by Sharon | Jan 4, 2016
No, I’m Not Getting Preachy On You
I was watching a movie.
A Thousand Words with Eddie Murphy. What I got out of it was all the useless words we spout regularly. How much of it is truly valuable?
As a blogger, it got me thinking. A thousand words for a blog post is normal . . . and for some much too long, but it is usually a goal.
The Essence Of The Movie
Eddie Murphy is an agent for writers.
He was excellent at his job and was top in his industry. Then one day, he connected with this tree. And with every word he spoke, leaves would fall from the tree.
Once the leaves were gone . . . so would the man, played by Eddie Murphy.
So, once he realized what was happening, he was forced to stop talking. He tried to get help from a spiritual guru, but to no avail . . . but it had to getting his life right . . .
And, once he did . . . the “old” man became a “new” man . . .
Yes, that was a movie . . . but is there at least a grain of truth to be gathered from it?
The New Year Is A Time Of Reflection
It’s about Resolutions.
That we’ll either keep . . . or forget about after a few weeks or months.
We always want each year of our lives to be better than the previous one . . . or build upon previous ones. We aspire to success is many areas of our lives.
But, do we need to forgive?
Could we be happier by forgiving?
I believe I could be a happier person by forgiving. I can’t speak for you.
I Try To Be More Positive In Word And Deed
Of course, I’ll have opinions . . . I’m endeavoring to be more positive and less negative.
Now, when it comes to making a review . . . it either works or it doesn’t . . . I may enjoy it or I didn’t find it worthwhile — in the case of a book, game or movie, for example.
Those latter categories are subjective. And an opinion is merely an opinion . . . unless there is an intention to hurt others . . . that, I try not to do.
Yes, there are definitely gray areas that make a general discussion difficult.
In my everyday interactions, I’m trying to be more positive. When I think back to old hurts and disappointments, I strive for forgiveness. It doesn’t mean the other person may forgive me . . . that’s not the point . . . it’s what I can do for making me a better person . . . and forgiveness is sometimes necessary.
It does sound a bit selfish on my part . . . this gives me more to think about and understand.
I just don’t want to harbor negativity within me. I never set out to make enemies. But, the truth is, not everyone is going to like me. And I must accept that. I’m not out to changing minds.
This Discussion Started From A Movie
I thought it worthwhile to discuss here . . . just in case it would ring true with you.
If it does, wonderful. If not, that’s wonderful, too.
This was basically written to give you some food for thought. And maybe suggest a movie, you may enjoy.
I enjoy learning something new in an entertaining way . . . and think about how I can apply it to my life . . . to make me a better person.
Thank you for stopping by. I do hope this post was informative.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Jan 1, 2016
Yes!!! 2016 Is Finally Here!!
We have such grand hopes for the year ahead . . . as we always do this time every year.
Throughout the year, we’ve been able to count our many blessings and be truly thankful . . . then giving and the spirit associated with that . . . and throughout the year we’ve been filled with love and appreciation for so very much.
Then the New Year comes . . . a time of reflection . . . a time to make goals for the upcoming year . . . or not officially, but to take a bit of an inventory.
Of course, I think about my websites and how to use my time more productively. This applies to more than just my blogging. There is so very much to life that I don’t want to take for granted . . . which I may have in the past.
This Christmas season has had an impact upon me.
It made me think about what is truly important. Also to keep that wonderful feeling of Christmas linger throughout the year . . . no matter what is going on in the world . . .
It’s not hiding my head in the sand, but realizing that there is only so much as an individual I can do. So, if I can be upbeat and positive throughout the year, I can accomplish so very much more and perhaps help others. I do want TwoCansOnAString.com to be a place where worry and frustration are not to be found. It is a place where we continue on no matter what . . . unless the internet crashes . . .
Worry Doesn’t Accomplish Anything
Have you noticed that?
Yet, I find myself worrying about things I can’t change. I know I can change myself . . . not by a snap of the fingers or a twitch of the nose . . . but through consistent effort I can change my behavior.
Worry is something I no longer need to do. It also does me no good to be upset or frustrated by the behaviors of elected officials . . . local, statewide and federal . . . I can voice my concerns to those individuals, but besides that I must continue living my life the best way that I can.
We must be strong for our family . . . I want to be strong for my many visitors, by giving them a safe haven to come to and learn something interesting that doesn’t have to do with the affairs outside of your own home or circle of friends and family.
