Get Inspired
Authentic Conversations of Guts, Grit, and Gusto
Get Inspired
Authentic Conversations of Guts, Grit, and Gusto
The Art of Negotiation
While there’s no “magical” way to halt or reverse the aging process, there are ways to embrace it. Start by admitting that you’re getting older. Stop fighting it. Own it. Love it. Adopt a positive attitude. The world is going to move forward with or without you. Where some people get hung up is with the misconception that as they age, they have to fit in with the younger generation. This simply isn’t true. A more helpful attitude is, “I may not be young anymore, but I’m still capable of growing and I will continue my process of evolving until the end of my life.” Each time an individual acquires a piece of knowledge or improves upon a skill that helps them deepen their relationships, appreciate their past and current experiences, and leave a more robust legacy, that’s a change that matters.
The Role of Attitude on the Aging Process
While there’s no “magical” way to halt or reverse the aging process, there are ways to embrace it. Start by admitting that you’re getting older. Stop fighting it. Own it. Love it. Adopt a positive attitude. The world is going to move forward with or without you. Where some people get hung up is with the misconception that as they age, they have to fit in with the younger generation. This simply isn’t true. A more helpful attitude is, “I may not be young anymore, but I’m still capable of growing and I will continue my process of evolving until the end of my life.” Each time an individual acquires a piece of knowledge or improves upon a skill that helps them deepen their relationships, appreciate their past and current experiences, and leave a more robust legacy, that’s a change that matters.
Celebrate World Kindness Day: The Power of Kindness
Kindness is considered to be an essential and integral part in the quest of Tikkun Olam (repair the world). Performing acts of kindness, in other words, the mindful practice of engaging in positive affirming behavior with another, friend or stranger, has a powerful rewarding impact in your life and those around you. Kindness is expressed in many different ways—a smile, a kind word, landing a hand to someone in need, empowering the voiceless. All make a difference in the world around us and contribute to our personal ‘natural high’—a gift that keeps on giving in pursuit of Tikkun Olam.
Don’t Let Feeling Blue Get You Down
Everyone experiences sadness, grief and disappointment in life. It’s part of the human condition. When we let those feelings overcome us, it impacts the quality of our relationships and our enjoyment of life. Fortunately, there are ways to move past it. Here’s how:
1. Focus on possibilities. It’s what you can do that matters.
2. Adopt a positive attitude. Let go of grief, anger, resentment and anxiety.
3. Get moving and stay fueled. The little difference can have a big impact.
4. Volunteer and give-back to society. Giving is always more powerful and lasting than receiving.
5. Become an active member of a community. Whether it’s a spiritual, religious, or special interest group, connections matter and have a positive impact on your state of mind.
6. Meditate. It can help you find peace of mind, reduce tension and let go of stress.
7. Stay in the moment. Let go of the past. Don’t worry about the future.
8. Recognize there is no such thing as failure. One door closes, another opens.
9. Face the elephant in the room. Address what’s gnawing at you.
10. Practice gratitude. Not only does it improve your physical and emotional well-being, it increases your energy and makes you feel more connected to others.
The Elephant in the Room
Not infrequently, everyone, whether in personal or business situations, finds themselves facing potentially uncomfortable and untenable situations with peers, supervisors, subordinates, family, and friends. When the tendency is to avoid dealing with them, it’s commonly referred to as the “elephant in the room.” It means there is an obvious, obstacle, or challenge or that people are uncomfortable addressing. In many situations—personal or professional—the ‘elephant’ characterizes a pesky pachyderm that most of us cannot afford to disregard. Why? Because it:
• Distracts us from productive, creative work
• Delays our ability to move forward
• Drains our energy
• Damages the morale of everyone around us, ourselves included
• Doesn’t clean up after itself.
Avoidance in dealing with the elephant can prevent us from achieving the growth and success we strive to attain. Take a look around. Is there an elephant you need to address? Doing it sooner than later restores peace and tranquility to your life.
A Day in the Life
A “day in the life” snapshot of the airport hustle and bustle! Traveling vagabond FOREVER
# longevity
Life span and health span are not the same. Living longer doesn’t necessarily mean enjoying life more. Living with guts, grit, and gusto does!
Skydiving in New Zealand at age 84 last year!
Tikkun Olam “Repair the World”
Attended an annual Interfaith gathering held by @DublinCityInterfaithForum and got a henna tattoo!
All denominations were there to spread a similar message of faith, spirituality, and hope through participation in the universal calling of TIKKUN OLAM — Repair the World.
In The Face of Trauma
In the face of trauma—any trauma—degradation, hurt and suffering,
never give up. Live with guts, grit and gusto.
Your Life Purpose
People who have identified their life’s purpose live longer than those who don’t.
Living Longer and Personal Growth
Discover the connection between living longer and personal growth in the process of ever evolving.
