These Two Words Can Change Your Life

A while ago, I saw a TED Talk by Angela Maiers. I came across it again just the other day and have been thinking about what she said. The topic was ‘You Matter’.

These two simple words can change your life. You matter. Two words. One fewer than its intended meaning…I love you. We say these words all the time to our family and friends. We say the words so often that we sometimes do them instinctively. It’s a habit. An extremely wonderful habit that does not need to be broken.

When you tell someone that they matter, you’re saying that they are a human being and they are noticed. They are important. They are necessary. They are significant.

Every person on this planet needs to know that they are cared for. Let’s notice one another. Let’s tell someone that they have been noticed. Then tell someone else. And then someone else. Change your life. Change someone else’s life. Make it a habit. I will start and tell you that…You matter.

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What It Would Be Like Without Peace

What It Would Be Like Without Peace
©2012 Tracy L. Constantine

I searched through all of my images for something that would be suitable for today, the International Day of Peace. I felt this was most appropriate. Please let me know what you think.

The International Day of Peace is observed every year on September 21st. For more information, please visit http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org.

Falling Again!

Falling again! Visit the Indiana Dunes to see the majestic colors of Fall as the leaves change against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.

Click here for directions to The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The First Time I Left Home

Have you ever felt that taking a vacation is like running away?

It’s been years since I’ve taken a real vacation. The chance to get away and relax. Do nothing. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to do just that. I didn’t plan it. It just sort of happened. Things lined up just right and before I knew it, my husband turned to me and said, “Why don’t you go see your Mom?”

“I can’t just leave like that,” I said with a searching look.

“Why not?” he contradicted.

“I can’t just leave you here alone.”

“This week is going to be a long week. I’m going to be working most of the time anyway,” he chuckles. “Just do It. Call your Mom and ask her if it’s okay that you come.”

“What about my writing?”

“You’ve got a laptop. You can write from there. It would be a good break.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He picked up my cell phone and handed it to me. I dialed her number and popped the question.

“When?” she asked.

“Tomorrow or the next day,” I replied.

I could hear the surprise in her voice as we talked about it. She agreed, of course.

And as I hung up the phone, my husband hugged me. He gave me a kiss and said, “Get packed.”

I smiled and with excitement complied.

The next morning, I kissed my husband as he left for work. I got the last of the things I needed to do finished in a surprisingly short time, placed the bags in the car and turned onto the highway. As I drove I began to recall childhood memories and by the time I arrived at my Mom’s house, I had a complete story. Over the course of the next few days, I wrote what I had envisioned on my drive.

You know, there’s nothing like the feeling of running away…even for just a little while. Click here to find out what happened The First Time I Left Home.

Let's Make It A Great Day!

Seeing this turtle made me want to have the same great day! Let's all make it a great day! :々

Photo by Jack Wolf
https://plus.google.com/117717821003399521545/posts/bxdubPCQC2F