Say it out loud. Say it with actions.

Just finished season two of Sex Education from Netflix. Love the characters and the scenery. The last episode had a nice message.

First, not everyone understands you. When you find the ones who do, don't let them go.

Second, it's important to tell people that you love them.

Love for others is not always obvious. Say it out loud. Say it with actions if you prefer. It feels good to say it and show it. It feels really good to hear it. It is one of the things that will help you keep the ones who understand you in your life.

I love you for the human being that you are, whether or not I know you. I really appreciate you taking the time to read what I have to say.

a really good cry

Did you ever notice that a really good cry cleans out your sinuses? 

If I'm having a bad day which leads to a really good cry, I can still be grateful that I'm breathing a little better. I often notice how long it has been since my last really good cry. And I have to be grateful that these days are few and far between.

No need to worry about me. These days happen now and again. I can't imagine living a life when there are a complete absence of bad days. I am grateful when the bad days make the good ones stand out more.

I am also grateful that putting my feelings into words can lift my mood. Then, I can share my feelings with all of you. I know that friends reading this can relate. And that relating to each other is the best way to know we are not alone in the world.

Wishing you days that make you feel grateful and friends that listen when you share what's on your mind.

age

Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.--Mark Twain

As I am turning 49 this week, I've been thinking about age. 35 was a tough year for me – I felt like I was officially a grown-up. Now I'm happy with that. In spite of all the practical things we need to do as adults, I like the things that I had always hoped for as a child.

I can stay up as late as I want. I can eat whatever I want. I guess in general, I am happy being able to pursue my wants. Being a kid is wonderful. I do miss the energy and fun I had then. But I love the freedom I have now.

Here's hoping you enjoy whatever age you are! Just like everything else in life, it's all in the outlook you choose.

help

Years ago, there was a "Friends" episode in which Phoebe argued that there are no selfless acts because when we do something nice for someone else we feel good about ourselves.

Today, I was watching "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction." David Letterman and Jerry Seinfeld were discussing the same concept. Dave suggested that helping or entertaining others is selfish because it makes you feel good about yourself. Jerry argued that helping or entertaining others is the most important thing you can do because you are doing something that makes others happy, and that is the greatest pursuit.

In "The Book of Joy" by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, they suggest that the best way to happiness is in helping others.

This blog is my attempt to help others feel happy.

So, enjoy the moments you can and help others do the same.

utopia

In the not-so-distant future the world will be unbelievably different. In a good way.

Every human will be kind and respectful. We will smile at strangers as they walk by us. We will value our family and friends and show how much we care in our words and actions. Not only will we venture outside our groups of like-minded people, but we will actively seek out people of differing views in an effort to expand our understanding.

Every human will strive to improve themselves and the world around them. Conflicts will arise as we compete to accomplish more than has ever been seen previously. We will work together to solve the problems we face. We will play to our strengths and help each other discover and develop every asset we possess.

We will ensure that every human has enough food, clothing and shelter, even if some have more than others. We will treasure animals, plants and natural resources. We will study, experiment and discuss the science and history of our planet as well as the mind and body of all humans and other creatures.

May 2019 see the beginning of such a utopia! We must dream big!

take care

With all the problems in our lives and around the world, the most important thing we can do every day is take care of ourselves. If we are not content, satisfied and healthy, it's very hard to help anyone else.

Taking care of ourselves is often complicated. Our mental state is most important. Being able to think clearly and contentedly is often not an easy task. Sometimes we need help in the form of family and friends, counseling and even medication. Some people meditate, listen to music, watch TV and movies, write or express their feelings through art, exercise. Each of us need to find whatever works to feel strong enough to get through each day.

Taking care of our physical health is also essential. For some people that simply means eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep and exercise. As we age, lots of little things start going wrong with our bodies as they were not meant to last forever. For people with disabilities like mine, staying healthy is a whole lot of work. Whatever you can do to stay healthy and prevent problems, the easier life will be.

Caring for ourselves also includes finding things we enjoy that can help us earn a living, that might benefit the world around us and that keep us feeling content.

Wishing you the motivation to do all you can to take care of yourself. You are special and important. You deserve to be as happy and healthy as you can.

Fred Rogers

I recently watched "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" I highly recommend it if you have any affection for Fred Rogers and the show so many of us grew up watching.

The biggest realization I had was that Mr. Rogers built my self-esteem as surely as my mother and grandmother did. I have given my family all the credit, but Mr. Rogers said a lot of the same things. He told me I was likable and special. He told us all the same thing. I can only hope that other viewers felt the same self-esteem building that I did.

The documentary was on DVD. But you can also see many old episodes of his PBS show on Amazon Prime Video. If you need a little self-esteem pick me up, check out one of those episodes. Whether you are a child or an adult, his message remains the same.

You are special and important!