Despite the uncertainly happening outside our door, we have to deal with what we may control. Of course at times, that seems like precious little. We must avoid the carousel of stress. Otherwise, we will not be able to focus on answers to the problems that will arrive uninvited.

We must answer with courage.

Along with stress when fear knocks we must answer with courage. We never know when we will be in a situation that requires us to stand up for what is right. Imagine the ills of the world that could be prevented if more people would stand together peacefully to stop hate.

We are so busy identifying why we are different that we lose sight of what we have in common. Procrastination is a barrier to peace. Stamping out hate and evil starts with each of us in our home, neighborhoods, schools and cities. My review of April 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi reminded me of a couple of things. You may be wondering, how may I help?

Especially today you may feel at a loss for how to help resolve the injustice of the worlds problems. Problems of the world almost sounds too big for anyone to even think about addressing. Yet, it should begin within our communities that we start to encourage and build a desirable world to leave all our families. Have faith the fog will clear so that you will see a path.

A path will always arrive for each of us to behave as we should. It may even arrive daily. More than likely it may even be subtle and something as simple as “calling out a bully.” An unknown Boston author wrote a statement that my Mom damn near wore out when I was growing up, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Words matter but actions give words power and residual benefits. It is one thing to say that you stand for a cause. Another level entirely when you put actions behind your words. It is hard to right a wrong if you become part of the problems instead of the solutions.

All of us live our own versions of wins, losses, heaven or hell. No one can look at a person and tell what path someone else has walked. When we see a person do we tend to look at the outer shell or even possessions? All of us are guilty of this at times. Does who you are or what you have define you as a person? What would you want someone to know about you that they may not see?

None of us are too old to learn. My daughter pointed out a couple of videos of “real life situations from past” where women made false accusations against random strangers. In each of the cases, the situations were filmed by a cell phone and surveillance which helped to show what was actually occurring.

Learning lessons from bad behaviors

From Cornerstore Caroline who falsely accused a young boy of groping her who only had the misfortune of walking innocently past her with a stuffed backpack. It would be nice if this was an isolated event but there is more from Permit Patty to Becky BBQ, Hotel Earl, Coupon Carl and so on.

Truly, the list probably goes on from there. If you have any interest in watching the videos, they are available on the internet.

Since when have to decided that “be our brothers keeper” meant to help the authorities police the BBQ grills in the park or check for permits of children selling water? When we contact the police or 911 with matters like this it prevents them from helping someone in real need. Why would anyone care who uses a BBQ grill anyway and be willing to devote a chunk of their day to it?

Movies, morals and more

Where does this bad behavior or sense of entitlement come from? Who knows but maybe they need a quick review of Bible’s Moses and the 10 commandments? In 1956, Cecille B Demille created an epic movie which is shown every year around Easter. As a young girl, I remember being enthralled with the movie, story line, geography and visual effects.

Charleston Heston was the good guy who played Moses leading the Isrealites through the wilderness for forty years on a quest for the Promised Land. Of course, the bad guy was Pharaoh Rames who was played by Yul Brynner. As a young girl I remember how captivated I was by the difference in these two men within this story and the struggle between right and wrong.

Yet, I also remember Yul as the strong bald guy rocking a side pony with full pouty lips and being sexy even though he ordered up the plagues. I won’t ruin the story for you but the 10 Commandments are created in this movie. It is only 10 statements but they cover a lot of territory and apply to so many things.

From the 10 commandments to the Golden Rule, we must find a way to live together peacefully within our communities. Clearly I don’t have all the answers because I too am still learning. Music is one tool that has for years pulled us together even though we have differences.

Despite how different we may seem, we will find a way to live together in harmony. April 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi has given me plenty of things to think about that have been useful to me. I hope that you are able to take away something of value from my reflections and become “one with the force.”

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Changing perspective in January 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi

Do you know Hoda Wan Kenobi? I am sure that you have heard of her by now. Surely a nobel and distant relative of Obi Wan Kenobi. Hoda Kotb AKA Hoda Wan Kenobi has written a book that provides 365 sayings and quotes. Aphorism designed to help challenge and change our perspective so that we may become one with the force.

Becoming one with the force in 2020

Reading one quote a day along with Hoda Wan Kenobi’s insight in January helped me to focus. It didn’t take me long to see the ways of the Jedi. I needed to up my focus and concentrate on using the Jedi mind tricks. Hopefully the tricks would help me to concentrate on my goals and get more hours out of each day.

J-Joy : A joyful heart will carry you.
E-Education is the tool to accomplish it.
D- Determination is the driving force to stay on task.
I-Intention is the path you set for success.

