The "F" Word

READY... “Insane people are always sure that they are fine.  It is only the sane people who are willing to admit that they are crazy.”  ~ Nora Ephron

AIM... It’s the most common response out of everyone’s mouth, “I’m FINE.”  Yep, it’s that infamous “F” word which covers so many bases.  When someone asks how we are doing, why do we resort to telling folks we are fine when, in fact, we are most often not fine.  Why don’t we say we are fantastic, fabulous or fair?   Why don’t we say we are freaked out, in a funk or feeling frustrated?  More often than not, we don’t want to take the time to share how we really feel because we don’t want to get into a discussion about what is really going on in our lives.  However, there are times we don’t want to share our real feelings because the person asking isn’t someone we would necessarily share our intimate details with; he is simply being polite in his asking.

So, are you resigned to live a life that’s simply fine?  I encourage you to step outside of the “fine” life and live boldly and own your feelings.  If someone you trust asks how you are doing, surprise her with a REAL answer.  You might be amazed at her response because you didn’t just pass her off with the typical “fine” answer.  Be great.  Be sad.  Be angry.  Be under the weather.  Be peachy.  Be overwhelmed.  And always…be excellent!

FIRE!  For one day, I challenge you to be anything but FINE.  Use this challenge as a fun experiment to see what kind of reactions you receive from folks.  If nothing else, it will be an entertaining day!  

Be Excellent!

Lori

Happy Valentine's Day!

READY… "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

AIM… Happy Valentine’s Day to all my Arrows of Integrity sweethearts and friends! Are you prepared for a day full of mushy, gushy, lovey-dovey, ooey-gooey, happy hearts with singing birds and romance? After all, that IS what Valentine’s Day is all about, right? I was thinking about the commercialism of this holiday and the fact that it often takes a special day like today for people to remember to tell each other they love one another. Our society has taught us that love is: heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, a dozen red roses perfectly arranged in a vase, lacy lingerie, candlelit dinners, cards with beautifully written sentiments and crunchy candy hearts that say “Text Me” or “U R GR8.” Superficially, those are all things we can use to express our love to our significant other. However, on this Valentine’s Day, what does love mean to you?

As I was thinking about all my readers, friends, family members and people I come in contact with on a daily basis, these are some things I think best describe love.

Love is…a homemade Valentine card displayed on the refrigerator…eye contact and a smile from across a crowded room…a hug from your teenager in front of his friends…a warm, home-cooked meal enjoyed with your family…sitting on the same side of the booth in a restaurant after years of marriage…a husband or wife who crawls in bed to snuggle with YOU every night…a five minute phone call home from a military father who is stationed in Afghanistan…silent prayers from your closest friends…holding hands with your honey while walking around in the shopping mall…sitting at the bedside of a loved one after a surgical procedure waiting patiently for the doctor’s results…turning down an event on your social calendar to spend quality time with your family…a real hug using both arms, body contact and a sincere heart.

Love is SO many more things than those examples I listed above. How are you going to express your love this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fall prey to all the superficial, commercialized gifts and gadgets. If you dare to get creative, I guarantee you’ll experience some real love.


FIRE!   Be someone’s Valentine today! If you already have the obligatory sentimental card, chocolates and/or flowers, that’s fine, just figure out a creative way to use those tools to express your heartfelt feelings in a memorable way. You’ll be sure to have a love-filled day!

♥ Click here for a special Valentine Message from me ♥ http://ecards.dayspring.com/ecards/card.asp?id=13457286-49EF7


Be Excellent!
Lori