We like to be alike.
I don't know why, but we love to be the same. We were created to be different, but we spend a lot of our time trying to be like everyone else.
"What are you going to wear?" we ask each other. Where did you get that hat, that purse, that lipstick?
We want to fit in. We follow the crowd.
What's wrong with being unique? What's wrong with celebrating our differences? What's wrong with setting a trend instead of following one?
You are amazing. You are one of a kind. No one in the world is exactly like you. Why be the same when you were born to stand out?
Own your identity. Stand in your truth. Love being different.
Be yourself. Only you can do it.
Linda Garner
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Celebrating Miracles
I believe in miracles. One of my favorite miracles is the miracle of life.
We have a new miracle in our life. Her name is Maxine, and she is our granddaughter. She was born on Saturday, declaring her independence from the womb two days before America's birthday. I have been talking to her about the fireworks and telling her that the world is celebrating her birth. I think she believes me.
There are lots of reasons that Maxine is a miracle baby. The labor was long and hard. Her mom had health challenges that made having a baby seem risky. Maxine's parents waited a long time for her. They worked hard at getting healthy and minimizing the risk of having a baby.
Maxine is our miracle. What's yours?
Every life is a miracle. Every birth is worth celebrating and every life is worth living.
I am always amazed at the miracle of birth. What began as a single cell grows into a tiny human with a brain, a heart, and lungs. The human body is a complex bundle of organs, nerves, bone, and muscle. Think of the things this body is capable of. Imagine the gift of sight, hearing, thought. All these gifts are wrapped in an incredibly beautiful package and delivered in a most unusual way.
Did you know that babies are born without kneecaps, but fully equipped with a blueprint for their development at the appropriate time. Every beautiful body is encoded with instructions that will last a lifetime, and it's mostly automatic. No owner's manual to read.
Consider these amazing facts. The average human heart will beat 300,000 million times in its lifetime and pump 48 million gallons of blood. The average human brain has 100 billion nerve cells. Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour.
There's more. During a 24-hour period, the average human will breathe 23,040 times. Human blood travels 60,000 miles per day on its journey through the body.
We could go on an on. The human body is the most miraculous amazing machine ever invented, and you are the proud owner of one. Celebrate the miracle of your body. Create a beautiful life.
Why not give your body the respect and care that it deserves. Clean air and water, nutritious food, and invigorating exercise are just the ticket. Thank your body for it's tireless service. Do something wonderful for you body every day. Today is the perfect day to start.
Celebrate life.
Linda Garner
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Noteworthy
It was one of the nicest notes I had ever received. It was from a piano student who thanked me for making a difference in his life. I saved it for a long time. I'm not sure what happened to it.
I'll bet you get letters like that. Not every day of course, but once in a while you get a thoughtful note that makes your day. For me, a meaningful note creates a special kind of happy, one that I like to remember. Think about the last really nice note you got. Do you remember what it said? Do you remember how it made you feel?What happened to it?
When I get letters like that, I save them for a while and read them again and again. Eventually, though, they become part of the clutter of my life. I give in to tidiness and throw them away. It hurts a little. I've sometimes regretted this, but, really, where do you store those special notes and letters? Maybe in a shoebox, right next to the box of photos that your grandkids will someday organize?
I received a gift that changed all that. It was an inexpensive notebook that had been covered with pretty paper and decorated with ribbons. It sat on my shelf for a long time looking lovely, but quite empty.
What to do with an empty book? What to do with sweet little notes? I think I found a match. This idea is so simple that even I can do it. All it takes is a little glue and it doesn't need to be acid free, archival stuff. I'm surprised I didn't think of it sooner.
Another messy problem for me was those cute little handouts I sometimes get. They might have little thoughts or quotes on them. Sometimes they are decorative. These go on my fridge for a while, but how many quotes do I want on my fridge? Do I want my fridge to become a bulletin board. Trust me, I'm not a neat-freak, but even I have limits.
After a reasonable time on my fridge/bulletin board, these little handouts can also make the move to my empty book.
Besides providing storage for special notes and handouts, this book can provide a little pick-me-up, on discouraging days, when I question my value or my effectiveness. Reading notes of appreciation can remind me that I am making a difference. I am loved and valued.
The handouts can remind me of special times with people who care about me. Reading the thoughts on them can lift my spirits, or change my attitude on a difficult day. Even on difficult days I can be grateful and I can be glad to be me.
Not every note or handout needs to be saved, but some are worth keeping. If I come across a thought that speaks to me, I don't have to wait for a handout. I can write it in my book. Pretty markers are fun, but totally optional. Sticky notes work too.
