Maggie’s Thought for the Month: It’s Okay to Say Goodbye

All too often we try to make everyone else around us happy, and our own happiness takes second place. We play a tug of war in our mind- should I stay or should I leave.

One of the things I admired most about Maggie was her ability to make a decision and stick with it. Once, she waited a solid fifteen minutes until a toad finally came out from hiding behind the steps. She was staying until she got that toad- it made her happy. Other times, she would get bored with the other neighborhood dogs and just walk back to her yard. She didn’t care if the other dogs started to bark, she just kept walking back to her blanket & chewy toy.

During our lifetime, we will meet an eclectic group of people. All of the people we meet, whether we realize it or not, serve a purpose. Some people will provide the words of wisdom or physical materials we need to get us to the next step. Others will stay a little longer; helping us stand tall, and provide constant reminders that we are going in the right direction. At times, it will seem like we will never be able to survive without their presence. Eventually though, only a few will consistently remain in our lives for our time on Earth.

How do we know when it’s time to say goodbye, or feel okay when someone says goodbye to us? I’m not sure what the correct answer is, but I do know Maggie had the right response when the decision was made- don’t look back.

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Sometimes Your Destiny Is Behind a Closed Door

There are many quotes about finding your destiny. I can quickly recall the quote about when a door is closed, God opens a window. I’d like to think sometimes finding your destiny involves a little door kicking.

Maggie was always sniffing. She especially liked to sniff around things that she couldn’t get into. For example, the basement door in our home was always closed.  I would constantly find her sniffing the crack between the door and the floor- with tail wagging of course. Other times, she would be outside sniffing along the fence that enclosed our yard. If she found something of interest, she would continue to pester me until I investigated the area with her. She would not give up until her curiosity was answered.

Some people believe your destiny is written before you are born. I think life would be very mundane if that was true. No matter what you did in life, the end result would never be your decision. I believe we have many paths to choose from in life. Your results depend on how willing you are to take chances, follow your heart, trust your instincts, and, sometimes, be willing to kick in a few doors.

‘Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.’ William Jennings Bryan

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: It’s Okay to Keep Someone in Your Heart, And Not in Your Life

In the movie, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, Clarence reminds George that ‘no man is a failure who has friends’. Is it possible to have a friend who isn’t good for you?

Maggie enjoyed visiting with the other dogs in the neighborhood.  There was one dog that she loved to playfully fight with, and roll around on the lawn of this dog’s property. They would dig in the lawn together and tear at the toys. However, Maggie would never allow this dog into her yard, or play with her toys.

I was always told to choose my friends wisely, as they are a reflection of who you are or what you will become. What about that one friend who is always the daredevil -constantly pushing the boundaries, and difficult to eliminate from your life? What if your spouse provides more of a toxic relationship than a healthy one, but the good times are so much fun? Do we need to have every person we love also in our life?

Maybe Maggie knew it was okay to show her love to that rambunctious dog, as long as it was outside of her own little world; her back yard. Maybe setting boundaries for friends & loved ones shows our love is strong enough to keep them in our hearts, even if we can’t keep them in our lives.

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Difficult Choices Are Best Made With Your Heart

Growing old can definitely guarantee two things: you will encounter the responsibility to make difficult decisions, and you will learn to trust your heart more when making those decisions.

Maggie, as a dog, didn’t have the responsibility of making many decisions. Her choices typically comprised of choosing a toy to squeak & chew, finding a cool spot in the house to take a nap, or deciding which squirrel to bark at in the tree. One thing, however, was very noticeable about her decision-making process.  Once she made a choice, she was content.

Adults, when making decisions, like to have all the information regarding the pros & cons. We ask ourselves what may happen with a different choice, or how other people may respond- or think of us. As we grow older, life experiences help us to reflect on past choices & their outcomes. Often, we reach out to friends, family, or mentors for guidance and support.

When a difficult decision is made, it is our heart that gives us a feeling of relief & inner confidence that the best choice was made. Our heart reminds us of unconditional love, pure joy and feeling alive in the moment.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Body language tells a lot about a person. Is it safe to assume your body language can predict your outcome in a situation?

Maggie always walked looking straight ahead. Her legs appeared strong, and her stride was as consistent as a pendulum on a grandfather clock.  When she sat on her hind, her front legs were parallel to each other, and her chest was pumped forward. When she looked at you, her brown eyes gave the feeling that she could read your mind, and no one else in the room mattered. If a stranger approached, her back became arched and teeth were visibly clenched. A visit from family or friends gave the okay to show her tummy, and let the tail wag!

Our body language tends to adapt to the situation. At job interviews, we sit up straight with our hands folded. A night with friends may mean feet up on the coffee table, and uncontrollable belly laughs. Walking alone in a parking garage may have us alert and focused; while a stroll along the beach may find one deep in their thoughts- unaware of the people around them.

Whether we are aware at the time or not, someone else is usually observant of our body language. It provides others a ‘gut instinct’ if you are confident, approachable, or having a difficult day. One can often change their mood, and the opinions of others watching you, by changing their body language. Ever notice how politicians give speeches while standing straight, chest pumped, making eye contact with the audience, and using hand gestures to emphasize their focus points?

Maggie never spoke a word, but I always understood how she was feeling. Maybe people should talk less about how they feel, and listen more to the language of their body.

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: You Can Like Some and Love All

As a child I was told, ‘you don’t have to like everyone you meet, but you do have to love everyone’. As an adult, I finally understand the meaning of this statement. Interesting how dogs learn it a lot quicker than humans.

Maggie was very fussy about who she invited into her backyard. She immediately barked at any newcomer, then would slowly approach & sniff. If you passed her criteria (don’t ask what it was, I still don’t know), then all future meetings were met with a pounce of her paws & come hither turn of her head. What about the dogs that didn’t pass Maggie’s criteria? Most of the time, Maggie would watch them walk by with their owner. She would sit calmly by the picket fence, maintaining eye contact, but would never approach. One day, something interesting happened. A dog that Maggie wasn’t fond of was being heckled by a red-tailed hawk. The dog & her owner tried to continue their walk, while doing their best to ignore the bird. Maggie saw this and began to bark. She paced along the fence, while the hawk flew by repeatedly. Maggie didn’t stop barking. Eventually, the hawk gave up and flew away. Maggie went back to her resting spot.

We meet many people during the course of our life. Some people become friends for a time, while others become life-long relationships. And then, there are some people that we just don’t like. No matter the reasons for disliking someone, we must always recognize the need to love everyone. Everyone needs help now & then, and everyone deserves a chance to receive our love & kindness. We must never confuse not liking someone with hating them. The process of validating hatred towards someone requires a history of consistent abuse, neglect or evil behavior a person has knowingly & willingly conducted towards another. I’d like to think this type of person is a low percentage of the human race.

Maggie didn’t like every dog in the neighborhood, but she allowed them to walk by her fence in peace & quiet- offering help when needed. Shouldn’t people do the same?

Forty-Five Years…Forty-Five Lessons

Forty-Five Years….Forty-Five Lessons

by Linda Massucci

My birthday is July 23^rd. Every year, someone asks me if I am where I thought I would be at this point in my life. My answer is always the same- ‘I am at this point for only a day, and today I feel great.’ I do try to remember everything I learned from past experiences & become a better person. So far, in my forty-five years, here are a few things I’ve learned.

1. Always trust your first impression of someone.
2. You can have more than one true love.
3. Job experience is more valuable than anything learned in a classroom.
4. Just because someone asks you a question, doesn’t mean you owe them an answer.
5. You will never find true contentment at work.
6. A life of serenity starts at home.
7. Always look someone in the eyes when having a conversation.
8. Make good manners a life style.
9. Say ‘thank you’ to compliments and ‘I’ll try better’ to critiques.
10. Heartbreaks do heal.
11. Defend yourself when someone is yelling at you, but never match their tone.
12. Karma does exist.
13. Sometimes things just won’t go your way.
14. You grow more from failures than from successes.
15. Not everyone is going to like you.
16. If you have one true friend, you are better off than having five good friends.
17. When you are sick, stay home.
18. Never make a decision based on what everybody else is doing.
19. Marriage isn’t for everyone.
20. Don’t have children unless you really want them.
21. Never kiss and tell- it’s nobody’s business.
22. Be happy for other people, even if you don’t agree with their choice.
23. Give compliments often.
24. Smile a lot.
25. Mean people remind us what we are capable of becoming without self-respect and pride in our life choices.
26. Never try to understand someone’s feelings.
27. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
28. Don’t try to understand why the office idiot gets a promotion.
29. Do your best even when you think no one is watching.
30. Spend time with loved ones as often as you can.
31. Take more pictures with your heart, than with your camera.
32. Travel a back road at least once a year.
33. Treasure every sunrise and sunset.
34. Find peace within yourself, not from other people.
35. Talk to strangers-you will learn something new.
36. Show respect to someone even if you don’t like them.
37. Never let anyone insult you twice.
38. Not everyone you meet has the best intentions for you.
39. Always get three estimates when doing home repairs.
40. Never pay the sticker price on a car.
41. Always use coupons and ask about discounts.
42. It’s better to be admired for your ethics, than for your looks.
43. Travel as much as you can.
44. Pay your bills on time & in full- you will sleep better at night.
45. Remember all your blessings and be thankful.

