Success & Failure = Inside Jobs July 11, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness, People.31 comments
Chasing Unicorns posted a thought-provoking “stolen quote” last week.
He lifted it (exercising due care) from J. K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement Address in 2008 when she reminded the graduates (and other attentive attendees) that we must decide for ourselves what constitutes “failure.”
She’s right.
It’s pointless to measure our success and failure using someone’s else’s yardstick.
No one else knows what we value the most. They only know what they value most . . . since they are looking at the world through their eyes.
Some yardsticks measure power. Others measure money or acclaim or fame.
For some, success lies in approval from others manifested in the form of awards and trophies, accolades and attention, and “likes” on social media.
They tend not to agree with the “less is more” philosophy.
Still others measure success by education or knowledge . . . or by the adrenaline rush of running the rapids or parachuting from a plane or wrestling an alligator.
My preferred yardstick is inner peace and happiness and contentment.
For years, I’ve measured success by how much I am “enjoying the journey” . . . without worrying about reaching some unseen and imaginary “Finish Line.”
If I am happy and peace-filled right here, right now ~> THAT’S SUCCESS!
Aah . . . that’s better!
On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined. ~ Lord Byron
How Malapropriate! June 10, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke, People, Word Play.38 comments
Sometimes mom has a tough time finding the right words to convey her sentiments, resulting in humorous lines along the lines of malapropisms, spoonerisms, or eggcorns.
By way of example, our parting conversation:
“Mom, we’re packing the car and plan to leave this morning.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m sorry. . . . (PAUSE) . . . Oh, I think that came out wrong.”
“I know, mom.”
Other times, she nails it!
Case in point:
Mom’s new neurologist, a doctor with LONG black hair cascading down her back, admonished mom to quit smoking, citing health reasons: “You should quit smoking. It would be healthier.”
Without missing a beat, mom replied: “You should cut your hair. It would look more professional.”
Lecture over!
Aah . . . that’s better!
A Wedding With Whimsy May 31, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Humor, People.38 comments
When my niece got married in December, the ceremony included more than a few touches of whimsy.
From sunglasses . . .
And silly poses . . .
To the groom’s cake . . .
The Bride and Groom included touches designed to give guests a grin . . .
Because as we all know, life is better with laughter!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Take An Aspirin & Call 911 May 23, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, People.23 comments
Last week, I received an e-mail about heart attacks that seemed to contain ample doses of both Fact & Fiction.
Not sure which was which, I headed round to Snopes.com to see whether they had “the 411” on heart attacks.
They did. From Aspirin and Heart Attacks:
In 1993 the American Heart Association began recommending a 325 mg aspirin dose at the onset of chest pain or other symptoms of a severe heart attack. That bit of advice is going unheeded, though; a follow-up report published in 1997 shows as many as 10,000 American lives a year could be saved if more people who thought they were having heart attacks took an aspirin at the start of chest pains.
Bottom line, if you think it’s a heart attack:
- Call 911
- Chew an aspirin
- Keep breathing
Aah . . . that’s better!
Language Delays in Children May 15, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, Less IS More, People.30 comments
Smartphones do not create smart kids.
Just the opposite ~> early use of screen devices may cause language delays in kids.
In a new study of nearly 900 children between six months and two years old, researchers found that those who spent more time using handheld devices were more likely to have delays in expressive speech, compared to children who didn’t use the devices as much.
For every 30 minutes of screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay. The research, which was led by pediatricians at the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada, was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.
The researchers say they did not find any effect of screen time on other communication skills, such as gesturing, body language or social interactions. But the effect on speech is worth investigating.
After all, why bother learning to talk when you can just press a button?
Now, step away from the Smartphone!
Unless, of course, you want to prove the adage: “Monkey see . . . Monkey do.”
Aah. . . that’s better!
To read more: Kids Who Use Smartphones Start Talking Later
Penis van Lesbian April 22, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke, Less IS More, People.22 comments
A good looking man walked into an agent’s office in Hollywood and said “I want to be a movie star.” Tall, handsome, with experience on Broadway, he had the right credentials.