This is the first thought that made it into my notebook. "By being yourself you put something wonderful in the world that wasn't there before." (Edwin Elliot) I don't know who Edwin Elliot is, but I love the way he thinks. Don't you?
Do you have an empty notebook and some pretty paper? Size doesn't matter. You can dress it up, but only if you want to. It's a little scrapbook, but simpler. No stress involved.
Make it plain or fancy. Make it fun. Just do it. Create a space for meaningful notes--a space that you can visit whenever you want. Mine is called Linda's LoveNotes. Maybe yours will be called Teresa's Treasures or Sally's Stuff.
If notes of appreciation make a difference for you, maybe you can make a difference for someone else by writing thoughtful notes. Notice people. Catch them doing something nice and tell them you appreciate it. Notes don’t have to be elaborate, just heartfelt. They don’t even have to be on fancy cards. Nice words on notebook paper are just as meaningful. Make someone’s day.
If it’s been a while since you’ve received a thoughtful note, why not write your own. No one knows you better. Write a note that says the things you’d love to hear. Write the note that you would love to read. It's okay to love yourself.
What would you say to yourself? Here are some ideas.
I love your new haircut. It looks great on you.
By the way, have you lost weight? I noticed. You look terrific.
You have the nicest kids. I think you’ve taught them well.
I really appreciate your kindness. You made a difference last week when you stopped by to say hello.
That was a great lesson you gave on Sunday. It touched my heart.
I love your smile. You make me happy. Thanks for being my friend.
Linda Garner
I'll bet you get letters like that. Not every day of course, but once in a while you get a thoughtful note that makes your day. For me, a meaningful note creates a special kind of happy, one that I like to remember. Think about the last really nice note you got. Do you remember what it said? Do you remember how it made you feel?What happened to it?
When I get letters like that, I save them for a while and read them again and again. Eventually, though, they become part of the clutter of my life. I give in to tidiness and throw them away. It hurts a little. I've sometimes regretted this, but, really, where do you store those special notes and letters? Maybe in a shoebox, right next to the box of photos that your grandkids will someday organize?
I received a gift that changed all that. It was an inexpensive notebook that had been covered with pretty paper and decorated with ribbons. It sat on my shelf for a long time looking lovely, but quite empty.
What to do with an empty book? What to do with sweet little notes? I think I found a match. This idea is so simple that even I can do it. All it takes is a little glue and it doesn't need to be acid free, archival stuff. I'm surprised I didn't think of it sooner.
Another messy problem for me was those cute little handouts I sometimes get. They might have little thoughts or quotes on them. Sometimes they are decorative. These go on my fridge for a while, but how many quotes do I want on my fridge? Do I want my fridge to become a bulletin board. Trust me, I'm not a neat-freak, but even I have limits.
After a reasonable time on my fridge/bulletin board, these little handouts can also make the move to my empty book.
Besides providing storage for special notes and handouts, this book can provide a little pick-me-up, on discouraging days, when I question my value or my effectiveness. Reading notes of appreciation can remind me that I am making a difference. I am loved and valued.
The handouts can remind me of special times with people who care about me. Reading the thoughts on them can lift my spirits, or change my attitude on a difficult day. Even on difficult days I can be grateful and I can be glad to be me.
Not every note or handout needs to be saved, but some are worth keeping. If I come across a thought that speaks to me, I don't have to wait for a handout. I can write it in my book. Pretty markers are fun, but totally optional. Sticky notes work too.
This is the first thought that made it into my notebook. "By being yourself you put something wonderful in the world that wasn't there before." (Edwin Elliot) I don't know who Edwin Elliot is, but I love the way he thinks. Don't you?
Do you have an empty notebook and some pretty paper? Size doesn't matter. You can dress it up, but only if you want to. It's a little scrapbook, but simpler. No stress involved.
Make it plain or fancy. Make it fun. Just do it. Create a space for meaningful notes--a space that you can visit whenever you want. Mine is called Linda's LoveNotes. Maybe yours will be called Teresa's Treasures or Sally's Stuff.
If notes of appreciation make a difference for you, maybe you can make a difference for someone else by writing thoughtful notes. Notice people. Catch them doing something nice and tell them you appreciate it. Notes don’t have to be elaborate, just heartfelt. They don’t even have to be on fancy cards. Nice words on notebook paper are just as meaningful. Make someone’s day.
If it’s been a while since you’ve received a thoughtful note, why not write your own. No one knows you better. Write a note that says the things you’d love to hear. Write the note that you would love to read. It's okay to love yourself.
What would you say to yourself? Here are some ideas.
I love your new haircut. It looks great on you.
