“You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.”     ~Douglas MacArthur, US General

Funny how birthdays devilishly sneak up on us.  For some they are embraced with delightful dreams of frosted sweets, gifts galore and parties, parties, parties.  For others (and I am in that boat for sure), the adding of another digit towards another decade doesn’t make for a happy camper.  This last year seemed to not only careen past me but brought shackles of doubt, fear and despair… like I wanted to negotiate  for a lower bid, after all, I’ve still got so much left to do!!!    Alas, ’tis but a number, our age, right?  So, those of us trying to swap our deli tickets for hope of turning back the clock… stop the madness!  Embrace the potential in each day you’re given.  Work on your faith, your self-confidence, your hope and understanding and the result might be longer days, longer years, and a longer life.  ~KD

Copyright 2012 by Kimberlie Dykeman.

“The most interesting thing in the world is another human being-  who wonders, suffers and raises the questions that have bothered him to the last day of his life, knowing he will never get the answers.”     ~ Will Durant, writer, historian and philosopher

Enough with the cars, computers, collectibles… and crap, folks.  You can’t take any of it with you when you go.  And when you’re grey and gabbing about unforgettable memories… I’ll bet the farm and Buffet’s bank account that the human beings you knew will bring the most awe-inspiring images to your stories, not the stuff.

Get to know a few more human beings… really know them.  Talk like there’s no such things as things more worthy than another breath.  ~KD

Copyright 2012 by Kimberlie Dykeman.

“Each day it seems we have a gloriously befuddling choice:  battle the wind with our oars, or let it guide us with grace and fill our sails.” 

~  Kimberlie Dykeman, human being

Indeed to have the breeze at our backs we must first understand the quandary.   Then, of course, we must be willing to surrender…

Copyright 2012 by Kimberlie Dykeman.

“We’re all a little weird.  And life is a little weird.  And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness – and call it love – true love.”     ~ Robert Fulghum, author

And so, as we approach le jour de l’amour …I only hope that you look beyond the obvious to see how love cannot be confined, let alone definitively defined.  LOVE exists between you and another when things just ….click.  Period.  Think about this fabulous “weirdness” that is already living in your life… for it goes beyond you and your sweetheart or parent.  It reaches uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, mentors, coworkers… the list goes on.  You know who “clicks” with you… now think of the joy, delight, peace, laughter, perspective and relief which those relationships confetti into each of your passing days. 

Sure, Valentine’s Day may be just for lovers, but maybe this year you should break prescribed customs and Hallmark card categories and act a little WEIRD!  Choose to tell all of those other folks who complete you on this journey called life… that you love them too!     ~KD

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