It is about relating to and connecting with people to inspire and empower their lives.” 
Oprah Winfrey
   
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind but not weak; be bold but not bully; be thoughtful but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud but not arrogant; have humor but without folly.”
Jim Rohn
   
“The most excellent leader is someone other than the one who does the most extraordinary things. He is the one who gets the people to do the most remarkable things.”
Ronald Reagan
 
“Leadership is solving problems.
The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is when you stop leading them.
They either lose confidence that you can help or conclude that you do not care.
Either case is a failure of leadership.”
Colin Powell
   
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.
When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Jack Welch
   
“Fight for what you care about.
And do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
   
“The art of leadership is saying no, not yes.
It’s straightforward to say yes.”
Tony Blair
 
“To be a good leader, you must be a great listener …
No one has a monopoly on good ideas or good advice.”
Richard Branson
   
“The ability to learn is a leader’s most important quality.”
Sheryl Sandberg
   
“The secret of leadership is simple:
Do what you believe in.
Paint a picture of the future.
Go there.
People will follow.”
Seth Godin

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

********************
MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/13–My last blog was about water and how beneficial it is to drink a lot. Yet, we are having bad water in the area—YIKES. An announcement came out that suggested boiling water first before drinking. We are still deciding whether to shower or wash clothes in the faucet water.
 
Over our time together, Beth and I have saved up many water containers. With the current world changes, less available water could become more common. Are you saving water? If not, I highly suggest you start doing so.
 
A good thing is that I set up the rainwater collectors to save water. We currently have about 200 (of over about 1,000) gallons available. We should have enough on reserve for any emergency.
   
Have you set up your rainwater collection system? As areas worldwide are going bad, acquiring one would be fantastic. Contact me, and I will show you how to set one up kitsummers@gmail.com

HERE IS THE RAIN BARREL *
Amazon.com : VINGLI 100 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel, Portable Water Storage Tank, Rainwater Collection System Downspout, Water Catcher Container with Filter Spigot Overflow Kit

We also have a water filtering system that allows you to drink rainwater. Mainly we currently use the rainwater to water the plants and clean.
   
At about 3 p.m., we discovered the water ban had been lifted. Boy, and I’m not even thirsty. Beth has already put a load of laundry in. As the water clears more and more, we will start drinking it again. How can you ever know if you have bad water coming in?
   
7/14–I’m out watering the plants first thing this morning. As I’ve written before, it is best to water in the early morning before the sun is entirely out to dry out all the water. Water deep to reach the roots; it is worth the extra time.
   
It’s a warm day today, near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I wish Americans had converted to the metric system when Jimmy Carter was president. He tried to implement it, but Americans do not like change and do not want this change. The metric system is such a superior way of measuring.
 
We have a new bunny! This bunny is from a male and female rabbit, from rabbits we had in the past. So it’s a member of the family already—an adorable white bunny.
 
7/15–Didn’t sleep much last night, as usual. Amanda from Reading Glass Books recently contacted me about reviewing my book, Accident. She puts together reviews of books for the New York Times newspaper book review. This publication goes out to over twelve million subscribers. This could result in hundreds of thousands of books sold!
   
And there is a possibility of getting my story made into a movie!
   
Do you have a copy of my book Accident yet? A book is attached to the email notification you were sent. If you are reading this through FaceBook, send me an email, and I will send you a book attached >>
kitsummers@gmail.com
   
7/16–I Woke up at about 1am, and my mind turned on. I have to get up and get things going–I am so excited about the prospects in front of me. There are various people I have to write to about the publishing of “Accident.”
   
We just picked up another giant birdcage. This will hold a few birds while we move the other birdcage to a new home. Do you have any birds?
   
7/17–The crack of dawn is still many hours away–yes, up early I am–again
It’s impressive, Beth is reading a lot, I can’t keep up.
   
So hot out! We brought Amelie (the Flemish Giant)  in because of the heat. We kept her in the bathroom.

A Lot of rain is coming down right now, which is great for the garden, of course. I’ve not had to add more water from the hose for a few days, so that’s good.

    
My friend Daniel Powell and I found this abandoned house in Wyoming.
He sent me the photo today. 

7/18—As usual, I’m awakening early. I’ve pulled up a lot of grass that was out of place. Then, I ran the mower over all the grass and cleaned it up. Remember, which I did, that grass clippings make a fabulous mulch. 
   
