SELF-HELP BOOKS
I read a lot of newspapers and news magazines as well as listen and watch the news. It is rather depressing and so this week instead of suggesting a book; I am posting something I find up lifting and hope you will too.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding, as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
CURRENT EVENTS
Oregon College Shooting Tragedy
I suspect more than a few people knew this sick individual was capable of doing a terrible act like this and they did nothing to get this sick individual help or prevent this tragedy. I’ve heard it said that a bad person is a good person’s job; well someone did not do their job.
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
We are commanded to seek out those who are lost.
We are to be our brother’s keeper.
Source: Joseph B. Wirthlin
MOVIE OF THE WEEK – Great Balls of Fire
Moving to a lighter note, this week’s movie recommendation is Great Balls of Fire. The actor Dennis Quaid did a fantastic job of capturing this wild man – Jerry Lee Lewis. Late in life. I had the privilege of actually seeing Jerry Lee Lewis perform; what a thrill.
LAST WEEK POLL – The Best Decade of Your Life
There were 20 votes this week and those voting indicated that they thought the best decade was or will be the years 40 through 49 with five votes.
The following two decades tied with four votes each. They are:
30 through 39
60 through 69
Next came 50 through 59 with two votes.
The following decades received one vote each
20 through 29
70 through 79
80 through 89
90 through 89
90 through 99
100 or greater
And I found most interesting that the two youngest decades received no votes at all. They were:
Less than 9
10 through 19
Personally, I’ve always thought of life in terms of the seasons, with the years less 20 being Spring, or a time of growth. The next two decades, or 21 through 40 being summer, when one is in full bloom. 41 through 60 is a time of Fall and things start falling as those of us who have been in that season know so well. And finally, we enter Winter, or the final season of life, where one’s hair turns white like snow.
THIS WEEK’S POLL
Since I just finished speaking of the season of life, I thought you may enjoy a poll where you vote for your favorite season of the year. Again, you may only vote for one decade.
SONG OF THE WEEK – You have to at least check out this live 1964 performance of Jerry Lee Lewis and I would love to know what you think, so please leave a comment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dC0DseCyYE
THIS WEEK’S JOKE
I’m always trying to keep you informed of the latest health studies. Here is one you should know about.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee [ ] November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong American martial artist, Hong Kong action film actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, filmmaker,[ ] and the founder of Jeet Kune Do. [ ] He is widely considered by commentators, critics, media and other martial artists to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time,[ ] and a pop culture icon of the 20th century. [ ] He is often credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films.[ ] (Source: Wikipedia)
BLOG
Last week, two people left comments. I hope more of you will start leaving comments. To leave a comment, just click on “Leave A Comment”, which is immediately below the title of this week’s post.
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MY BOOK – My book can be purchased on-line from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. It is also available in a ebook format.
http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Im-Tired-Being-Ordinary/Wm-Allen/9780990388692?id=6429711012885
Harmony Books & Films, LLC 
i very much enjoyed this week’s blog. It’s always interesting to see the totals on how others have voted, too. I find it mystifying that people seem to dread and complain about turning 30, as (personally speaking) I found that decade to be very rewarding. I must say, however, that many, many wonderful life events unfolded for me after my 50th birthday–I met and married my dear husband, I became a grandmother, I retired from a demanding and very stressful job, i traveled more for pleasure, and have fortunately enjoyed good health. Perspective comes with age as well, which makes for a more “whole” existence in this 5th decade.
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Mary Ellen, thank you for your insights.
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