By the way, have you lost weight? I noticed. You look terrific.
You have the nicest kids. I think you’ve taught them well.
I really appreciate your kindness. You made a difference last week when you stopped by to say hello.
That was a great lesson you gave on Sunday. It touched my heart.
I love your smile. You make me happy. Thanks for being my friend.
Linda Garner
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Work in Progress
It's true. I'm not perfect. Neither are you. I'm working on it. I have a feeling you are too. I'm a work in process. I have flaws, but I also have hope. I have both goals and dreams.
What if we were only valued for our achievements? What if the only goal that mattered was perfection? What if our worth was attached to the ends and not the means? What if only the perfect were considered worth something?
Sometimes we focus too much on results. We demand perfection and feel worth less when we fall short of our expectations. Perfection is a life-long process and may be beyond our grasp. Is there no joy in the journey?
If we harbor thoughts of worthlessness because we are not perfect, we have set ourselves up for failure. We will never be good enough.
This is a thinking error. Indeed our worth is infinite. Our service and contributions, though not perfect, are valuable. Your life has value. So does mine.
You are in charge of your thoughts. You can change your thinking. You can choose to value your efforts, your body, your appearance, your feelings, your thoughts. You can choose to enjoy the present. You can choose to enjoy becoming. You can choose.
You can do this. You can. You are a work in progress. What could be better.
Enjoy.
Linda Garner
What if we were only valued for our achievements? What if the only goal that mattered was perfection? What if our worth was attached to the ends and not the means? What if only the perfect were considered worth something?
Sometimes we focus too much on results. We demand perfection and feel worth less when we fall short of our expectations. Perfection is a life-long process and may be beyond our grasp. Is there no joy in the journey?
If we harbor thoughts of worthlessness because we are not perfect, we have set ourselves up for failure. We will never be good enough.
This is a thinking error. Indeed our worth is infinite. Our service and contributions, though not perfect, are valuable. Your life has value. So does mine.
You are in charge of your thoughts. You can change your thinking. You can choose to value your efforts, your body, your appearance, your feelings, your thoughts. You can choose to enjoy the present. You can choose to enjoy becoming. You can choose.
You can do this. You can. You are a work in progress. What could be better.
Enjoy.
Linda Garner
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
It'll Be Our Secret
The page was covered with circles of different sizes. I invited the girls to write in each circle something they liked about themselves. I suggested that some could be about their appearance, but some should be about other things. Talents could be included, as well as character traits.
Most girls got right to work, but one beautiful and outstanding girl stared at the paper in her lap, and then gave me a questioning look. "This doesn't feel right," she said. "This feels like bragging." She really looked uncomfortable. "We aren't supposed to..." Her voice trailed off, as if she wasn't sure how to finish the sentence.
I finished it for her "We aren't supposed to like ourselves?"I asked. "Is that what you're thinking?"
She nodded. She seemed embarassed.
The discussion that followed was exciting. Ideas were shared that gave her a new perspective on self-worth. We gave her permission to celebrate her strengths. We gave her permission to love herself.
Lots of us identify with Emily's (not her real name)question. "We aren't supposed to like ourselves, are we? Liking ourselves is not part of our culture. We think that people who like themselves are selfish and bratty. We think that people who like themselves are mean.
Honestly, I think we have it backwards. People who like themselves are free to reach out to others. They serve more. They love more. They worry less about appearances. People who like themselves have more compassion. They don't go around hurting others.
Bullies are not people who like themselves. Prisons are filled with people who don't like themselves. Drug abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, behavior disorders, and addictions take root in people who don't like themselves.
If we are supposed to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we better like ourselves a lot.
Draw some circles on a piece of paper. It's easy. Grab some lids from things in your cupboard and start tracing. In each circle write something you like about yourself. Don't be embarassed. Nobody has to see it but you. It'll be our secret.
Isn't it time we starting loving ourselves?
Linda Garner
Most girls got right to work, but one beautiful and outstanding girl stared at the paper in her lap, and then gave me a questioning look. "This doesn't feel right," she said. "This feels like bragging." She really looked uncomfortable. "We aren't supposed to..." Her voice trailed off, as if she wasn't sure how to finish the sentence.
I finished it for her "We aren't supposed to like ourselves?"I asked. "Is that what you're thinking?"
She nodded. She seemed embarassed.
The discussion that followed was exciting. Ideas were shared that gave her a new perspective on self-worth. We gave her permission to celebrate her strengths. We gave her permission to love herself.
Lots of us identify with Emily's (not her real name)question. "We aren't supposed to like ourselves, are we? Liking ourselves is not part of our culture. We think that people who like themselves are selfish and bratty. We think that people who like themselves are mean.
