Emilie Richards's Blog, page 13

Sunday Inspiration: A Loving Family

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“Always reward your long hours of labor surrounded by family. 

Nurture their love carefully, remembering that your children need models, not critics.

And even if you have failed at all else in the eyes of the world, if you have a loving family, you are a success.”

-Og Mandino

It’s only two weeks until Christmas. Do you have a million things that need to be done between now and then? Decorating, gifts, cooking, hosting? I sure do.

So, in the rush and the frantic race to completion, what do you say we not forget what really matters: our families. It’s far too easy to forget the true purpose of the holiday and shove them aside in the chaos and confusion.

‘Tis the season for extra hugs and kisses and the most appreciated three words in the universe: “I love you!”

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Sunday Inspiration: Two things of priceless worth

“In my life I have found two things of
priceless worth –
learning and loving.
Nothing else –
not fame, not power, not achievement for its own sake –
can possibly have the same lasting value.
For when your life is over, if you can say
‘I have learned’ and ‘I have loved,’
you will also be able to say,’I have been happy.'”

-Arthur C. Clarke

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Sunday Inspiration: Everything in life is an art

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“I think everything in life is art.
What you do.
How you dress.
The way you love someone, and how you talk.
Your smile and your personality.
What you believe in, and all your dreams.
The way you drink your tea.
How you decorate your home.
Or party.
Your grocery list.
The food you make.
How your writing looks.
And the way you feel.
Life is art.”

― Helena Bonham Carter

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Sunday Inspiration: Gratefulness

““Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise – then you will discover the fullness of your life.”

– David Steindl-Rast

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Sunday Inspiration: they sing a song

“You don’t lovesomeone for theirlooks, or theirclothes, or fortheir fancy car, butbecause they sing asong only you canhear.”-Oscar Wilde

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Sunday Inspiration: There are still stars

“With my intellect I see cause for nothing
but pessimism and even despair.
But I can’t settle for what my intellect tells me.
That’s not all of it…
There are still stars which move in ordered
and beautiful rhythm.
There are still people in this world who keep promises.
That’s enough to keep my heart optimistic,
no matter how pessimistic my mind.”

Madeleine L’Engle, A Wind in the Door

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Sunday Inspiration: Happy Halloween!

“I’ve learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom – how great is that?” -Soledad O’Brien

Happy Halloween (tomorrow) friends!

I really like Halloween. I don’t go crazy. I don’t decorate my house with spider webs, ghouls and goblins like some of my friends. I don’t even like horror films. And the thought of going to a haunted house where a guy with ketchup oozing down his chest and a rubber knife in his skull jumps out at me from behind a bush? Well, that would give me nightmares.

(If you’re on my newsletter list, enjoy a peek tomorrow into some of the haunted houses we did NOT visit on our trip back to Florida at the month’s beginning.)

Despite that, I do appreciate a holiday that opens the creaky door of my psyche to the boogeyman. There’s so much to be afraid of in our lives and in our world, both rational and irrational. The big bogeyman for me is the Grim Reaper, and I’m taking good care of myself to try to keep him at arm’s length as long as possible. Sadly, right behind the guy with the scythe is a long line of ghouls. Think of your personal demons and fiends. Mine include terrorists, heartless politicians, and major tragedies. Hurricanes and fires that turn people’s lives upside down? Those will terrify me.

We definitely need a day in the year when we can all scream at top volume, “I’M SCARED TO DEATH!”

One day. Then the next? Since fear limits you, it’s time to continue the journey of transforming fear into freedom.

For now? Ready . . . set. . .BOO!

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Sunday Inspiration Is On The Road

We’re traveling, taking in some new sights and some we haven’t enjoyed for a very long time. Sunday Inspiration should be back on the 23rd. We’ll see you then.

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Sunday Inspiration: With thanks…

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”-John BunyanWith my personal thanks to all the brave, compassionate people who are stepping forward to help the victims of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona.

When the world seems darkest, so many people help for no other reason than because they know it’s important. Not for fame, recognition, or reward. Just because they are needed. We live most of the year in Florida, and while it was touch and go for a while, our house escaped damage from Ian. But we were among the lucky ones. I am so grateful there are people stepping forward to help those who were not so lucky.

 

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Sunday Inspiration: Forgiveness

A Prayer for Yom Kippur

To those I may have wrongedI ask forgiveness.To those I may have helped,I wish I could have done more.To those I neglected to helpI ask for understanding.To those who helped meI thank you with all my Heart.-G’mar Hatimah Tovah

Today’s quote is in honor of Yom Kippur which is being celebrated by Jews around the world beginning this Wednesday and ending Thursday evening. This is also a time to reflect on those whom we have hurt or harmed during the past year and to seek forgiveness.

Not your faith or tradition? Don’t worry. This is a worthy practice for people of all religions and one of my favorite religious messages.

Who do we need to forgive? What past hurts and insults do we need to release? Let it go. If we can’t, why not? Are we better, happier, healthier for holding our painful past so close? Here’s some tips on how to apologize.

My thanks to one of the world’s great religions for this welcome reminder.

 

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