The agent asked, “What’s your name?”
“Penis van Lesbian.”
“Sir, in order to get into Hollywood, you will have to change your name.”
“I will NOT change my name! The van Lesbian name is centuries old, I will not disrespect my grandfather by changing my name. Not ever!!”
The agent said, “I’ve worked in Hollywood for years. You’ll NEVER go far in Hollywood with a name like Penis van Lesbian! For sure you’ll HAVE to change your name or I won’t represent you.”
“So be it! I guess we won’t do business together!”
Five years later, the agent opens an envelope sent to his office.
Inside the envelope is a check for $25,000.
The agent is awe-struck, who would possibly send him $25,000?
He reads the enclosed letter . . .
“Dear Sir, Five years ago, I came into your office wanting to become an actor in Hollywood and you told me I needed to change my name. You told me I would never make it in Hollywood with a name like Penis van Lesbian.
Determined to make it with my God-given birth name, I refused.
After I left your office, I thought about what you said. I decided you were right. I had to change my name. I had too much pride to return to your office, so I signed with another agent who quickly signed me with Walt Disney for a number of movies which have been very lucrative.
You were right. I never would have made it without changing my name.
Thank you for your advice and please accept the enclosed check as a token of my appreciation.
Sincerely,
Dick van Dyke
HaHa . . . that’s better!
Source: E-mail from unknown author (sent by Joe M.)
Earth Optimist Summit 2017 in D.C. April 11, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Nature, People, Sustainable Living.12 comments
The Smithsonian, along with a network of collaborators, is hosting the first-ever Earth Optimism Summit from April 21-23 ~ and you’re invited!
Earth Optimism celebrates a change in focus from problem to solution in the area of global conservation with an unprecedented gathering of thought leaders, scientists, environmentalists, artists, civic leaders and international media, featuring public discussions, storytelling sessions, exhibition spaces and more!
Here’s the Schedule of events & speakers: Schedule
Proceedings of the summit will be live streamed for the public, and community events will occur around DC.
In addition to the DC summit, sister events will take place around the world.
To learn more: Earth Optimism Summit, April 21 – 23
Aah . . . that’s better!
5 Easy Ways To Make Yourself Miserable March 18, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Humor, Joke, People.50 comments
Don’t worry . . . even for novices, misery can be attained with these 5 easy tips and techniques!
1. Cling to Entitlement. Life owes YOU.
2. It’s ALL personal. Ignore nothing and always assume malicious intent.
3. Focus on problems. Keep track of all your problems and constantly review them.
4. Magnify. Don’t cheat yourself out of misery by maintaining perspective. All that negativity will eventually become your reality.
5. Just say “No Thanks” to Gratitude. Focus on all the ways life disappoints you and keep them in the forefront of your mind. Discount anything that is going well in your life.
And remember . . . Misery LOVES company.
The more you share yours with others . . . the more you’ll wind up having!
Aah . . . that’s better!
That’s No Lurker . . . That’s BFF! March 4, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke, People.20 comments
One morning, as I chatted with a neighbor in the parking lot after water aerobics, BFF pedaled slowly around the lot waiting for me to stop talking and hop on my bike to head home.
After his 3rd or 4th circuit, I waved him over, “Donna, have you met my husband, BFF, before?”
She hadn’t.
But, instead of greeting him, Donna laughed out loud. “OMG! He’s your husband. I thought he was a lurker!”
Amid a chorus of giggles, I started singing ~> “Lurk. Lurk. Lurk. They call him a lurker.”
Aah . . . that’s better!
How To Have A Good Conversation February 15, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Mindfulness, People.32 comments
Listen to others and let them know they have been heard . . .
Taking the best within us and sharing it with others benefits everyone. Nothing is too frivolous if it stems from loving kindness and compassion.
Making others feel good is NEVER a waste of time.
The first duty of love is to listen. ~ Paul Tillich
Aah . . . that’s better!