With the Jedi tricks at the ready it would be easier to fight against the evil empire. What, evil empire? What is it and how do I avoid? Basically, the evil empire is anything unnecessary that you allow to become an obstacle in the pursuit of dreams.

“Your focus determines your reality.”–Qui-Gon Jinn

Pursuing and catching our dreams gives vibrant colors to a gray monochromatic world. Do you want to live with only gray? No, we all want color and passion. Yet it requires us to become a very active participant in our life and the world around us. Be a force for change.

Are you an active participant? I find joy in education as it solidifies my determination and intention. My January 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi is meant to be shared. Read Hoda’s book, I Really Needed This Today . I hope that it will “keep you motivated, recharged and inspired each day”.

How do I use Hoda’s new book?

Each day I read the quote and Hoda’s comment for the day. Upon reflection of the daily notes I think about what it means to me. Then I select one of my photos that somehow (in my mind) ties the two together. Daily I post Hoda’s quote, my spin and a photo selection on my Dining With Mimi facebook page.

If you’re curious, check it out. Let me know what you think about my choices. Do you agree? Did I miss the mark? Are you more confused now than when you started? Did my words or images for January 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi make you think?

Find the force within you to act

Remember what Obi Wan Kenobi said, “In my experience there is no such thing as luck.” Find the force within you to see how you may make changes even if they are small. Avoid the evil empire distractions from your dream journey and path.

On the path you must find joy in education, let it help solidify your determination and intention. May you find humor in my Star Wars movie analogy or at the very least an easy way to remember the mind tricks. Find focus and hold on for dear life.

The galaxy is treacherous and it helps to have mind-tricks since light sabers are out of fashion. January 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi aka Hoda Kotb has been enlightening. So, “when have I ever steered you wrong?”

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While taking a break from picking up the clutter around my house, I reached for my new book. Not that I had any free time at all to read because the clutter seemed to grow when my back was turned. Almost to the point of a secret clutter conspiracy. By the way, when I locate the responsible parties someones in big trouble.

Looking for the finest thoughts

Meanwhile, I settled in my comfy chair for a minute and flipped through my book. Kotb’s dedication made me smile. What a brilliant marketing start to reel us all in from the beginning.

“If you’ve ever read a quote, nodded your head, and thought, I am not alone….this book is for you. “

Hoda Kotb’s gift is 365 points to ponder and her reflections. All of us love quotes that inspire us or give us a call to action. Websters definition of aphorism is a concise statement of a principle. Murray Davis defines it as the “finest thoughts in the fewest words.”

If only I could learn to create the “finest thoughts in the fewest words.” A bit stunned that I had not heard of aphorism before. Surprised that aphorism is not a man-tra for men and that they would all be discussing the values of aphorism.

As I settled into my new book I read the first quote for the year. After I read it once, I had to read it again. Clear concise and to the point, I really needed this message today and every day. Are you curious yet?

“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” Vern McLellan

Who is Vern McLellan?

Indeed this quote was attributed to Vern McLellan and I admit I had no clue who he is or his beliefs. In McLellan’s bio it lists him as a writer, speaker, musician, broadcaster and associate pastor. Clearly Vern had been busy and managed to publish several books. In 2000, he published “Wise Words and Quotes” to inspire and entertain.

Especially now that Vern and Hoda had thrown down the gauntlet, what did it mean? How would I participate in creating a great new year? What tools did I have at my fingertips? How would my actions participate in its formation? Did I have any barricades?

It should be noted, I had lots of questions and not all the answers. Yet quiet time would help me find the answers that work for me. Without a doubt, Hoda Kotb, Vern McLellan and I agree that “what the new year brings to you will depend on what you bring to the new year.”

Hoda Kotb, Vern and I agree on the “bring it” theory

Especially, Hoda Kotb, Vern and I agree that we are and should be active participants in our lives. Even so it is too easy to settle into a routine and go through the motions. On the other hand, what one thing can you change today that will bring a positive outcome to 2020?

At this time, what are your intentions? Finally, how may you “bring it to the new year”? How will it change you or others around you? If you decide to “really bring it this year” how will that impact the world (family, friends or community) around you?

“It is impossible to know how everything that we do impacts others. “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” ~ Dalai Lama.

Last but not least, what ripples will you create to bring it in 2020? Also if you want to share I would love to hear from you.

Book- I Really Needed This Today
Hoda Kotb with Jane Lorenzini
G.P. Putnam’s Sons

PS- 10 sure ways to keep your New Years Resolutions

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