Life Takes Guts, Grit and Gusto
Serving in the Israeli Air Force was not for the faint of heart. Between boot camp, border patrol, and the constant threat of danger, I was terrified, but I never flinched from duty. To this day, as in the past, I don’t allow fear to rule me. I’m counter-phobic. I take deep breaths and do what has to be done. On the other hand, I won’t invite danger. I don’t need to experience everything. Life is too precious to take unnecessary risks.
Message To My Mother
Message to my mother: Don’t tell me I can’t do it. Don’t tell me that because I’m a girl, I cannot climb trees and play sports like the boys. Don’t tell me because I’m a woman I cannot have it all—a husband, children and a thriving career. Don’t tell me to reign in my adventurous nature because I’m a woman. Just be proud of me, Mama. I followed my dreams and accomplished it all.
Life is a Chain of Marathons
Life is a chain of marathons you’re determined to run for the joy of finishing.
Selfishness: Good or Bad?
In the pursuit of passion, some people encounter a tug-of-war between being selfish and selfless. What I’ve discovered is that before you can take care of others, you need to be able to take care of yourself. It’s like the flight attendants on airplanes say, “If the oxygen masks drop down, put yours on and then help your children.” Remember, everybody matters. So do you. Life takes guts, grit and gusto.
What Pushes Your Buttons?
When people tell you that you can’t do something, how do you react? Do you react with anger? Are you immobilized? Are you indignant? Do you give it thought and consider options? Does a “no” response just make you more determined? People react differently when others do things that affect them in a negative way—whether through criticism, discouragement, opposition, warning or dissuasion. What I’ve learned is to stand back and evaluate the situation before reacting. While you may be upset, think about what’s important to you. Then take control of your life by exercising personal responsibility in the pursuit of worthy goals. By planning the steps, you need to take, maintaining a positive attitude and having fun, you can accomplish your life’s dreams. While you might experience chaos, uncertainty and setbacks along the way, remember, you are constantly changing in the never-ending process of evolving. How can you change your response to people who push your buttons?
Memories. We all have them.
Memories. We all have them, good or bad. But the truth is that your past does not own you. You own your future. Your past is just a toolbox to use whenever necessary. What’s important is for you to gain control of who you are, what you want to become and how you view yourself in the context of your life. These beliefs have stayed with me all of my life. I chose a life as a mental health professional, author and speaker so that I could participate in ‘TIKUN OLAM’ (repairing the world) and inspire and empower others vulnerable to abuse to seek a life well-lived. Remember, being engaged in ‘TIKUN OLAM’ is a choice. You Can Do It!
Yes, I’m a Holocaust Survivor
Yes, I’m a holocaust survivor, but that’s not how I want to be known. What’s far more important is my philosophy of life. Along my journey, I developed five core beliefs and practices, which have enabled me to lead a blessed and empowered life. Here they are. What resonates with you?
1. Life is an amazing journey. Life is a mystery unfolding. You are the lead character in the process of your involvement. No rehearsal is required or desired. You are the creative, authentic author and producer of your life script. Embrace your uniqueness with courage and positive anticipation. Face all challenges head on as well as the opportunities life has to offer.
2. Flex your muscles. To lead the “good” life, find your inner determination, courage and resilience. Follow your heart and set a vision for yourself. No one knows you better than you what will make you happy. You are the captain of your boat of life. Navigate. It takes a vision before you can generate opportunities. What is your vision at the moment. Ponder this question until you find one that inspires you. It is never too late to take a different path on your life’s adventure.
3. There is no failure. It will cost you nothing to dream and everything not to. Failure is a concept of the feeble-minded. Replace the word “failure” with “challenge” and you will create the readiness for the next opportunity. Reflect on what you want to do, where you want to be and go for it.
4. Hurt brings opportunities. Resilience is a life-coping trait that encompasses the ability to rebound from misfortunes. It means learning from disappointing life experiences and becoming capable of moving forward to your next opportunity. Embrace life with vigor and positive anticipation. Make sure to seek, maintain and nurture significant relationships with those who will walk with you through thick and thin.
5. Live life today. Your past does not own you. Live in the moment as if you will live forever. Be open to some of the mystery and unexpected occurrences that life offers. Curiosity, excitement and positive anticipation will support you as you embrace the unknown. Yesterday is gone and past experiences are now in your archive of references for you to use constructively. Take your next steps forward. If the results do not pan out the way you exactly aspired, so be it. You will still end up closer to your imagined goal than without having strong intentions. The journey is worth it because you’re worth it. You can do it!
Life Extension Is A Choice. A Desirable Goal That Is Achievable
Life extension is a choice. It is a desirable goal that is achievable.
Coping With Stress
Stress is a fact of life, and too much of it can lead to a shortened life span. To reduce stress and heal your life, try these tips and suggestions.