...and hey it 's good to be back home again.

The words of an old John Denver song are in my head this morning.  “Hey, it’s good to be back home again.”  I’m not living on a farm, as he sings about, but it is good to be home.  No matter how great the vacation or visit with family, no matter how comfortable the bed away from home, there’s nothing like that moment when you lie down in your own bed, look at your own ceiling fan (still holding that layer of dust) and exhale.  Home. 

I’m thinking it would be easy to say I’ll get back to a normal routine on Monday.  But if I take off four days it will be wasted time.  I’m over wasting time.  I can’t recover lost time but I can do my best to make my hours count.  I need my minutes to count.  So this morning I’ll be back on the walking route breathing in fresh air and using my muscles.  Clears my head and keeps a good perspective.  When I don’t know what each day may bring, I can count on a walk to bring life into clear focus.  Nothing better to keep my head out of the sand and into the reality of what matters in life.

So I’m moving ahead and I’m determined to steer clear of those things that do not take me anywhere — like politics. Those conversations are circuitous and lead to nothing. 

I will continue to love God, unabandoned, and my neighbor as myself.  These words of Jesus dwell in my heart and mind.  They guide me.  It’s not easy.  I find it easier to put myself first, my ambitions first, my needs and wants first.  Simply moving behind his lead is where I need to remain.  He leads and guides us on the true path.  

I will continue to listen and speak less.  My den is empty, the cubs are full grown, and when they speak to me I listen.  I answer if they ask.  It’s a good rhythm and we all continue to grow.  I cherish the moments we have to spend together and keep the memories in my heart.  

Home and ready to move ahead.  Holding so much in my heart but not too tightly as everything is God’s.  He lovingly loans us time, our families, and necessities of life. 

Focused and ready to see what today holds.  Deep breath, exhale, lace up — off I go!

Who Loves Criticism?

Raise your hand.  Who loves criticism?  I’m looking over the audience I perceive to be reading this blog. No hands are raised. 

Think about this. Do you enjoy constructive criticism? I see a few hands.  Maybe, like me, you need a reminder of the difference between criticism and constructive criticism.  

I asked Google to refresh my memory. “What is constructive criticism?”  Google answered:

Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. The purpose of constructive criticism is to improve the outcome.

People who are revered for their wisdom are most likely those who give you the upside of the critique and then highlight the areas that need work with solid examples. They are people who come along side you, root for you, and realize your potential.  They have made the same mistakes and offer solid advice for learning and overcoming those mistakes. Their only gain is to see you succeed.  They are humble in their approach and do not critique to have power or control over you.  Again, the goal is your success.  

• Be selective from whom you seek advice.  If I want to plant a garden, and need to know how to balance my soil to suit the vegetables or flowers, I do not take the soil sample to the guy who changes the oil in my car.  I find the person who has the successful garden and is willing to share their ups and downs in growing beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables.

• Trust your own judgment. The story you are writing, the child you are raising, the product you are selling, the class you are teaching — whatever you are doing is your responsibility.  Listen to your gut instinct and weigh it against the constructive criticism or the negative criticism you receive.  There is a balance in what you know is innately right for you and what is being suggested by a person you trust.  

• Free yourself from those who only give negative criticism. Don’t let their negativity foil your progress. Don’t become bitter toward them or the advice.  Let it roll and let it go!  Continue to seek out the person who is constructive and wants to see you succeed.  

Remember: