Reality Check

In the midst of the chaos of transportation issues, preparing for big changes, crazy political drama, frustrations big and small, and upcoming holiday stress, a timely bit of wisdom from the ever-omniscient Kelle Hampton: 

Nothing is more urgent than being kind to ourselves and present for our families.

As always, it's just what I needed to hear read today. I debated the addition of "friends" to the end, as well, but I realized that the friends I had in mind? They fit under the heading of "family" quite neatly as well.
So if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go work on being present...

   Love,

    Meg

The Brighter Side of the Internet

Some days, the internet is a depressing place. It seems to be full of junk like celebrity gossip, misinformed political rants, and advertisement after bad advertisement. You have to wade through puddles of spam emails advertising a chance to "win a million dollar$!," snarky facebook comments, boasting declarations of superiority, and the constant inundation of disrespect, whining, and selfishness that characterizes social media sites and beyond. It's even easier to get drenched in the truly upsetting corners of the web -- reports of international strife, economic collapse, hunger, oppression, and violence. Given enough time, anyone could find themselves struggling to stay afloat in the flood of ignorance, hate, and despair.
Sometimes, though, you stumble across something good -- something that inspires, comforts, and restores your faith in humanity. Amidst the rubble, something glimmers with hope for change, love for one another, a promise that the world isn't quite the dark place it often appears. Something speaks to your very soul, compels you to listen, and encourages you to share. So today I'm sharing, because the world could use a little sunshine to balance all that rain.

Heard this report on the radio this morning. Crying your eyes out on the way to work is always the best way to start a Wednesday, no? Such an inspiration. Take a few minutes to listen (the article is good, but the audio itself is better)... and have a kleenex handy.
 

This little guy kind of breaks my heart. I love that he is holding the firefighter's hand as he drinks. This picture is just one of a great collection of powerful photographs.

Another inspirational NPR snippet (yes, I am quite proudly addicted) on the power of running. I love the quote at the end: "I feel like you meet yourself again when you run."

wonderful Pinterest find

This letter... nothing I could say would do it justice. It's one of those things that everyone should be required to read.

[via]

I've always had a hard time with the concept that "everything will be okay in the end." It drives me crazy when people try to comfort me with this, because really, some things just aren't okay. This is much more my speed.

And just in case that wasn't quite enough warm-fuzzy inspiration to get you through your Wednesday, here's one last shot at it:

 

   Love,

    Meg

Wednesday Words

Yesterday morning, as the exciting but long weekend started to catch up with me, I needed some extra motivation. I'm sure it's no surprise that I turned here for a little wisdom, a little pick-me-up, and a little kick in the pants. As you can see, 

mission: accomplished.

[Arthur Ashe]

[true, but also the bane of my existence.]

A few are a little cheesy, but sometimes, I believe in cheese as a motivator (particularly sharp cheddar). I also, however, believe in a healthy dose of honesty, and a little bit of humor:

And of course....

(always good advice)

Happy Wednesday! Hope you are only as productive as you absolutely have to be today!

   Love,

    Meg

Wise Tidbit

Today has been more than a bit hectic as I am one of the only dedicated (ahem) employees in the office today, but I wanted to take a second to share this little gem of advice:

 “This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”

Particularly pertinent as this year comes to an end and we begin to think about some resolutions for 2012 (oh god is it that time again already?!).

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be here mourning the fact that my Friday peppermint mocha did not come in a holiday cup today. Dearest Starbucks, the holidays are not yet over. Humph.

   Love,

    Meg