Tag Archives: Neighbor

Monday Gets Team Spirit

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I was working today helping out friends who have a new start-up company.  There were about 7 or 8 of us and we were packing boxes to ship out tomorrow.  We have been working on these for a few days and today was the finale.  Some of us had never met before and some were familiar faces.  During the course of production, we had all gravitated to the task that we seemed to be the most efficient.  We fell into a synchronization that made the production seem like it was automated.  No conveyor belts or fancy machines…..only people working together for a common end-goal.

It was interesting to feel the support and camaraderie of all working together to do our best and support the person on each side of you.  When one got behind, another would come over to help catch up and then move back in place when the “machine” was running smoothly again.  It was team spirit and I realize now that it was great feeling to be a part of it today.  Someone commented that it felt like we were little elves packing up for Santa’s big delivery.

elves

I grew up in a neighborhood that this was a common happening….not just a rare event like today.  Even though I was very young, I clearly remember how nice it felt to be a part of a group of people who sincerely cared about each other and were always available to lend a hand.  It really didn’t matter how difficult the task, there was always someone with just the right expertise to be the leader and others did their part to fill the gaps and take on the part that seemed to fit their own level of knowledge and skills.   I have old pictures of my parents and their friends and it seemed they were always having a good time too.

I think everyone likes that feeling of having support and help along the way.  Sometimes, it seems easier to just do things alone; but there is that spirit of teamwork that we miss out on.  We all like gratification from time to time and somehow standing up and clapping for our accomplishments alone just isn’t the same!  High-fiving the “air” just doesn’t give us the same splash of praise as a friend or co-worker might do for us.

Perhaps, there’s someone in your neighborhood or a friend you know that could use a little help.  Or maybe you have a project that you have been putting off because starting it by yourself just doesn’t seem like much fun.

Why not suggest to others that  working together on these projects might be something to try out for a change.

Maybe someone in your group of friends can be the leader and others can add their own expertise to the task.

Maybe even someone could offer to cook on the grill or “whip up” a yummy meal to enjoy while you’re “merrily working along together”

Doesn’t that sound like fun?….Rather than drudgery that you perceived the task at hand to be?

Maybe it’s something as dramatic as adding on a room to a house or something as simple as re-painting a wall or planting a few new trees in your yard.  Maybe you’re an expert at both or maybe you don’t have a clue where to even start.

Well, pool your talents and I’m sure not only will the job be more fun; but it will also probably be done better and faster.

Come on, Team!team_spirit

Ready to get started?!!

Let’s help each other.

Let’s have fun.

Ready! Set! Go!

Let’s get the job done…..together!

Smiles,

Nancy

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Monday Gets the Flu…or not??!!

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I feel like I am being stalked around each corner by that big, bad germ a/k/a “THE FLU”!!  It seems people are literally throwing it in my path…….mainly because some people have not learned how to cover their face when they sneeze or cough!!   I see the “tsunami” coming down the aisle towards me and I do everything I can to get out of the way….including hitting a display or two in the escape.  tsunamiBut, there’s not just one or two or three of those frightening germ waves, there’s hundreds of thousands of them everywhere!!! There is no safe haven to avoid their invasion.

I want to become a bear and just hibernate until it is safe to come out.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to find a cozy cave somewhere and the reality of life must prevail.  And as the battle of the big, bad bug forges on, I have decided to tackle it head on and remain positive that I will win the war!

Monday Gets the Flu…..or Not?!!

There are so many strategies and defenses to incorporate and I am trying to select the one that works best for me.  The number one suggestion by the medical world is to have the flu vaccine.  Although I know it is a good thing for some, I don’t think I am one of them.  The more I read about the statistics of its effectiveness, etc., the less I think I want to have one.  Since we are already into the middle of the season, my odds of getting the flu are hopefully diminishing….hopefully!!    I have upped my dosage of vitamins and added D3 to the regiment, drinking lots of water and herbal tea and brought out the ole Nettie Pot!!  It is NOT my favorite thing to use, but it sure clears out your sinus passages quickly.

I think the foods we take in are important too; so cooked up a big crockpot full of chicken and vegetable soup.  crockpotSince the court system has proven it to be medicinal and effective, then got to buy into it that it will do me some good.  It’s always nice to make extra too, so you can share with family or neighbors.  If you keep those around you healthy, then it’s bound to increase your odds of being exposed, right?!!  Hmmm…if we see lemonade stands in summer, wonder why we don’t see chicken soup stands in winter??!!  Any entrepreneurs out there??  I’d sure stop for a cup.

Don’t you think it would be great if all offices during the flu season, encouraged nap time during the day?  Rest is so important and if we could just take a little 20-minute snooze during the day, I think we would all benefit from it.

Nap time!!

Nap time!!

Perhaps, by “ergonomically correct” standards, all desk chairs would be required to recline and offer a foot rest.  I would gladly furnish my own blanket and pillow.  Want to join me in lobbying for a new design to your office chair?

Preventative medicine is always the best rule, so sure hope it is the one that gets me “to the top of the hill” and away from this evil Flu monster.

I hope you are all taking good care of yourselves too.

I am sure that many of you are also taking care of children or spouses or maybe your parents are requiring your help right now.

Be sure to NOT neglect yourself and include Number 1 on

the list to care for and pamper.

Got any good remedies that you want to share?

Hope you stay healthy and start your year NOT having the flu!!

Today is Monday.

Meet you here next week to see how you’re feeling.

Good Luck.

good-luck

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets A New Hero

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There is a lady who lives in my neighborhood that really inspires me.  She is an older lady….maybe in her 70s who is one of the strongest, most determined ladies that I have ever seen.  I say “seen” because I have not officially “met” her and I’m not even certain she can speak English and I only know her from seeing her as I pass by.  She is afflicted with some type of peripheral neuropathy that prevents her from walking faster than baby steps with very stiff leg strides.  But yet, I see her every day out walking and carrying her bags of groceries or goods recently purchased.  I know from the bag labels that she has walked at least 4 or 5 long blocks to the retail stop….there and back.  Time and time again, I have asked if I could help her carry her load to her final destination.  And…each time, she waves me off with annoyance it seems that I have even suggested that she might need any assistance.

I find myself feeling helpless and annoyed all at the same time.  I want to help her make her day a little easier and let her know that someone cares about her….but she refuses to allow it!  But then, when I take my needs  and wants out of the equation, I realize how strong she really is and maybe I am the weak one.

Monday Gets A New Hero

My lady Hero is like a determined soldier who probably knows as long as she keeps doing these things for herself that she will continue to function.  Her determination is her strength and in many ways, she is stronger than I am.  What appears to be stubbornness and aloofness is really power and others should perhaps fear her capabilities.  I swear I think she could climb a mountain if she wanted to accomplish it.

We all get so comfortable in our high-tech conveniences that make our lives easier.  We think that it is giving us more power; but it is, in fact, making us weaker.  Everything has to be built bigger and faster and with more gadgets.  I miss my old-fashion Schwinn that didn’t come equipped with any kind of multiple gears to change.  A bell was, however,  a must because I thought I was going so fast that I needed to alert others that I was coming down the road!  Awww! the good ole days, right?

Today….think about what gives you strength and the ability to get things done.  It’s not that new iPhone or iPad or the new software or that car with all the fancy gadgets.   Maybe we need to realize that the really strong people in this world are the people like my lady friend…..not the ones that just spent 3 hours at the gym.  They survive because they are focused on their goals and don’t let anyone get in their way.  They are not afraid to go it alone and rely on their own strength to get them where they want to be…..even if it is baby steps at a time.   Just because someone could make things easier for them, doesn’t mean they will choose that option.  Their focus is to survive and they are doing a great job for sure!

Who’s your hero?  What gives you strength?

Do you expect others to always help you out?

Maybe try to get through today and do everything without asking a single person to help you out……You do it All!  Think you’ll feel good about yourself at the end of the day?  I sure hope so.

We all need to dig deep inside the core of our being to find the ability to push ourselves to be the very best we can be.  It’s there!  You just have to believe You Can Do It!!

So go climb that mountain.  I hope you make it to the top!

See you there.

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday Gets “Taken Advantage of….”

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I keep running into people and hearing their stories of how other people are taking advantage of them.  These are really sweet and kind individuals who wouldn’t “hurt a fly” literally; and yet other human beings…..no, make that inconsiderate, selfish animals are taking advantage of them without any guilt at all.

What is wrong with this world??  Why do some people really just NOT care if they hurt someone else??  This is sad….very sad.  And, it makes me VERY angry that I am limited in what I can do about it.  I know that these are not all bad people that are doing this.  They don’t commit violent crimes or carry weapons that you should be afraid to meet them after dark.  But rather, they are people who are just completely oblivious that someone is hurting or struggling or looking for a little consideration…..not to be stepped on and used and taken advantage of for their innocence and sweet demeanor.

