The Dream is Free

The dream is free, but the journey isn't. That's why dream believers are common. Dream buyers are rare.

John Maxwell posted this on his Twitter.

Journeying,
Lila

It's My Birthday Month

Oh, I know. You're supposed to celebrate it quietly and not mention it. I worked with a wonderful joy mentor when I worked in Atlanta. Her name is Rita. She had a contagious laugh and loved life. She celebrated her birthday the whole month of April.

I thought that sounded like a great idea, so I began sending out an e-mail to my co-workers reminding them when my birthday month began. They giggled and I thought I was a bit eccentric. But then every August 1st, they expected it.

Last Friday (July 31st) I sent an e-mail out to some friends to remind them that the next day (Saturday) was the beginning of my birthday month. I knew they would be disappointed if I didn't do this. (smile)

This morning one of those friends told me she had gotten my e-mail and wanted to begin wishing me a happy birthday month. Our Executive Director was with us and doesn't know me that well yet. He said, "Oh, you're one of those kind of people." I asked him if he meant I was one of those kind of people who enjoyed every opportunity to celebrate life. He smirked and I told him, of course I was one of those types of people. We all need to be celebrating.

Do I expect gifts all through the month? Nah. It's mostly just to remind us to celebrate...something. There is ALWAYS something to celebrate, something to be thankful for.

Loving my birthday month!
Lila

Live Large or Go Home!

My youngest daughter uses this expression a lot and I've come to like it! Live large or Go Home! Yep. So true.

Tonight we celebrated National Watermelon Day at Wesley Court with not only eating some watermelon (delicious but a bit boring) but with a Watermelon Seed Spitting contest! We had some great participants. Jim, who is close to 85 won by spitting a seed 10' 5". LaNell got the prize for the most creative by picking up her seed and throwing it. Even Barbara (90 years young) spit a seed about 10'.

Vann asked me before the event if I was going to do any spitting myself. "Why, of course!" I answered. "You've got to Live Large or Go Home. "(Thank you Caroline for that wonderful piece of advice.)

My friend, Judy, has always been a great one to do spontaneous and fun things. She's been a great example of living large. I remember one time shortly after we moved to Abilene I was having a group over to my house for Bunco. That night I was feeling particularly sad and missing our former city and friends. Well, in pops Denise, Donna, Lori and Judy (lead by Judy) all wearing green and orange wigs to remind us to Live Large or Go Home! It was at that moment that I knew I was going to love Abilene.

Piet Hein said, "Living is a thing you do. Now or never. Which do you?" Life is delicious. It's a gift. The opportunities to love and laugh are everywhere. Can't find them? Find a friend who lives large. They'll show you the way. Afraid? Don't be. People will want to follow you.

Joyful abundance,
Lila