I won’t be able to eliminate worry entirely . . . a bit of it is necessary to make sure I get my bills paid and continue to function as part of a community. But I don’t have to allow worry to consume me.
I don’t know if it was the books or movies that gave me this food for thought. Perhaps a combination of the two. I am grateful that I no longer need to hold on to this burden.
A friend of mine would talk about having a donkey in a box. It’s there wherever you go no matter what. And, there is a time to let go of it . . . allow it to be free and in the end, you free yourself.
It’s also true about “living in the now.”
This seems such an easy concept, but in reality it is difficult to do. We’re always projecting to the future and dwelling on the past . . . I’m going to appreciate what is before me. That is my moment. It could be the beautiful day before me . . . or that stack of mail I need to go through . . . Or taking down the tree and all the decorations throughout the house . . .
It doesn’t matter what . . . that is one way I’m noticing if I’m in the “now” or soaring into the future or into some nebulous void.
Life is to be experienced and enjoyed in a most positive and loving way. It’s to express how wonderful things are and the abundance around you . . . look at things in a more positive perspective and you’ll find you have a bit of a bounce in your step and a smile on your face.
Things won’t bother you as much as they once have. Your perspective will be more positive and you’ll have nothing but goodness to give to others in thought and deed.
Yes, there will still be disagreeable people and events that are upsetting . . . but by sidestepping them, and continuing on with a positive outlook, things won’t seem as horrible.
Yes, tragic things may still happen . . . you’ll be able to deal with them appropriately . . . by taking a brief break from your grieving to notice a sunrise or sunset . . . the sounds of nature around you . . . just those little things to remind you that you’re still alive and have things to do. And to appreciate those who have been in your life and how much you still love them.
Grief can be concurred with love. Just as fear and many other emotions. You’ll still be down and in the dumps, but you’ll also have moments of wonder and happiness when thinking about those who are no longer here.
I guess we still have things to accomplish here . . . and we need to make it all as pleasant as possible . . . even when our personal world seems to be crumbling down around us . . . It comes down to what you choose to focus upon.
Many people move on knowing that their loved ones would want them to do so.
On Holidays There Are Too Many Accidents That Impact The Lives Of So Many
It’s difficult for me to hear about traffic accidents . . . and other tragic events.
I don’t understand how this could all be avoided. It seems inevitable. I may not like to accept it, but with years of this happening . . . there is a time to accept what is and to learn something value from these events, then move on determined I’m not going to be the cause of anything harmful to others.
It comes down to using common sense. We all have it. We need to employ it more over our needs.
Every life is precious and worthwhile . . .
I suppose that could be debated, but the lives of those around me seem to be valuable . . . outside my circle I can’t judge for lack of information. I’m not going to draw unfounded conclusions that are not my place to comment.
I know what I can do for myself . . . and you know what is best for you. That’s what is most important. And in the end, it may be beneficial for others as well.
Happy New Year . . . may this year be better than the last one . . . and may your future be bright.
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 31, 2015
Do You Ever Get Confused About The Word “Eve”?
There’s “All Hollows Eve”, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve . . .
For the Halloween one, it seems to be a shortened version of “evening.” For the Christmas and New Year’s Eve meaning the “night before.”
But I could have it wrong . . . it’s how I see it.
In any event, I wish you a safe and sound New Year’s Eve. Yes, it will be a night of celebrating . . . some may be foolish and drive under the influence . . . please be safe and if at all possible, stay off the streets tonight. And caution your children . . . we want to have a Happy New Year, not start it out with heart ache, sorrow, loss or serious injury.
I know most people don’t think about such things . . . and it isn’t something to dwell upon, but a word of caution is important as a reminder.
I’ve Been Thinking
Always a dangerous thing to do . . .
I want to give you some sort of paper craft you can do with or for your family and friends. I think I’ve pretty much shared things in the past . . . and this is a last minute thing on my part . . .
I do love Ray Keim’s paper crafts. He is truly a master with the DisneyLand and DisneyWorld Haunted Mansion. I know it’s New Year’s Eve rather than All Hollows Eve . . . but when people gather . . . there are always ghost stories told or stories of strange or unusual or even funny events shared . . . and everyone seems to like these paper crafts . . . It will keep the family busy for quite some time.
It is a fun way to spend the day and through to the New Year. Just click the image and you’ll be able to print out the instructions and the actual pieces you’ll be putting together of this wonderful Liberty Square Paper Craft. And take some time to look at Ray’s website. There may be something you would prefer to download. It is a wonderful website.
You may want to help this talented artist out by giving him a donation to help him keep these paper crafts free.
For younger children, this Mickey and Friends Ice Skating Paper Craft Playset may be exactly what you need to
keep children engaged this New Year’s Eve.
Just click the image and you’ll be taken to the page to download this winter playset.
This is great fun for children to engage with their favorite Disney icons. It’s good for children to use their imagination and come up with some sort of story . . . perhaps preparing the a great ice skating race or a delightful ice skating talent show. Children have better imaginations . . . maybe you can give your children a little boost in seeing what story they could create to go with this delightful playset.
I downloaded mine on card stock to make them a bit more durable. They do get a workout when children are playing and racing their favorite character to the finish line . . .
Have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve!!!
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 31, 2015
Not Unusual For Christmas . . .
It’s time to regroup a bit . . . in anticipation for the New Year . . .
Yes, time is going by quickly. It will be spring soon . . . and summer . . . and then fall . . . and it all begins again. It is definitely like clockwork.
The seasons and holidays come . . . and go . . . blending together into a beautiful collection of memories . . . and plans . . . and celebrations . . .
Your very own “fabric of life.”
There are the good times . . . sad times . . . and so-so times . . . which all come together with wonderful memories that you can cherish and share for many years to come.
I’ve Been Thinking About The Christmas Spirit . . .
All that magic and merriment.
And how I can hold on to it throughout the year . . . not as a New Year’s Resolution, but as something I truly feel within me . . . that anticipation . . . the joy . . . the wonderment of it all . . .
For quite some time I’ve been reworking my other websites . . . and eliminating quite a few. And thinking of eliminating a couple more . . .
We do grow, no matter how old we get. What was once important doesn’t seem to be as much as before.
It’s about being true to myself . . . and to others . . . but to make what is within me shine forth for others to see. It is that inner joy . . . the thankfulness you feel . . . the desire to make others happy . . . and to be happy yourself . . . Allowing the true you to be visible without being timid . . . or seeking approval.
It has nothing to do with showboating, but being authentic . . . sure we put our best foot forward, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that as who we truly are?
Just being who you are without giving it any thought . . .
I Did Get Caught Up In Trying To Impress Others
And not being who I truly am . . .
It’s about feeling comfortable with yourself and how that can shine through you for others to see. It possible others won’t see it . . . which isn’t your problem — it’s their problem . . . the more authentic you can be, the easier and more joyous your life will truly be.
I thought having a whole bunch of websites would be my ticket to fortune . . . no, it didn’t work out like that. And, to be honest with you, it wasn’t me or what I really wanted.
So I took some time off to think and dig and search . . .
And I had to make some difficult decisions . . .
I have 5 of the eight websites remaining. One I’m ready to let go, but there are two others . . . one has become an “old friend” but one I’ve ignored . . . I can handle two websites . . . even with taking a necessary break now and then . . . but the need for a break was because of the “burden” I felt with the decision I was to make with my other websites.
I Know I’m On The Right Track When I Wake Up In The Morning And Get Excited About What I’m Going To Add To My Blogs
It’s what makes me happy and hopefully my visitors, too.
I have read the theories and practices of having a successful website . . . but heart seems to be missing . . . and I don’t want success without heart.
So, maybe success isn’t meant for me . . . or things will come around and people will realize how important heart is to everything you do . . . including blogging.
And, thinking back to those two cans on a string . . . and how as a child I lived in the “now” . . . everything had to do with what I was going to do “now” and to thoroughly enjoy it . . . playing with friends or reading a book or jumping rope . . . or just enjoying nature at the moment . . .
As adults we forget sometimes what is truly important . . . we do fret and worry . . . we do dream and anticipate . . . we plan for the future . . . but when that apple pie is calling our name, we drop everything to answer that call.
Nothing else matters . . . it’s digging into that pie and savoring the delicious essence of it . . . truly being in the moment and holding on to it . . . allowing it to linger into the next . . . and the next . . . bite after delicious bite.
I’m sure you know that feeling.
I experience it when I’m sharing quality time with my precious Yorkshire Terrier, Diva. I do love her and appreciate her more each day. She is truly a blessing to me.
Being True To Yourself And Those You Love
Embrace your limitations.