Monday Gets “Taken Advantage of………”

What do we do about this type of happening?  I feel helpless when seeing it and hearing about it and would really like to change things.  What I would LIKE to do is confront these idiots and really shake them up.  I wonder if they heard the truth, they would change.  Maybe their parents just didn’t teach them right and wrong and how to treat people.

I think some people think that they deserve all the attention and there is NO ONE that has a more difficult life than they do!!  I’m SURE you all know at least one person like that.  You know the ones…..they always show up late for everything you plan, they bring along a guest for dinner but don’t tell you until you open the door to greet them, they ask you over and over to help them out but never return the favor because they’re too busy AND they are on their cell phones most of the time when you decide to have lunch together and catch up.  What is that!  Do they just not get it??!!

I would LOVE to be someone who could have an intervention with these folks. You know….just lay it on the line!!  Basically, tell them they are a selfish, uncaring, Low Life!!  It just doesn’t happen that way though.  I am who I am and do my best to hope there is good in everyone and they will change and hope that people don’t need such a kick to see what they are doing to others.

What I can do though is to be caring and patient and understanding towards the ones being mistreated.  I can try to do my best to be kind to them and tell them they are special and deserve to be treated with respect.  I can do nice things for them and try to help them when they are struggling.

So today my dear friends, do you know someone that is always that example of kindness?  Someone who NEVER asks you to help them or who might be struggling quietly and not feel they have the right or ability to ask for help.

They might be someone you see in your neighborhood or maybe someone at your workplace or maybe even someone that you see on the bus every day.

Maybe you see them every day…but you don’t even know their name.Well, today is the day to change that.  Today is Monday—a good day to make things better for someone else.

Today, your goal is to find someone who you can make a difference in their life.  Find someone who you know would never ask for help, but is struggling a bit in life.  Just show up at their doorstep and say “I’m here to help.”

Or take them a nice batch of cookies for their kids.

Or maybe mow their lawn for them while they’re at work.

Or maybe bring a co-worker a nice bouquet of flowers that you picked from your garden or a big basket of fruit.

Make them feel they are special and that there are good people in this world that care about them and want them to feel that they matter.

Tell them… “YOU MATTER”

over and over and over!!

Make sure they hear it.

And then…..be sure to remember that sweet smile you will see!

Priceless!

Go Make a Difference.

Smiles to you all,

Nancy

Monday Gets Challenged to ‘Pay It Forward’

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I have received many, many really sweet messages here on WordPress from bloggers who appreciated hearing even just a few little sincere words about their thought-provoking or interesting posts.  It makes me realize more and more how important it is to take the time out of each day to express what one often feels but doesn’t always take the time to express to others.  We rush through our day trying to check off things on our own lists; but don’t take the moment to think how important it is to realize we need to look beyond ourselves.  So today…….

Monday Gets Challenged to ‘Pay It Forward’

How many times have you been in an elevator with other people and find yourself looking at the ground?  Or maybe walking out of your house and don’t acknowledge your neighbor coming out at the same time?  Did you ever think that someone that is right there in front of you might need a sincere smile or a ‘how are you doing?’  Perhaps, a neighbor or friend has done something really nice for you and you keep thinking you will also do something nice for them.  But…what happens?  It keeps getting pushed further and further down on the priority list.  Soon, it is so low that you’re now embarrassed that you have not done something to return the favor.  Ever walked past someone on the street who is ‘down and out’ and you try to erase them from not only your view; but also from your mind?  The attitude of not acknowledging that they exist helps us to not feel guilty that we might have a much better life than some others.  We seem to “choose” who we want to share with and are not good at ‘on the spot’ giving.

The ironic truth is that when we do, in fact, take the time to help others, we feel so great about our deed.  It makes us feel, in a small but effective way, we have made a difference in someone else’s life.  We may even ‘swear’ that it’s going to become a habit and we’ll continue on our path of goodness for a long time.  But….something often gets in the way of continuing on this path; and we yet again, find ourselves back in our little cocoon.   We forget quickly how awesome it felt to not just think of ourselves and to give back.

So….this Monday’s request is going to be a very enjoyable moment for you.  I promise you will feel especially good at the end of the day….and so will others!  With all the social media outlets, voice mail, text messages and even here on WordPress, this task should be a fairly simple one for you.  I challenge you to “Pay It Forward”.  Make a list of five people that you know that deserves to hear some kind words from you.  Send them some kind of message or better yet give them a call or tell them in person.  Tell them how much you appreciate them and how they have made a difference during difficult moments in your life.  Your mind is already working, right?  I bet you already have number 1 and 2 ready to add to your list.