 

Linda Massucci is represented by Hartline Agency. She writes family sagas, short stories, and about her travels across America. She loves photographing sunrises, sunsets and the beautiful landscapes across the United States. You can read her blogs, follow on social media, or learn more about Linda at her website: www.lindamassucci.wordpress.com 

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Birthdays Are A Blessing

I find it interesting as people age, many dread their birthday. This special day only comes once a year, and yet it makes so many people worry, reflect with regret, or convince one to make unrealistic goals.

Maggie’s birthday is April 1st. People who have never owned a pet may not understand why pet owners remember their dog’s birthday, but that is another blog. For now, let’s focus on the reason to celebrate the day a new life is born. Maggie was born the third from a litter of eight. She followed her father everywhere the first twelve weeks of her life. She followed me the remaining four years and nine months of her life. Maggie’s life wasn’t very long. However, she had fun, was loved, and made some great memories.

As adults, we tend to place more emphasis on celebrating children’s birthdays. The balloons, special cakes, and presents should be part of everyone’s childhood memories. If you visit a party store, you may also find party favors to celebrate those ‘milestone’ years. Shouldn’t every birthday be viewed as something special? Doesn’t every year count?

I believe if you live every day the best you can, you can live without regret. Every year brings a heightened maturity, and a realization that just having another year is a blessing. Some people, and pets, leave us sooner than expected. Some are blessed with many birthdays. Maybe we should cherish the quality of the years between our birth and death; instead of constantly analyzing or critiquing ourselves?

When it is the last day…. to say- ‘I had fun, was loved, and made some great memories’….that will be a blessing.

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Sometimes It’s Best To Not Say Anything

People love to talk. Sometimes words are used to be helpful. Sometimes words are used to be mean. How do you know when it’s okay to talk?

Maggie never spoke a word. Looking back on her life, I sometimes forget the fact that she could not talk. How could this be?   I knew when she wanted to be alone, and I knew when she wanted to visit her dog friends in the neighborhood. She communicated very clearly about wanting to eat the lamb chops cooking on the stove, or her dislike when company stayed past nine o’clock in the evening.

People with highly effective communication skills usually are very successful in life. They are able to articulate their thoughts and purpose clearly, while portraying a sense of intellect and confidence. However, what about when words are hurtful or attempt to destroy others? Do we match these words with words? In the story ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the fox receives this advice-‘Don’t say anything. Words are the source of misunderstandings.’

 Can you say more, without saying anything at all?

Maggie did.

Maggie’s Thought for the Month: Your Heart Sees Better Than Your Eyes

     Have you ever walked into a crowded room, started to talk to someone, and instantly liked them? Have you ever walked into a crowded room, looked at somebody, and just knew something about the person made you feel uncomfortable?

     Maggie was a delight to have in the yard while I was working in my flower garden. I never worried about an unexpected visitor, because she would let me know when someone was coming. If it was a stranger, Maggie would follow the person alongside our picket fence, barking for all the neighbors to hear, and letting this person know it was best if they kept walking. If the person was a friend or family member, Maggie would bark once to let me know we had company, and then run towards the person in anticipation of a treat or belly rub. Sometimes, Maggie responded in this friendly manner with people she was meeting for the first time. It’s as if she instinctively knew who was good and who was bad. I always admired this quality in Maggie, until I realized humans have it, too!

     When I was a child, I often wondered how my parents & grandparents became so smart. They always knew who to trust, and how to react in different situations. My parents often told me the common clichés- ‘Trust Your Gut’ and ‘Listen To Your Heart’.  As I got older, I became more confident to heed this advice. I also made a lot of mistakes which educated my gut and heart along the way! In today’s predominant visual world, I’d like to add this cliché- ‘Your Heart Sees Better Than Your Eyes’.

     Every day, our eyes are bombarded with commercials selling products to make our lives easier, news media constantly showing the evil acts in our world, and people who would rather destroy other’s dreams than omit to their own insecurities. However, every day my heart sees people graciously volunteering their time to help another soul in need, media working with organizations to improve our world for future generations, and a person’s dream becoming reality because someone realized altruism doesn’t mean weakness.

     Our hearts not only see better than our eyes-our hearts see people for who they are, how they will treat someone, and why we should share our heart with them…or maybe just bark & walk away.