Honestly, I think we have it backwards. People who like themselves are free to reach out to others. They serve more. They love more. They worry less about appearances. People who like themselves have more compassion. They don't go around hurting others.
Bullies are not people who like themselves. Prisons are filled with people who don't like themselves. Drug abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, behavior disorders, and addictions take root in people who don't like themselves.
If we are supposed to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we better like ourselves a lot.
Draw some circles on a piece of paper. It's easy. Grab some lids from things in your cupboard and start tracing. In each circle write something you like about yourself. Don't be embarassed. Nobody has to see it but you. It'll be our secret.
Isn't it time we starting loving ourselves?
Linda Garner
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Lies, Lies, Lies
How much do you value honesty? It's huge with me. I have a hard time functioning in relationships that are honesty-challenged. I can work with difficult people and even mean people if there is honesty. Without honesty, there's not much worth saving.
If you value honesty the way I do, ask yourself this question. Am I honest with myself? I find that most of us are hard on ourselves and we often repeat the lies we have heard others say. See if you have ever said any of these things to yourself.
I am not good enough. I can't. Nobody likes me. I'm a slob. I'm ugly. I'm a failure. I don't have what it takes. I'm worthless. I'm stupid. I'm not a good person. I don't have any backbone.
Sound familiar? We could go on, but you get the idea. There is not a shred of truth in any of these comments. If you are thinking or saying words like these, you are spreading lies. Saying or believing hurtful things is damaging to you and to those around you. We are like sponges absorbing the energy around us, whether negative or positive.
The truth is you are good enough. You can. Someone loves you. You are vibrant. You are beautiful. You can succeed. You have what it takes. You are valued. You are intelligent. You are a good person. You are powerful.
Belive in yourself. Believe in others. The truth rocks.
Linda Garner
If you value honesty the way I do, ask yourself this question. Am I honest with myself? I find that most of us are hard on ourselves and we often repeat the lies we have heard others say. See if you have ever said any of these things to yourself.
I am not good enough. I can't. Nobody likes me. I'm a slob. I'm ugly. I'm a failure. I don't have what it takes. I'm worthless. I'm stupid. I'm not a good person. I don't have any backbone.
Sound familiar? We could go on, but you get the idea. There is not a shred of truth in any of these comments. If you are thinking or saying words like these, you are spreading lies. Saying or believing hurtful things is damaging to you and to those around you. We are like sponges absorbing the energy around us, whether negative or positive.
The truth is you are good enough. You can. Someone loves you. You are vibrant. You are beautiful. You can succeed. You have what it takes. You are valued. You are intelligent. You are a good person. You are powerful.
Belive in yourself. Believe in others. The truth rocks.
Linda Garner
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Counterfeits
If I were to offer you a choice between a $20 bill and a photo copy of one, which would you take? No question, you would want the real thing. What if the choice were between a genuine $20 bill and the photo copy of a larger bill, say one hundred smackers. Are you interested in the photo copy? Of course not.
Did you know it is illegal to make a color copy of any denomination of money, unless it is larger, smaller, or a different color than the real thing. There is a huge difference in the appearance of photo copied money and the real thing, yet there are laws protecting us from the confusion that arises from having realistic copies around.
Sometimes we are tempted to pretend. We want to make a good impression. We want to be liked. We want to be accepted. We aren't sure that people will like us the way we are, so we pretend to be different. I'm all for self-improvement, but not so much for pretending.
Pretending is exhausting and unfulfilling. There are easier games to play. You can't pay your mortgage with Monopoly Money.
If we can love ourselves and be comfortable in our own skin, then we will always be okay around others. Everyone loves the real thing, so be yourself, that's the one thing no else can be.
Isn't it time we start loving ourselves?
Linda Garner
Did you know it is illegal to make a color copy of any denomination of money, unless it is larger, smaller, or a different color than the real thing. There is a huge difference in the appearance of photo copied money and the real thing, yet there are laws protecting us from the confusion that arises from having realistic copies around.
Sometimes we are tempted to pretend. We want to make a good impression. We want to be liked. We want to be accepted. We aren't sure that people will like us the way we are, so we pretend to be different. I'm all for self-improvement, but not so much for pretending.
Pretending is exhausting and unfulfilling. There are easier games to play. You can't pay your mortgage with Monopoly Money.
If we can love ourselves and be comfortable in our own skin, then we will always be okay around others. Everyone loves the real thing, so be yourself, that's the one thing no else can be.
Isn't it time we start loving ourselves?
Linda Garner
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