After you have accomplished this and if you feel you’ve just gotten warmed up, make another list of five people that you can do something special for them.  It doesn’t have to be a spectacular moment.  Just something simple will work just fine!  Maybe you have some extra fruit that you just bought and you could offer part of it to your neighbor.  Maybe someone at work has a huge project to complete and you could offer to help or pick up lunch for them while they are so bogged down.  How about walking someone’s dog for them that has not been feeling very good?  Maybe even give the ole pooch a nice brushing before you return them.  It’s not about the huge drama of the task, it’s about the simple spirit of giving.

Today is YOUR day to help Monday Get Challenged to ‘Pay It Forward’!!!!

You are going to go to bed tonight with a smile on your face knowing that you have made a difference in this, sometimes, crazy and hectic world.

And…..here’s high hopes that you wake up tomorrow wanting to continue with your recent good feeling and start Tuesday with the same plan.

A fellow blogger told me that it takes 21 days to change a habit…..Can you IMAGINE what this world would be like if everyone took the 21 day challenge to ‘Pay It Forward’ !!!!

Are you ready to be a part of that possibility?!!

I’d love to hear what was on your list….or maybe how you’re feeling at the end of today.

Oh yeah….don’t forget your four-legged friends too.  Pets give lots of love and don’t ask much in return.

I’ve made MY list…….I’ve got to get busy.

You Matter!

Smiles,  Nancy

Monday Gets Respectful of the Elderly

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This is a picture of a sweet little human being that I pass by almost daily.  If you look closely, at the very end of the sidewalk alley, you can barely see her little being in the shadow of the trees.  This is a true representation of what I perceive to be her daily feeling of existence….just a tiny little speck on this earth!  I took the picture far away because even though I don’t know her, I respect her and want to protect her from harm.  Each day when I pass her, I call out “Good Morning” to her; but most days, I get no reply.  Only rarely, do I hear this tiny little voice, a sound that would be the voice of a hummingbird if they could talk, reply “good morning”.  So far, I have only heard it twice.  And, each time, I feel myself lifted as if on wings and I have to restrain myself from running to her and hugging her and thanking her for the gift she gives me.

I know she has put up walls because of being fearful of our undependable community situation and the harm that come from “letting strangers in”.  Each time she responds, I feel that I have given her a little security to hold onto that times will get better.

I am not sure “her story” but somehow I feel it is filled with many years of loneliness and sadness and fear.  However, I have conceived hopes for her that she has a family that will take care of her one day when her little body becomes even more fragile and frail.  And that they come to visit her at least once a week even now.  My mind’s visions includes them bringing her flowers that she can plant in her well-tended garden that she is bent over every day, watering and nurturing with love and enjoyment.  I project that she has grandchildren too that hug her and sit next to her as she quietly reads them a story.  These are the bubble thoughts that go through my mind each day as I pass….I don’t want anyone to pop them!!!

Unfortunately, I hear the words of John Prine’s old 70’s song creep through,  “Old People just grow lonesome, Waiting for someone to say, “Hello in there, Hello” and they start to pierce my bubble with each encounter.

Do you ever pass someone who gives you this feeling?  Maybe it’s a neighbor or someone sitting at a park bench waiting for a bus?  Maybe, it’s even someone that is part of your family that you have put on the bottom of your list to visit?  So, today, here is what you can do…..

Monday Gets Respectful of the Elderly

Giving less than 10 seconds of your day can make a difference in someone’s day.  There are many elderly that are very lonely and would feel like a million bucks if they felt someone cared about them and took the time to acknowledge their presence and “throw” them a smile or a “hello”.  These lyrics by Prine keep echoing in my head and I think they say it best……..

“So, if you’re walking down the street sometimes

And spot some hollow, ancient eyes

Please don’t pass ’em by and stare

As if you didn’t care, instead say Hello in there,

Hello.”

They Matter….and You Matter too!

This is a video from You Tube that I hope “imbeds” in your head the need to make a difference and show the elderly that we care.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfwGkplB_sY&feature=em-share_video_user

Happy Monday!

Smiles,

Nancy

Monday gets Thankful for the Memories

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When I was walking my dog, Tramp, yesterday, I realized something interesting about myself.  By writing this Blog each week, it makes me stop to reflect about my life and makes me more appreciative of where I am in my journey today.  I know the many thoughts cross my mind daily; but writing them down adds value and nourishment to their existence and gives them a feeling of abundance.

