Principles and Precepts of Living and Loving: August 2012

On two occasions at a beach (one in Texas and one in California), I have told someone (a friend once and my granddaughter the second time) that I would find them a sand dollar. In both instances, I had no reason to make this claim. I had not seen another sand dollar on either beach. I was just being my "psychic" self. In both instances my prediction was realized.

On the first occasion, it took hours (probably most of the afternoon) to find one. I searched and searched; walked up and down the shoreline; looked closely at the the waves rolling in through the shore sand and not once did I see a sand dollar. I did not give and believed that I would find one. The normal person would have given up a brief time into the search. I persevered; however, I could never have attained my goal (my promise) had I not shifted my thinking.

Sometimes, in order to solve a puzzle, break a code or overcome a challenge, we have to step back and recognize that there is more to the situation than I have experienced or understood. There is another view; another approach; another solution, or another way to attain my goal (or to overcome failure).

It was in late afternoon of my search (after so many hours) that I realized that, perhaps, I had been looking in the wrong place. There were no sand dollars on the sand and none that I could see floating in the lingering wave flow at the shore. I needed to enter the water and not walk along the shore. I needed to walk into the waves and hope for a chance discovery. As I did this, guess what? I walked onto a sand bar about sixty feet out from shore. I was waist deep at the time. All of a sudden, I was standing ankle deep in water, on a large island of sand.

Of course, you can guess the rest of the story. There in low water, far from the shore, was my sand dollar. I could not believe it. I picked it up, held it warmly in my hand and headed back to shore. I was excited and proud to share this sand dollar with my friend. Yes, it blew her away and was a gift from the sea that still exists today some thirty years later. It sits on the wall of my office in a beautiful frame. You see, my friend returned it to me for my birthday several years later. It will always be a reminder to never give up, persevere and to believe in miracles. In order to find the sand dollar, I had to SHIFT MY THINKING. In so doing, you will discover the amazing, the unbelievable, the unexpected and break the code that so often keeps us from opening the door of discovery.

Amazing! Not really...

One of my favorite inspirational poems in written by an eighty-five year woman who looks back on her life and explains what she would have done had she known what she now knows in her twilight years. It is a reminder for sure.For me, the poem has always been a measure of how "well" I was doing.

I’d Pick More Daisies

By Nadine Stair, age 85

If I had my life to live over,

I’d try to make more mistakes next time.

I would relax. I would limber up.

I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.

I would take more chances. I would take more trips.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets.

I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I am one of those people who lives

Prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I have had my moments

And if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them!

In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.

Just moments, one after another

Instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I have been one of those people who never go anywhere

Without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.

I’d travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted

earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

I would play hooky more. I wouldn’t make such good grades, except by accident.

I would ride on merry-go-rounds.

I’d pick more daisies.

I would go dancing more often.(I added this:))

Since I am getting along in years, I would like to reflect on how well I measured up to her timeless reminder. So, I will give myself a grade and hope to inspire others to compare others to measure up!

Did I Pick More Daisies?

If I had my life to live over,

I’d try to make more mistakes next time.

I've made my share and I am not sure I would want to make any more

I would relax. I would limber up.

I do OK with relaxing yet I am very tight (not uptight).

I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I have always been silly. No need to be more sillier.

I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.

I have been crazy enough, even beyond crazy on occasion. I've never worried about washing my hands or using soap on the dishes :)

I would take more chances. I would take more trips.
I have always taken too many chances and most were well worth taking. I have also taken my share of trips but I still have a long list of places I wish to visit.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets.
I have climbed many a mountain and had many great views and experiences along the way. I have only swam a few rivers but I do like to surf the white water. I have purposely watched thousands of sunsets.

I would burn more gasoline. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I have driven many, many places and to most states in the US. I actually like beans better than ice cream.

I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.
I have had my share of actual troubles and rarely imagine them.

You see, I am one of those people who lives

Prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.

I do not like prophylactic assistance. I have been sensible and sane (most of the time) but I have my share of "crazy" moments as well.

Oh, I have had my moments

And if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them!
My moments ... far too many!

In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.
I am not that selfish. I like to share my moments with someone who appreciates the moment and the experience.

Just moments, one after another
I get lost in the moment! Plus, I'm not sure what a moment amounts to??

Instead of living so many years ahead of each day.
I have never lived looking ahead too far or backwards for that matter. I have tried to fill each day with important tasks.

I have been one of those people who never go anywhere

Without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute.
I always come prepared however I try to travel light. I assess the situation to determine what I might need to succeed.

If I had to do it over again, I would go places and do things.
I explore. I go lots of places that most people never think of going. It seems like I am always doing things. I wonder, though, if what I am doing is making a difference in my life and in the life of others.

I’d travel lighter than I have.
I tend to take "the kitchen sink" in order to keep my options open.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted

earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I'd like to stay in my sandles, athletic shoes or boots and resist any thing more "dressy".

I would play hooky more. I wouldn’t make such good grades, except by accident.
It's OK to take days off. Whatever I do, I like to do it well.

I would ride on merry-go-rounds.
Riding my mountain bike works for me or, maybe shooting baskets.

I’d pick more daisies.
I pick flowers and make bouquets for the house but I leave enough flowers for others to enjoy (or pick if they wish).

I would go dancing more often.
I have danced and danced and want to be dancing some more. I enjoy dancing more than just about anything else. There is nothing wrong with being the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave.

So, where does that leave me at the moment? I guess I would give my self a B+ or A- for the Daisy Picking Achievement Scale (DPAS). I am happy with that grade. I feel successful at living my life well. If you are having difficulty feeling like you are living your life well, read the poem again and start today picking more daisies. Remember, make a dance out of everything you do; listen to the music inside of you.