Inspiration Archives

Several years ago, I went to see a friend in the hospital. He had survived surgery removing a massive brain tumor, but would not survive long after my visit. I walked in and although he was unable to formulate his thoughts into many words, he smiled and held out his hand, clearly wanting to say something. "There is only love!" He pleaded for me to understand. "Only love. It's all there is. Only love. Only love!" Those were his last words to me. I will never forget the urgency with which he spoke. It was as though delivering this message…

Many people have told me I am an inspiration to them. That's because I've written and published two novels, a new career starting at age 85. "You've demonstrated that it's never too late to follow your dream," they say. Well, I'm glad they're inspired, perhaps motivated to breathe new life into their own abandoned dreams. Yes, think bold, dream big, climb the highest mountain you can. But be sensible. Do you want to spend your life in sullen frustration because you never ascended Everest? Stand on top of the old worn-down hill in your neighborhood and glory that you're there…

If you're brave enough to be alone for some length of time, away from the noise and hub bub of activities, friends, family and kids, with a sleeping dog at the foot of your bed, and your palms intentionally or not open, asking what is really going on right now in your life, and how it's all serving you - that's the time to listen. It is without doubt, one of the hardest things to do - to just stop the mind chatter and let thoughts come in, kind of like an air purifier does with air, only with the…

Maya Angelou writes, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Life is a winding road and it takes us places we do not plan or want to go. While on it, we will find ourselves faced with challenges that test our endurance and belief systems. We will have our ups and our downs. The good news is that troubles can encourage or prompt us to discover some of the greatest successes of our lives. Before exploring ways of getting through the struggle, I will start with…

Find an old country graveyard and walk among the decaying headstones. Browse the inscriptions as you become familiar with the sense of the place. Now sit down on a grassy spot with your back to a tree, and visualize your own headstone in front of you. Consider what that headstone will say a few years from now. Each of us has only a few years on this planet - whether we are the political leader of a great nation, or are a homeless person living from handout to handout. One day, each of us will be gone, and only the…

I would share ‎10 thoughts to live by. 1. Life is not about who you were, but who you ARE! 2. MIRACLES are nothing more than extreme POSSIBILITIES manifested through positive thoughts, love, and unwavering faith and belief. 3. Failing while DOING is far more commendable than failing to even TRY. Remember, if you don't even try, there is ZERO chance of success. ‎ 4. Running from your fears may be comfortable, but tends to create mediocrity. Facing your fears may be UNcomfortable, but tends to create greatness. 5. When an obstacle stands in your way the only decision you…

Love, Love, Love and Love Some More You will never regret spending more time with your family and friends and less time on other things. Practice both random and intentional acts of support and kindness. Be generous with your community in your time and your pocketbook. Keep extending yourself with gentle understanding and compassion to the world. Accept and become gentler with yourself and stop judging others for being different. See the innocence in all people, imagining them as small children and old adults. Our challenge is not to give our love only to the good and happy; our challenge…

Since my use of car metaphors has been successful in helping others prepare their own "chasses" for life's journeys, it is not at all surprising that I turned once again to my own car interior to find needed inspiration. During your journey through life, please take comfort in knowing that, despite the impending storm outside, you have full control of your steering wheel and control panel. Why would this be reassuring? Well despite the hazardous driving conditions that life throws your way, a fate certainly out of your hands, peace of mind would come with the knowledge that your are…

Learn to accept and love all things; sure, see what's different but remember what's similar! Appreciate the beauty and wisdom of diversity but remain aware that we rely upon collaboration to exist; competition divides and conquers. True personal empowerment comes from balance. Each one of us has value and a purpose on this earth - make it your life-mission to discover your middle path of tolerance, moderation and compassion; learning and loving en route. Create the space for positive change; re-build confidence and self-worth, no matter where you've come from. Irrespective of our past, showing self-love and self-care enables us…