Then, after I mowed, a heavy rain came in—so good for the plants and puts a smile on my face.
        
7/19–As I look outside this morning I see everything is wet from raindrops. Rain cleans everything up and helps with my growing plants.

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! 

 ****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.

This week, I pulled out the Amaranth; it was about done. We did not consume this plant this year, but we will next year. You can eat the leaves and use the seeds to make flour. I mainly wanted to grow it because it is such a beautiful plant.

I pulled all the green bean plants up. Neither Beth nor I liked them that much, anyway. I planted Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Beth’s favorite. It is late in the season, but I will let you know after they appear.
   
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

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

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES!
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
As Beth and I have had to do, we could not use faucet water because the water was contaminated. Your challenge: Spend one day (or more) this week using only saved rainwater and/or bottled water, and that is all. This is for drinking and any use of the faucet, such as a shower. Can you do it? — Let me know.
*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Death, something that you can look forward to?
This subject I have covered before.
It has been on my mind, so here we go again. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?

“KITTING AROUND”
BLOG 280—Water, Water Everywhere
Don’t sleepwalk through life.   
I hope to illuminate your Life with my Words.
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or wonder?)
I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!         

*** This blog looks best when viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.
*** The joy I experience in life is a wondrous thing!
*** I was hit by two trucks, but I remain happy.
*** Going through a 37-day coma–Yikes!
*** I want to help you to get the most out of life before you die.
*** If you read this through Facebook, see kitsummers.com/blog
*** I lived in my van for six years, visited all US national parks, and met Beth.
*** Beth and I married on 2/22/22 at 2:22.
*** Thanks, Beth, for editing and adding to each weekly blog.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** You will find secrets to unfold and good news!
*** What are you passionate about? 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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

WHY I WRITE THIS BLOG
You will have many in your life who assist and teach; I am helping to guide you. Coaches like me wish to lighten your path toward excellence. It is up to you to generate your journey toward merit. I’m not trying to show you “the way”; I am trying to help you find “your way.” Writing this blog each week is new and different for me—I love it!     

I WANT TO INSPIRE YOU WITH MY WORDS –
WORDS HAVE POWER!
Are you accomplishing what you want before your eventual death?
You can (and should) make changes to improve your life–at any age.
Start today, and you can build the life you desire.

YOU ALREADY KNOW
You already know much about what I write, and I want to remind you of these ideas and show that my views can provide additional thoughts, along with yours, to help you.

MY EXPERIENCES
Much of what I write about is taken from my experiences.
I have gone through much.
I hope to spread ideas so that you can live a better life.
Remember, only you know what is best for you.
     

EVEN IF YOU START LATE,
ARE UNCERTAIN OR DIFFERENT ––
YOU CAN STILL FIND SUCCESS!
Don’t forget–you are only as young
as the last time you changed your mind!

HAVE FUN!
Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive, and always reach for more advancement

VERY LITTLE IS NEEDED TO MAKE A GREAT LIFE! 

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

TOPIC FOR THIS WEEK — Water, Water Everywhere
      
LIFE
Water is life. “EVERY” living thing requires water to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy. The human body is made up of nearly two-thirds water. Water helps the body perform all its functions, such as breathing, growing, digesting food, juggling, and moving.
   
DRINK UP!    
Drinking water is like washing out your insides. It cleanses the system, fills you up, decreases your caloric load, and improves the function of all your tissues. Drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

A DRINKING PROBLEM?
YES, I have a drinking problem. Sometimes, I miss my mouth, and the water dribbles down my shirt. There are other kinds of drinking problems; I hope you don’t have the bad kind.
   
WATER INTAKE
Drinking water daily is crucial and becomes even more critical as you age. Adults over 60, for example, are at increased risk of dehydration due to natural drops in thirst and body composition changes. While everyone’s hydration requirements differ depending on their health factors, they recommend consuming about 50-68 ounces (6 to 9 cups) of water daily.
   

These are Multnomah Falls near Portland, Oregon.
Yes, I have been there a couple of times.

DIET COKE?
When I was in my twenties, I drank two or three cans of Diet Coke each day. I read up on it and discovered that this drink was awful for me. Since then, no drop of soda has ever gone down my throat. Find out what is bad for you and stay away from it. I hope you also resist the draw of sugary drinks like soda.
 
