Recess Girl

A Year of Inspiration

Yesterday we had a memorial service for my Mother's partner who served in the Air Force as a younger man. Three Air Force Soldiers came out to the service. They folded and presented Mom with a US Flag and played taps. I'm inspired by the dedication these soldiers have to honor each other. Amazingly moving.

A Year of Inspiration

So many people look on the bright side. They say acknowledging and affirming things to people. They refrain from hurtful judgements and comments. They do not gossip for entertainment or to make themselves feel better. They give the world the energy they wish to see. These people inspire me to be better person everyday.

A Year of Inspiration

I'm inspired by the amazing volunteers at my senior center and volunteers everywhere. This week at work we honored Ms Betty who has given 9,107 hours to Bykota since she started at the center about 10 years ago. She works more hours than I do!!! And you know what she said when we gave her the "Extraordinary Volunteer Award" She said what many volunteers say - she has received more than she has given. Oh yes, that is inspiration!!

A Year of Inspiration

I love this. I saw it on the wall of The Columbia Arts Center. "Optimism stimulates energy, spirit, hope and action." James Rouse

He was truly and inspiration. 

A Year of Inspiration

How about this for a place to find inspiration? The following quote was one of many that can be found on Values.com I'm grateful to Bev Shaw for passing it along to me. It is an awesome website dedicated to living a better life with a great list of values, personal stories, enewsletter and more. Check it out!!

“He who allows his day to pass by without practicing generosity and enjoying life's pleasures is like a blacksmith's bellows - he breathes but does not live.”

Sanskrit proverb

This quotation was our Daily Quote on April 10, 2014.

A Year of Inspiration

I am inspired and in awe of the love and support I've received from the beloved people I work with every day. Thanks so much for celebrating our upcoming wedding. I am moved beyond words!

A Year of Inspiration

And isn't Spring just so darn inspiring? All of the darkness and quiet and cold. And then - the birds return, the bulbs push up, the trees leaf, the light lasts longer and the world explodes with color!!

A Year of Inspiration

My childhood may be over, but that doesn’t mean playtime is. Ron Olson

How can play inspire you?

A Year of Inspiration

I am always inspired by customer service that delights and surprises you. I guess having a retail background that includes working for Nordstrom, I am all too aware of how far away we've gotten from true customer service. Sometimes I think we've learned to be satisfied if we can avoid being treated rudely. 

Well now - let's get back on the positive tracck!

We experienced wonder customer service yesterday. We visited Mouth Party Caramel because we were looking for a special something for a special event. We had casually mentioned we would stop by. We walked in and were welcomed to "National Caramel Day".  We introduced ourselves to Zoe (Deb had spoken to her on the phone) and she immediately told us to sit down. She had a special "tasting" prepared for us. We sat on comfy sofas with glasses of water and proceeded to taste seven types of caramel all lined up and labeled. We learned about the owner of the company and the reasons they donate a portion of their profits to cancer research and awareness. We placed an order, bought a few things for ourselves, got an extra discount (it was National Caramel Day afterall) and even got another bonus assortment bag thrown in. We walked away totally in awe of this company and I'm sure it was not just the sugar rush!! Hats off to these folks. I absolutely love knowing that we are supporting this local company that is dedicated to making delicious product and doing good!!

By the way - you can order online, find them on Facebook or find their products at many retail stores. Go to their website and explore!!

A Year of Inspiration

Today's inspiration comes from the North Carolina Outward Bound School Book of Readings. A collection of gems I've had since I took a two month course there in 1988. I love it as much now as I did then. I can't count the number of times a good burst of action or activity has solved what originally appeared to be a huge problem or source of anxiety.

Enjoy!

"Although generalizations are dangerous, I venture to say that at the bottom of most fears, both mild and severe, will be found an overactive mind and an underactive body. Hence, I have advised many people in their quest for happiness, to use their heads less and their arms and legs more – in useful work or play. We generate fears while we sit; we overcome them by action. Fear is nature's warning signal to get busy."

Dr. Henry Link