Tag Archives: memories

Veterans Day 2022

Posted on by
Reply

Veterans Day 2022

Image from Unsplash by Sir Manuel

Who among you—or who do you know—who has served in the military? Today is Veteran’s day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring the veterans with us right now. Most of us have celebrated it our entire lives, but it was not originally so.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service in World War I, and was originally called Armistice Day—in honor of the official signing of the Armistice that ended “The War to End all Wars,” at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, it was changed to Veterans Day to account for all veterans, in all wars.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has declared “honor” as the theme for the celebrations this year. Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty.

My family and I honor all those across this great land who have served our country, and ask that you will, as well.

EXERCISE:

Who can you reach out today to a friend, neighbor, or family member who has served? Let them know that today you are grateful for them and their service to the country.

Aging mindfully and gracefully involves embracing the law of impermanence.

Posted on by

Aging mindfully and gracefully involves embracing the law of impermanence. Each thought, emotion, and sensation can be a portal to all kinds of new discoveries.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema

It’s funny the experiences we store in our memories.

One that stands out for me is getting my first-grade report card from Mrs. Gray. I received an “E” in work habits with the comment Barry is a nice boy but he needs to pay closer attention. Distractability seemed to follow me and other students—mostly boys—throughout grade school, until I applied to my dad’s alma mater, Central High School. I distinctly remember buckling down to be eventually accepted, which made my dad very proud.

At that time in my life, I realized being mindful and focused was a source of accomplishing the things I desired. What has been your experience of the passage of time?

EXERCISE:

To what degree have you embraced the law of impermanence over the years? How is the aging process and your mindfulness efforts opening new portals of discovery?

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt

Posted on by

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

—John Muir, 18th Century Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher

Wendy, Ella, Barry, and Weston

For most of my life, my family has spent at least one week in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It’s a place I experienced as an infant and camper — each summer until I was eleven — when the camp was purchased by a development company.

This year our daughter Rachel and her two children — Weston and Ella — came along.

Our week included plenty of swimming, walks, playground adventures and even a snake and animal farm.

Sharing the star-filled skies, hearing crickets chirping, and the sounds and smells of fresh air after a rainstorm are some of my happiest moments.

EXERCISE:

Where and when have you traveled dirt paths in your life?

Where and how can you bring even more of the natural world into your life?

Friday Review: Memories

Posted on by

Friday Review: Memories

It’s Memorial Day Weekend. What are your favorite memories? Which memories aren’t so pleasant? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

https://www.thequotablecoach.com/memorial-day-2016/ 

 

 

 

 

“Always have old memories and young hopes.”

 

 

 

 

“A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

Posted on by

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

—Nelson Mandela, late S. African political leader and philanthropist

Image from Unsplash by Meg Boulden

Last month Wendy and I had dinner with a long-lost friend — Mitchell, and his wife Terry. Mitchell and I were schoolmates from first grade through high school.

Although many of the stories we held from so long ago have not changed, we found great pleasure exploring how we have both grown and altered in pursuing our individual paths.

Our discussion reminded me of visiting my grade school and former teachers when I was a college freshman. I was amazed at how small the desks, hallways, and students were.

EXERCISE:

Select and read one of your favorite books from your youth. Note your thoughts, feelings, and emotions regarding how you have growth and altered into the person you are today.

“Always have old memories and young hopes.”

Posted on by

“Always have old memories and young hopes.”

—Arsene Houssaye, 17th century French novelist

Image from Unsplash by Jon Tyson

We are moving. After 34 years in beautiful Michigan, we are moving back to our hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family.

Recently, our two adult children — Daniel, 35, and Rachel, 33 — came to Wendy and my rescue for a week, helping us stage our home for sale. In the basement, we discovered tons of memories in the form of old toys, keepsakes, and virtually every homework assignment, report card, dance costume, and trophy they left behind.

Although a tear or two was shed reminiscing about the good times together, that week was filled with much youthful hope for the next phases of our lives.

EXERCISE:

Take some time this week to engage your family and friends in a trip down memory lane to rekindle some of your best times.

Open a dialogue about your individual and collective hopes for the future, which will provide you more happy times to reminisce over in the years ahead.

“A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.”

Posted on by

“A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful.”

—Chip & Dan Heath, The Power of Moments

Image from Unsplash by Charisse Kenion

I’d like to take you on a trip back in time.

After you read this post, close your eyes and reflect back on your life. Go back as far as you can to those memorable and meaningful moments, starting with your days as a child and all the way up to today. Take your time and visualize yourself and those who shared the moments with you.

Exploring old photo albums, yearbooks, and social media images and posts can expand your recollections.

Which events do you consider to be of greatest significance? What are the defining moments that shaped your values, beliefs, and character to have you become the person you are today?

EXERCISE:

How can and will you more consciously capture and appreciate more memorable and meaningful moments as you head into the days, weeks, and years that lie ahead?

Friday Review: Memories

Posted on by

FRIDAY REVIEW: MEMORIES

What are your favorite memories? Which memories aren’t so pleasant? Here are a few memory-related posts you may have missed.

 

 

“Things aren’t what they used to be and probably never were.”

 

 

 

 

“To keep a warm heart in winter is a real victory.”

 

 

 

 

“What comes easy won’t last long, and what lasts long won’t come easy.”

 

 

 

 

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”

Posted on by

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”

—Chief Seattle, Duwamish Tribe Leader & namesake of the City of Seattle

Image form Unsplash by NASA

Many of us are living simpler and more essentially these days. Taking less seems to be giving many of us more of the intrinsic things we value most.

I can recall visiting the Disney World exhibit sponsored by Kodak—the powerhouse of photography—when my kids were little. The catchy tune “Making Memories” inspired us to take a photo safari around the park, taking snapshots of us wearing the wild hats in each gift shop, without making a single purchase.

I also easily recall being glued to the TV in 1969 when man landed on the moon. Although some rocks were taken for study, the most impressive visual I recall was the astronauts jumping for joy, and of course, the many footprints they left, establishing the fact that they were there.

EXERCISE:

How would your life become even more fulfilling and meaningful if you embraced Chief Seattle’s coaching?

 

Friday Review: Memories

Posted on by

FRIDAY REVIEW: MEMORIES

What are your favorite memories? Which memories aren’t so pleasant? Here are a few memory-related posts you may have missed.

 

“All it takes is one song to bring back 1,000 memories.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Let the past be content with itself, for man needs forgetfulness as well as memory.”

 

 

 

 

“Things aren’t what they used to be and probably never were.”