TWO BIG CUPS!
No more Diet Coke; I drink two big cups of green tea daily, sweetened with a little pure maple syrup. This is healthy for me and provides the hydration I need. Nutritionists found that green tea rehydrates, as water does, and it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers. Tea leaves are a rich source of flavonoids, a class of naturally occurring plant mixes that function as antioxidants.
 
GREEN TEA?
Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases–including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea daily will help with health benefits.
   
FAST? (how quick?)
I did not eat for a week, a few times, and only drank green tea. This cleared me out, and I felt great. Have you ever fasted (not eaten) for a length of time? Try it for a few days or a week, and it will change your thoughts about eating.
   
I NEED WATER!
Dehydration can occur when we must remember to drink the recommended amount of liquid daily. It occurs when our body loses more water than it takes in. Variations in the balance of electrolytes in the body, especially alterations in sodium and potassium concentrations, can accompany dehydration, which is something you don’t want.
 
DRINKING FROM A LAKE
In the old days, when things were cleaner, I loved to drink water from a flowing creek or stream. Somehow, it tastes better, natural and all. Something strange started when I was at Crater Lake in Oregon. With the clean water, I liked to dive down about six feet and drink some water. I’ve only been able to do this in a couple of other lakes that were clean enough.
   
YOU ARE WATER!
Did you know your blood is mainly composed of water? When you don’t drink enough,  your body knows, and it becomes concentrated, which can cause an imbalance of vital minerals that are key to the correct functioning of your heart. Controlling heart rate and blood pressure is essential because your circulatory system constantly supplies oxygen and nutrients to your body’s organs.
   
ANYTIME
Whether you are a juggler, competitive athlete, or office worker, achieving the proper fluid balance has a decisive influence on your well-being and daily performance. Dehydration can slow circulation and affect the oxygen flow to the brain. The body uses water to eliminate toxins and waste products that are not needed.
   
DRINK OFTEN
Drink often for your health. Lack of fluid intake can make your heart work harder to pump oxygen throughout your body. All that expended energy can make you feel tired, sluggish, and less focused. Along with green tea, I drink lite beer or wine.
   
DEHYDRATE?
In addition, when approaching a state of dehydration, the body decreases muscle performance, which causes tiredness. Drinking water is essential for your body to function properly all day and throughout all your activities.
 
SWEAT?
When your temperature is too high and environmental conditions don’t help to reduce body heat, you sweat, and evaporation regulates your body temperature. The sweat that evaporates has a cooling effect on our bodies. Drinking plenty of water will help you produce sweat when needed, which will cool your body when required.
 
PROBLEMS?
Your body needs water to digest food properly. If you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, you may experience irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating, heartburn, and other discomforts that can affect your quality of life. Drinking after a meal helps the body break down and process food so that you can absorb nutrients.
   
CLEANS YOU OUT
Drinking adequate amounts of water daily can help dilute the concentration of minerals and reduce the likelihood of stones. Water also helps flush harmful bacteria from the bladder while preventing urinary tract infections.
     
SO—DRINK UP!—IT’S GOOD FOR YOU

YES, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIND YOUR SUCCESS!
THINK  — AND THEN THINK AGAIN.
WHAT NEW STORIES ARE YOU READY TO WRITE? 

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

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! 

Inspirational quotes and sayings have a unique ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thoughts. They are attractive, challenging, and essential on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves and others.
 
THE BURST!
Inspirational quotes and ideas give us a quick and timely burst of wisdom to regain our focus, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. I hope the words below bring a smile to your face and drive you to make this day and every day a fantastic event.
   
BE POSITIVE!
Just as positive words can make someone smile, and a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your thoughts react to 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!
   
“YOU”
How you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible, determines everything in your life, and it all derives from your quality of thinking. Use quotes to move ahead in your life.
 
SELF-TALK IS SO ESSENTIAL—THINK RIGHT!
To stay motivated, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve and get closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it! Motivational words, yes, are just words. But they are positive words; they will keep you on track.
 
QUOTES WILL BENEFIT YOU!
Positive and inspiring quotes can be like beams of sunshine on a cloudy day. They inject optimism into our thoughts, brighten our mood, and help us focus on the good in life. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can see the silver lining and embrace a positive attitude.
   
PEARLS OF WISDOM
In a world filled with challenges and indecisiveness, the power of inspirational quotes cannot be exaggerated. These pearls of wisdom uniquely uplift our spirits, can spark positive change, and fuel our motivation often when we need it most.
   
I HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS ADD TO YOUR LIFE >>
1–“Water is the driving force of all nature.”
— Leonardo da Vinci
   
2–“Water can flow,
      or it can crash.
      Be water, my friend.”
— Bruce Lee
   
3–“Water is life, and clean water means health.”
—Audrey Hepburn
   
4–“Empty your mind,
      be formless,
      shapeless – like water.”
— Bruce Lee
 
5–“The body is purified by water.
      Ego by tears.
      Intellect is purified by knowledge.
      And the soul is purified with love.”
— Ali ibn Abi Talib
   
6–“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.”
— Bruce Lee
   
7–“If there is Magic on this planet,
      it is contained in water.”
— Loren Eiseley
   
8–“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”
— Lao Tzu
   
9–“Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle.”
— Crystal Middlemas
   
10–“If cloudy water settles, it will become clear.
If you let your upset mind settle,
your course will also become clear.”
— Buddha
   
11-“Writing is magic,
as much the water of life as any other creative art.
The water is free.
So drink.
Drink and be filled up.”
— Stephen King
 
12–“The idea is that flowing water never goes stale, so just keep on flowing.”
— Bruce Lee
   
13–“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. There is a spring in the depths with all the water your heart is thirsty for.”
— Rumi
   
14–“In the abundance of water – the fool is thirsty.”
Bob Marley
   
15–“It doesn’t matter if the glass is half-empty or half-full.
All that matters is that you are the one pouring the water.”
— Mark Cuban

YOU IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR THINKING,
YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE’S DIFFERENTIA—SOMETIMES INSTANTLY!
COMPOSE A NOBLE BOOK AND WRITE A BEST-SELLER.
YOU ARE AMAZING—PLAY YOUR PART!
   
YOU CAN TURN THINGS AROUND FAST AND ACHIEVE YOUR
WILDEST DREAMS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE! 

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
Each week goes by so quickly, don’t you think?
It seems like time is going by faster and faster.
You must live joyfully, daily, for each day!
   
Do you know what you did last Monday?
Do you remember what you ate for dinner last Thursday?
Keep track of your doings for a few weeks; you will see your time differently.
Remember, the quality of your life depends on what you do each day.
   
7/6–This week, I will start limiting my food intake. I am drinking a lot of green tea. You must think about every bite you take, everything that will pass your lips. This is important for a better life.
   
7/7–I went to Tires Plus to have an alignment check. I had paid for a lifetime alignment for my van. They found over one thousand dollars in repairs they say are needed.
   
When I returned home, I could not find my computer—yikes! I called and left it at Tires Plus. I seldom make mistakes like this; I must be more careful.
   
As you will read below, on 7/11, I completed all the work on my van for under a hundred bucks.
   
Today, my friend Phyllis sent the following words about my last blog. NICE WORDS!
Author: Phyllis Lynch
https://www.zillow.com/profile/PhyllisLynch

“This was an AMAZING blog!!! Loved EVERYTHIIINNNNGGG about it!! TIME is a thief, and although I work most of my waking hours, I have learned to enjoy my family to the nth degree every chance I get and make HUGE attempts (or which I usually do succeed) to spend time together OFTEN. So glad that you and Beth connected!! I love the simplicity you have found in life and your love for nature, animals, home-grown veggies, etc.  Thanks for this blog! I love to save and read them when I have a nice clear brain so I can digest every word. Thanks, my friend, for the positive inspiration you always share!!! Have a wonderful week!”
     
7/8–Hmm, now what did I do on this Tuesday?
Better yet, what did you do on this day?
   
7/9–Today, I received these words via email about my book, Your Brain >>
“We are pleased to inform you that your book is one of the 53 titles that passed the in-house screening process of Writers’ Branding. We shall strive to play a special role in encouraging the free exchange of ideas and developing an economically vibrant approach to making yourself known as the potential of the next best-selling author.”

So great to receive these words. They have over ten million readers, so my books should take off! How exciting is that?
   
7/10–I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
This is a recipe I came up with some time ago.
Make some; you will love the taste.
A few of the ingredients have been tweaked a bit.

Chocolate chip cookies
Three sticks butter
One and 1/2 cups sugar
One and 1/2 cups brown sugar
Two tablespoons Kahlua
One tablespoons vanilla
Four eggs
6 cups flour
Two teaspoons of baking soda
One teaspoon salt
325 for 15 minutes
Please let me know how they turn out.
 