I have always been one to appreciate small things; but somehow, every little thing I encounter now, seems so much more important.  I wonder what would happen if we allowed school-aged children to have a time in their daily lessons to reflect about their day.   No grade to be given or even any kind of judgment or revealing to others….just a moment to acknowledge their difficulties or happiness for the day.  I bet we would have a society of much more well-balanced individuals.

Do you take time to write your thoughts in a journal?  Probably everyone had a diary at some point in their lives.  I wish I had done more of it.  There are things when I was younger that I have just vague memories of that I would like to recall more details.  Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone kept journals?  If my Grandmother had kept a journal, I would love to be able to read it now.  She lived to be 96 and told tales of her life of leaving Virginia in a covered wagon to move to Tennessee.  What an adventure!   What a great treasure it would have been to have something like that to pass onto other generations! Hmmmmm….well, I didn’t take a covered wagon; but I did cross the country to move to California.  Guess that counts for a bit of adventure too…And I have pictures to go along with the documenting of the journey.

Perhaps, you should consider starting the habit of taking notes of your daily life.  Maybe it will help you realize how many good things come your way.  Or perhaps, it will be something that you can read ten years from now and recall some really special moments.  Or maybe, your children or your grandchildren will read it some day and “get to know you” a little better.  I bet iPhones even have an App for the process!   Whatever you do, don’t let the precious moments get lost.

Let’s see what can we call this Monday??

I know…let’s call it

Monday Gets Thankful for the Memories

Hope you take the time to reflect on some of the special times that have happened in your life.  Maybe call someone that you haven’t talked to in ‘many moons’ to reminisce about some good memories.

It’s another wonderful Monday….Make it a good memory!!

Smiles, Nancy

Monday Gets Neighbor-ly

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I love where I live.  Just a small little 1920s bungalow, with lots of charm.  Hmmmm…..funny word….”charm”.  It can mean anything from a cute little Spanish Hacienda to an old building that should have been demolished years before.  My “charming” place is somewhere in between.  It works for me and makes me feel it is home when I walk in the door.  I wonder what is the key to making a place ‘home sweet home’.  Is it the looks, the smell, the furnishings or maybe even the people that are your neighbors?  I love my neighbors too….we are quite an eclectic bunch.  The thing in old buildings is that their walls are quite thin and lack insulation for keeping the weather conditions out; but also allow a lot of your neighbor’s daily life to seep through the walls.  Instead of neighbors, we are more like roommates at times.   The daily sounds and smells drift in and out of the cardboard thin walls that hardly act like barriers.  Freshly brewed coffee for the early riser becomes the wake up call for another.  Whizzing sound of the vegan making a morning smoothie is the annoying sound for a late night-er who only arrived home a few hours before.  We all exist in our own worlds but with these intertwined sounds and smells floating in and out.  We have friends and family who get added to the mix.  We all consider this home.

MONDAY GETS NEIGHBOR-LY

 I wish I could introduce you to each of my neighbors and tell you some of their stories; but not sure that doesn’t violate some kind of privacy act.  There are so many rules and regulations now that it makes one afraid to even share our own stories for fear of being accused of some kind of intimate crime.  Too many secrets some times I think.  It makes us afraid to open up and share who we really are.  We become very protective and guarded….how can a community every grow and thrive if we are constantly monitoring what words we allow to be shared?  Maybe that’s why I like where my home is now.  Some of the barriers are brought down but still allowing a feeling of safety in our ‘charming’ little community.  We may not agree or even approve of what another is doing; but we co-exist quite nicely and are available for others when needed.

Hope you like your home too.  I really hope that you feel safe and happy in it too; and you enjoy your neighbors.  Home is really the most important place we will ever visit.  Without that feeling of “home”, there becomes a huge void in our lives.  Be thankful for your space as there are thousands of people who are not so lucky.

On this Monday,  look around your house and realize the comfort that it provides.  It may be designed exactly what you dreamed it would be or it may be ‘a work in progress’.  It may be pristine clean or piled high with clutter….no matter what is its condition…it is still Home!  Be sure to say ‘hello’ to your neighbor and ask how they are doing. We are sometimes absorbed in our own world and forget that someone else may be experiencing a time of need. We sometimes forget to even smile or even look at them when we are passing each other as we enter our abodes.

Today is Monday

You have another great opportunity to make someone’s day a little better.

Smile and say “Hello Neighbor!!”

It will make their day brighter….and yours too!

Smiles,

Nancy