Love has no agenda …

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One of the toughest and most rewarding lessons we can learn in our relationships: What’s missing is what I’m not giving.

When you’re open to this, you’ll see it. And it will dramatically change your relationship and your life.

I will never forget being curled up on my bed sobbing, trying to see how this was possible in MY situation … to find that it was both possible and precisely true!

And it’s very good news. You can give what’s missing and get what you want. … More

It was about 4:45 this morning. Sam was just leaving for his swim. I had just finished what I call my daily perspective (prayer/meditation). As I’m making the bed, this is what I’m thinking, “I don’t love my life because it’s easy. I love my life because I’m true to myself, even when it’s hard.”

I’m happier than I have ever been BECAUSE I’m more true to myself than I have ever been. That’s because I’m braver, brave enough to know me better than ever, and brave enough to be me.

It’s a brave new day! And I love you. Yes … I see you, and I know you. Because I know me.… More

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“What do you think about guys who call everybody ‘honey’?” asks a reader.

The habit reminds me of two stuffed dice hanging from a rearview mirror — or a waitress apron tied too tightly. We can’t lump all of the habitual pet-name-callers together, though.

Some of them use “honey” to express genuine affection, however indiscriminately. Others use it to bait an advance, or to express superiority or feigned familiarity. We can usually sense the difference.

The old man behind me in the grocery store warmed my heart before he called me “sweetheart.” The guy trying to sell me a newspaper subscription was looking for trust he hadn’t established. And the woman at the airport said “honey” in an I’ve-got-the-power tone when she told me I wasn’t going anywhere.

Lately, I find myself greeting the birds with “precious” as I jog. The air is still cool, the sun is rising, and I am fresh out of my morning prayer and meditation…everything is precious!

I feel the same (well, almost the same) connection with the birds and the squirrels as I feel with my very own sweetie. And I’m sure my words carry the exuberance and conviction of my heart. If the birds don’t know I’m sincere, the neighbors do.… More

God has been my rock, faith my sustenance. But they both require action.

The following quote from Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, has always been one of my favorites:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

I have found comfort over the years in knowing that I didn’t have to be the most talented or the most educated person to get the job done. It is progressively clear to me, though, that persistence develops talent and spurs learning. It uncovers the genius in each of us.

Persistence is more than determination and resolve. It is work. It is the effort that must be rewarded. It is the practice that makes perfect.

Persistence is not merely hanging in there long enough. It is learning what creates the desired result — often after learning what does not. It is honing your skill and refining your love.… More