7/11–Attention to van day! I had an 8 a.m. appointment at Walmart for an oil change (they have the best price), so I went off. Recently, I learned at Tires Plus that I needed front brakes. So, next was El Amigo Tires for new front brakes. The cost for the brakes and installation was about a hundred bucks, a fantastic price to keep me on the road. 

How fabulous for a great price on front brakes. Yes, I will be rolling right. I have new brakes and an oil change. I feel fantastic about my van. Within a month or so, I will be off to see my daughters, Jasmine and April, near Lititz, PA. Do you live anywhere between SC and East PA? Let me know. I would love to stop by and visit you.
   
7/12–Finishing the lawn mowing was first. Although you know that I would prefer to have no lawn and just grow edible vegetables, I do put the grass clippings on each compost pile to hold water and eventually turn them into compost.
   
A Mexican luch, again. I could eat that for every meal, and it turned out great. Then, there is always the cleaning up of the kitchen, which is an ongoing project. We do keep a nice house, I must say.
   
Today, I made a batch of my Summers’ Salsa. It turned out as good as usual.
Have you made some yet?
You must!
Here is the recipe >>
How to make Summers’ Salsa:
Use 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)
One a 20-centimeter (8 inches) square of Roma tomatoes (same as plum tomatoes)
One large onion
One lemon
One lime
Four cloves of garlic, minced
Chili powder–one spoon
Garlic salt–one spoon
Organic Maple Syrup–two spoons
One or more jalapeno peppers (depending on the heat level you desire)

Use a food processor to chop up the tomatoes into small bits, about 1 or 2 centimeters (quarter-inch squares).  Peel the outside of the onion, cut it into quarters, and put these in the food processor; chop so that they are about the same size as the tomatoes.  Drain the can of peaches and put them into the food processor. Chop the same size as the tomatoes and add to the bowl. Drain the cans of corn and beans, and then add them to the bowl.   Hand chop the coriander into small bits (about the same size as tomatoes) and add this.  Squeeze the juice of the lemon and the lime into the bowl, and add some pulp if desired.  Add the chili powder, garlic salt, and Maple Syrup.  In the food processor, chop one or more Jalapeno peppers into very tiny bits and then add them.  Mix all of these ingredients together well and enjoy your fresh salsa.

For a spicy salsa, leave out the honey and peaches, add more jalapeno, and add habanero peppers for the desired heat.   

DO SOMETHING NEW–DAILY!
THEN, KEEP DOING IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!

 ****************** 

THE GARDEN THIS WEEK
A self-supportive life can be a better life.
A garden would be a part of that life.
You must look into it.

My garden needs more tending to.
This week, I will have to focus on the garden.
And how is your garden growing?
   
There was some good rain this week, and my plants welcomed that. Because I built the above-ground gardens, we do not have many weeds growing because they cannot reach the level of the dirt. Have you ever built any gardens like I have?
     
People often say I have a Green Thumb.
Yes, I do gardening, and I am good at that.
     
The heat has come down on us, and the plants are withering, which is sad to see. I water thoroughly each morning so I know they get enough H2O. Hmm, do I have a green thumb?
   
Yet, no need to rush me, your green-thumbed friend, to the doctor — the expression simply means that I am excellent at growing plants. The term was first recorded in the Ironwood Daily Globe as “horticultural slang” in 1937.
     
I am bothered when people put their grass clippings out for the trash. This is the perfect ingredient for compost. Also, fresh-cut grass should always be placed in your garden around growing plants. It will hold water for the plants, keep weeds out, and eventually become compost for garden growth.
   
Things are starting to mature and become edible. We are enjoying lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, and tomatoes. The red vegetable will be a bumper crop (whoever thought of the word bumper to mean many, hmm.) Did you know? Tomatoes are botanically defined as fruits because they form from a flower and contain seeds. Still, they’re most often utilized in cooking as vegetables.
 
I look out my office window, where I do most of my typing and blog work. All I see is nature, the garden, growing things, and wildlife. What a lovely view every time I am on my computer. 

START YOUR GARDEN TODAY!
IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR YOUR LIFE! 

******************
YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Keep track of how much liquid (water) you drink this week.
Mark is down.
Are you getting enough?
Can you get too much? 

ALL OUR LIFE, WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES! 

*******************
NEXT BLOG >>
Are you a leader?
Or a follower?
In the next blog, you will learn the benefits of being the leader that you are. 

AND WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEEK?