Coffee Cups. . . & Life

COFFEE CUPS.... & LIFE!

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers,got together to visit their old university professor.Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchenand returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment ofcups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking,some expensive, some exquisite.

He told the group to help themselves to the coffee.When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand,the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you towant only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee.In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups… and then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this:
Life is the coffee. The jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life,and the type of cup we have does not define, nor changethe Quality of the Life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups. So... enjoy your coffee!"

The happiest people don't have the best of everything.They just make the best of everything.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

YOU are the miracle, my friend,

and your lifeeither shines a light - or casts a shadow.
Shine a BIG light! and...
don’t worry about the “cups.” :-)

>>author unknown, shared by a friend, WORTH repeating.

Your Friend in KY,

Laura

Believe in Yourself

Under the inspiration and encouragement of some dear friends, I allowed them to video tape me this past weekend.

Now keep in mind that I am not "yearning to be on the big screen." I have never had any desire to be on TV or in the movies, I have never been tempted to try out for a part on "Real World" or "American Idol." It's just not me! Until just a few years ago, I was camera shy. I'd rather be taking the picture than in it. But I came to the appreciation that its only right that if I take pictures of others, I allow pictures to be taken of me.

So here I am, taking another fantastic LEAP out of my comfort zone.

Bravely seizing the opportunity to grow.

As I watched the replay, the little voice started in my mind. . . commenting on how I look, how I sound, the words I used. . . .This was not the voice of a "best-friend," rather a critic.

I have worked to improve my thoughts of self-worth and self-love this year; Learned that it's okay to put my needs and wants first sometimes; learned to find a more healthy balance between helping others and taking care of myself.

So where did these critical thoughts come from???

My journey has taught me that I can be my OWN best-friend and worst-enemy.

My reality begins with MY perception.

So to all those who have had similar thoughts,

let's treat ourselves with the same loving support we give our dear friends.

May each of US see the "Lion of Potential" that lies within each of us.

Getting Better & Better Everyday in Everyway.

Your Friend in KY, Laura

Joy in the Moment

Fall is My Favorite time of year. The wonderful array of fall colors in the foliage and harvested produce becomes "Art." Too often in the past, the fall colors come and go without my taking time to truly "savor" the time-of-year.

This year, I was invited to my first Pumpkin Carving. I generally considered carving pumpkins as an activity children do with their parents at home. However, my friend Donna elevated the activity to a "Social Event." Complete with good food, dear friends, perfect weather, stimluating conversation, and topped with mulled cider. We had a Great time!!

Then I realized, how often have I said "We should get together sometime" then NOT--time gets away or I get "too busy." Somehow though I MAKE time for events, such as Birthdays, Christmas, Weddings, etc. I have resolved that Life is Best seasoned, like the sprinkling of salt, with many "little" memorable events with friends and loved ones. In the end, it is those moments that help determine the value of MY life. If giving a get-together a "Name" or "Labeled-purpose" helps make-it-happen, so be it.

I want to challenge each and everyone of YOU to find a reason to celebrate--ie. Un-Birthdays, Girls-Night-Out, or Just-Because.

Living is in the Details.

I wish the best of this Fall Season to all My Friends & Loved Ones.