http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWKTfqivbRQ&feature=youtu.be

View this inspiring video on older women and outrageous fashion.  Youtube.com  4:03

Whether Christian or not, some of St. Patrick resides within each of us.

Patrick showed endurance following the raid of his family’s estate in his youth and his following six years in captivity by rebels.   He felt very alone during the years when he worked as a shepherd and was away from people, yet he learned self-reliance.  During those years he dreamt of big changes for his Irish people and rather than be defeated for his unfair treatment, he desired to help others.

Patrick stayed loyal to his internal guiding messages and escaped captivity.  He walked 200 miles to the Irish coast where he entered religious training and then returned to his country of birth to apply it with his countrymen.  He met others on their familiar terms, incorporating their Irish traditional practices and symbolism into the lessons he helped them learn about the Christian faith. (more…)

While it was great to see the seamlessly talented Meryl Streep receive her well-deserved Oscar nod, it was disappointing to not see the highly talented Viola Davis get hers.  When it comes to the non-famous majority, we too confront changes and disappointments—unfairnesses if you will.  If you don’t catch yourself, you could mistakenly tell yourself that because you didn’t get the brass ring at the end, the successes weren’t that great and any tough times weren’t worth it.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself After Any Weighty Endeavor:

1. Yes there were some hard times, but did I give fully of myself and enjoy at least some big junks of this journey?
2. Have I grown in any way that may have rounded out my skills and taught me more about what I’m capable of?
3. How can I acknowledge myself for the gift of my sharing and be pleased that I had this opportunity?

So in moments of unrecognized public achievement,  instead hold up your head, stay strong in your heart and feel good about what you did.  And while no doubt others did receive some value from your contribution, even if they don’t directly attribute it to you, you know you made a positive difference.

When it comes to love, while you may not think want to think yourself a softy or prone to public displays of emotion, it can  sometimes catch you off guard…and isn’t that great!

Yesterday I had my little 9-month old doggie, Tula, spayed.  During surgery, it was discovered that she was in heat due to a false pregnancy, the exact cause being unknown.  She’s fine now, but I’m reflecting on how I felt and behaved yesterday, when my heart swelled for her in immeasurable proportions and I was teary with others and her doctor.

You never know where or how love will grab you. Sometimes it seems you’re in very capable and consistent step with your daily life and then something will come along and shake your foundation, and before you know what has happened you’re feeling vulnerable.

I’ve learned there’s nothing wrong with this state of being and it doesn’t work to fight it.  It’s often said that these kinds of times determine the true character of a person.  Whether anxious, frustrated or moody, do you hang out too long in those emotions or do you allow yourself to feel them and what’s occurring and then gather yourself up to do what’s needed? (more…)

This past Monday was Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and events throughout Los Angeles and nationwide celebrated this civil rights leader and his contributions.  I was pleased to see President Obama joining with others to help correct the words added to the King memorial on the National Mall in Washington.

Mr. King wanted his words to be clear to the public then, as it needs to be now, that all of us must be a drum major for justice.  And all of us can help and serve others.  (It’s currently quoted as if he was speaking about who he was and what he did).

President Obama painted King’s accurate quote on a school yard wall along with the phrase, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

How important these messages come at any time, but especially at the start of this new year.