We can’t do and be everything . . . we do, at times, need to step back and find what is truly important.
In blogging, it’s about spreading happiness and giving your visitors something of value . . . which is the spirit of Christmas that we can share throughout the year. And it’s knowing that we have had a truly honest productive day of spreading good cheer and goodwill to all . . . not self promotion and making sales . . .
I do love making sales, don’t get me wrong, but I want you to truly buy only when you want something. I may not give the best reviews of products. They either work or don’t. I either like them or don’t. They serve a benefit to me and may be something of value for you . . . only you can decide that for yourself.
I do love this time of year. I’m looking forward to the New Year. We all say it, “I hope this year is better than last year . . .”
We make it a good year . . . or not so . . . Yes there are circumstances beyond our control, but basically I believe we can either draw goodness or sorrow into our lives by our attitude. Sorrow of losing loved ones is inevitable at times, but other sorrows and problems perhaps could be avoided with a positive outlook.
There are always those who spout doom and gloom . . . I choose to be one who has a more positive outlook. We may be in a drought, but this year we’re going to be getting more rain . . . not that it will be turning things around, but it is a start. It is forecast to be a wet weekend and perhaps a wet New Year’s Day.
I love listening to the rain while writing my blog. I love the colder temperatures. It’s always good to bundle up beside the fireplace . . . this is my ideal with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee or tea. I try to think of the more positive things of life . . . and honor those who have passed and I miss. I do get a bit melancholy this time of year, but I try to acknowledge it and then move on by being busy.
I do wish all of you a very happy, prosperous and joyful New Year!!!
Sharon
by Sharon | Dec 26, 2015
Oh Yes, Time Does Seem To Be Marching On
It’s a political year. It’s also a leap year. Most importantly, it’s a New Year.
Politics is a private matter. We all have our views. And what comes will come. It is the nature of the world. Change is inevitable . . . whether we like it or not . . .
There are many things in our lives we may want to change . . . we may want to spend more time with family and friends . . . or learn something new . . . or clean out a closet . . . there is always something we have brewing on the back burner of our minds.
Each year we make promises to ourselves that this year . . .
Yes, we do this regularly . . . and when the time is right, we will accomplish those things.
I’m not one to dwell on those things that I should have done . . . I choose to focus on those things I want to accomplish . . . while taking care of those things I must do on a regular basis.
Yes, we do have responsibilities. And those seem to be our priorities. Then everything else takes its place.
I’m Not One To Make Grand New Year’s Resolutions
I see those areas in my life that are in need of change.
And that’s where I begin. Nothing grand or ground breaking, but an attempt day by day to work on those changes. Baby steps.
Over time, those changes will be part of my life and the destination is within sight. I can see the improvements.
It’s good to see improvements and celebrate them. Sure, you may have a long way to go, but you’re moving in the right direction.
It’s about making progress . . . and you have plenty of time to fully achieve success.
I like being my own cheerleader. It’s good to encourage yourself . . . and make adjustments along the way.
The New Year Seems To Hold Such Promise
For some it’s like wiping the slate clean.
For others it’s taking care of old business.
There is hope . . .
We can’t foretell the future. We can only do what we can to make each day count. No matter what it entails. It could be spending quality time with your family or reading a good book or resting. Each day will be different. And we must value each day and honor how we feel.
There will be melancholy days . . . days we don’t feel like doing much of anything . . . good weather days and bad weather days. It’s just a matter of taking them in stride and doing what feels right.
I learn a lot from books and movies . . . maybe not what the authors wanted me to learn . . . but sometimes something clicks and gives me a solution to something I’ve been thinking about. They may do the same for you.
We need to be aware of our environment . . . to see how the seasons change and the weather changes . . . celebrating that . . . it is a process . . . a cycle . . . and it does affect us . . . even without our knowing it.
Today is windy here. I’m not fond of the wind, but it does serve a purpose. I may not be fully aware of the why and how, but it is something I accept because I can’t change it. I do what I can within me . . . I can’t change the weather or make things happen to suit my mood.
I know there are people who believe they can . . . and many can with a strong belief system . . . but I believe it has to do with one’s perspective. When we focus upon good things, good things will come to us. And the opposite is also true.
Just honor your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I’m not trying to change you in any way. You know what is best for you. I just want to encourage you to be as positive as possible to have a good life . . . one you want for yourself.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Sharon
