In January I was fortunate to visit family in Washington- 5 sisters & my almost 98 year old Mother. I took a tumble while working on an organizing project ending up with a very sore lower back & bum. I promised my sister who witnessed the fall that I would get an x-ray when I got home. Due to the discomfort I was experiencing, I decided that I would get someone to assist me with lifting my carryon up/down on my flight home. Well, I’m glad I didn’t worry about how I was going to get it up/down because by the time I boarded there wasn’t room for anymore bags in the overhead area so my bag ended up getting checked.
Graffiti, like life is unpredictable- you never know where you’ll find it as well as if/when you might be inspired by the words of wisdom shared via this art form…For clarification, the following is how “graffiti” is explained:
“Graffiti is art that is written, painted or drawn on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.”
Recently, when visiting the Willamette Valley in Oregon, I enjoyed the bounty of the area including their wines. At the Et Fille tasting room in Newberg, I was inspired by their philosophy shared as “graffiti” on the bathroom wall.
“We believe that wine like life well lived should be authentic, complex & balanced.”
In turn, I reflected on how to apply this philosophy to my life as I “live a good story”:
To be “authentic”, I need to practice, “to thine own self be true” and draw on my strengths while also striving to strength my weaknesses…
Due to life’s “complex”ity, I need to simplify when possible so I’ll be able to focus on who & what really matter to me…
In turn, I will enjoy life more fully as I establish equilibrium or “balance” in all dimensions of my life…
One last insight: like a bottle of wine, I’m meant to be open(ed)…
I use this acronym, GET REAL, when promoting healthy lifestyles as it reminds me of what I believe are key elements to enjoying a sense of well-being. (*)see below)
The L is a reminder to: live fully…laugh freely…love truly…life long learning…Today, I experienced all these dimensions of the “L” factor…
After dog sitting for a week & with 2 more weeks ahead, I decided to try the “upgraded” toilet seat in my bathroom. Utilizing the remote that was in a case mounted on the wall, I hit a button that produced a gentle spray of water. When I hit the button to stop the spray, it didn’t stop- trust me don’t stand up till you have it stopped. Thus, I tried some other buttons- next came on the dryer- ok, that felt nice…Now, let’s stop it…Fortunately, I noticed an instruction sheet tucked up against the wall; plus, I discovered that the remote is 2-sided… As one might expect the red button was to stop it. Initially, I must not have hit it at the right angle…
Anyway, here’s my take-away from how this scenario unfolded: L- Live fully. (Be game to try new things- who knows what you might miss out on if you don’t.)…Laugh freely. (Laugh at yourself- nobody’s perfect)… Love truly. (You gotta love yourself no matter what or as Whitney Houston reminds us in her song Greatest Love of All -“Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” It’s also the greatest gift.)…Life long learning. (Sometimes it comes as a “refresher course”- other times it might feel like wis”dumb”.)…
Based on this experience, I highly recommend that you read instructions or get “coached” prior to using something new…Plus, please, take note of any “precautions” identified…
BTW: Bonus features- the seat is heated as well as acts as a night light..
G.E.T. R.E.A.L.
G: Gratitude (should be spelled with 2 t’s as it reflects a positive attitude)
E: Establish equilibrium…
T: To thine own self be true…
R: Rest, relax, & rejuvenate…
E: Eat what you enjoy & enjoy what you eat…
A: Activate your lifestyle…
L: live fully / laugh freely / love truly / lifelong learning…
I may have said it before; however, I think it bares repeating- I believe that gratitude should be spelled with 2 t’s to reflect that it’s an attitude. I have this grouping by my front door as a reminder that “Attitude is Everything.”
Driving to visit family includes varied terrain. Along the way, there is a fair amount of open space that’s cattle range. When I’m traveling alone, I’m often inspired to sing songs like “America the Beautiful.”
