Mizzou Made

This week many people saw my alma mater, Mizzou, through eyes of negativity.  People took to social media to post opinions and debates, the media reported, sometimes with not all the facts. We are all entitled to our own opinion and mine is that there are always two sides and when everyone is busy giving their own opinion or debating their side no one is listening to the other one.  

The most insightful quote of the day came from a friend who didn’t voice her opinion on the matter she simply left a photo with the quote: “When a person tells you that you hurt them, you don’t get to decide that you didn’t.”  Louis CK

I decided to fill my newsfeed with pictures of my healing grandson who is recovering from heart surgery at the age of two months.  If the last two months have taught me anything it is that there is no diversity when it comes to the life of an innocent child.  Many weeks we have been surrounded in the waiting rooms by family members of all races and religions with one common goal... the continued beating of small hearts.

I have told my husband more than once after stepping out of the hospital and listening to the news that my hope for all those survivors is that life gives them all a chance to grow, flourish and succeed.   

Yes, this week Mizzou has lost some leadership and with that there will have to be a rebuilding of trust with students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.  But if we can see a glimpse of positive, we have shown the world that protests can be peaceful.  That higher education was founded for thinkers who if they believe in something strongly enough should have a voice.  I am not naïve enough to think our University is the only college campus with these problems but with open communication and acceptance could we possibly be a leader in the change?

Quotes that can change your day

 

 

 

I confess I am one of those annoying friends who puts those optimistic quotes on her Facebook page, usually in the early morning and most certainly aimed at the baggage I am carrying with me on any particular morning and not aimed at any other friends or acquaintances, (I post all sarcastic quotes on Twitter...just kidding.) 

 

The truth is I search for positive words that can transform any negative mood or circumstances I may be feeling.  By identifying and recognizing where I am in my own emotions I can hopefully guide my responses and behavior. 

 

Quotes are not restricted to my FB page I have them on my Pinterest page,  posted to bulletin boards in my office, tucked in my journal and calendar, they are posted on digital screens, on coffee mugs and I probably would have them tattooed onto my husband if he didn't take blood thinners!  So many beautiful minds have already said so many profound statements that most days my own words can not out shine what  needs to be said. 

 

But with all the quotes sometimes I still can not outrun a strong emotion or bad day and I have to turn to my own feelings to try to find peace and perseverance.  Today was one of those days.  The last week I have been teetering on emotions.  I have not yet written about the passing of my Mom.  I simply haven't had the time or found the words. 

 

Grief comes to everyone differently and mine usually takes a while.  Maybe its my overly exaggerated imagination that I can carry that person with me until my heart and mind finally realize that they will never be physically with me again.  Maybe it is my faith that I know my loved ones are never far away as long as I can carry them in my heart.  Nonetheless this morning my feelings were of sorrow and an emptiness of feeling parent less.  Waiting for me on top of my computer was this quotation: 

 

 

“Think of the world you carry within you.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

 

Because of the sadness Ranier's beautiful words were not enough in that moment and I had to pen a few of my own, (below).  But with clarity after writing and processing this simple yet poetic quote I do know I carry a world of beauty and love within me each and everyday.  I carry all of you and I carry all of them, so their words, faces and teachings can not be forgotten.  

Love Wins

 Too many days I carry my world tucked deep inside me.  On the saddest days, my head whirls my heart physically aches and my emotions override  my senses leaving me numb, inattentive and quiet.   

These days are dark, but not without justification or need.  For every being must go through the shadows of grief, despair and pain, it is with this journey that contours our strengths and moves us towards greater things.  For if we only carry contentment do we really know the limitless of our joy?

On the happiest of days my mind sparkles, my heart shines and I cannot overcome the joy and gratitude that this good life brings forth.  My heart leaps primarily for the others I carry within my own heart.  The victories and accomplishments of those I know personify my own actions. 

But is it not our real objective as humans to surpass the world we carry within and become the flicker others carry within them?  Think of the world you carry within you and then surpass your world to find joy, hope and devotion as a united world, for it is in this world that love wins.

Life Rules

1. Exercise daily.
2. Get serious about gratitude.
3. See your work as a craft.
4. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.
5. Keep a journal.
6. Read at least one piece of classic literature a year.
7. Plan a schedule for your week.
8. Know the 5 highest priorities of your life.
9. Say no to distractions.
10. Drink a lot of water.
11. Improve your work every single day.
12. Get a mentor.
13. Hire a coach.
14. Get up early each day.
15. Eat less food.
16. Find more heroes.
17. Be a hero to someone.
18. Smile at strangers.
19. Be the most ethical person you know.
20. Don't settle for anything less than excellence.
21. Savor life's simple pleasures.
22. Be your own best friend.
23. Save 10% of your net income each month.
24. Get plenty of sleep.
25. Spend time surrounded by the arts.
26. Walk in the woods.
27. Sing along to the radio.
28. Write thank you letters to those who've helped you.
29. Forgive those who've wronged you.
30. Remember that leadership is about influence and impact, not title and accolades.
31. Create unforgettable moments with those you love.
32. Have 5 great friends.
33. Become stunningly polite.
34. Unplug.
35. Write down your goals.
36. Read daily.
37. Avoid the news.
38. Wake up by the ocean.
39. Be content with what you have.
40. Pursue your dreams.
41. Be authentic.
42. Don't gossip.
43. Be passionate.
44. Say sorry when you know you should.
45. Never miss a moment to celebrate another.
46. Have a vision for your life.
47. Know your strengths.
48. Focus your mind on the good versus the bad.
49. Be patient.
50. Don't give up.
51. Clean up your messes.
52. Use impeccable words.
53. Travel more.
54. Give back.
55. Honor your parents.
56. Tip well.
57. Be a great teammate.
58. Give no energy to critics.
59. Spend time in the mountains.
60. Know your top 5 values.
61. Shift from being busy to achieving results.
62. Innovate and iterate.
63. Speak less, listen more.
64. Be the best person you know.
65. Make your life matter.