Category Archives: retiree

SOAPBOX of the week: Spirit of survival

Posted on by

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.”     – Gospel of Thomas

Our entire lives, we’re consumed with acquiring “the right gear” to survive “the game of life.”  We prepare for rough terrain, erratic weather, restless natives, and, of course, limited supplies!  Then we create safe havens in which to hide and hoard our gear.  It’s always all about “the stuff’ you can “stuff” around you.  Yet, when it comes down to brass tacks, the toys and tools aren’t your saving grace.  What is…is the “stuff” within you.  Gut instincts, a sense of humor, personal faith, the drive to succeed, integrity and the ability to love.  Trust that it’s exactly what you need to navigate safely, and your abundant stash will never run out.

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman

Pure Soapbox available nationwide online, where books are sold.

SOAPBOX of the week: Transcend the abyss of remorse

Posted on by

“The only thing you live to regret are the risks you didn’t take.”     -Anonymous

All the woulda, coulda, shoulda’s… confetti your life with little black holes of what might have been storybook memories.  A laundry list of experiences you’ll never get to laugh about, only shake your head in wondering what if.  So was playing it safe worth sleepless nights?  Not speaking your mind.  Declining that dance.  Not voting.  Not graduating.  Leaving the New Year’s party early.  Not quitting that horrible job.  Not going back to school.  Not telling the truth.  Not saying “I love you”.  Regardless, it all comes down to choices, not circumstances.  Stop stockpiling the regrets…you’ll block out the light of promise and possibility, and probably a heckuvalotta tears of joy and laughter.  Instead, leap with the faith that you’ll land on both feet…and stomp out that burning curiosity.  Then pull out those celebrations plans!

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman

Pure Soapbox  now available!   Nationwide 07.22.08

SOAPBOX of the week: Change is gonna get you

Posted on by

“Everything will change. The only question is growing up or decaying.” – Nikki Giovanni, poet and social activist 

Hey “fence-sitters” of the world!  Is you’re butt asleep yet?  Well, you chose to park it there and insist that it’s “comfortable” …after all, “up there” you don’t have to grow up nor face up to the tough decisions lingering below.  And things will remain exactly the way you like them: Familiar.  Un-changed.  Safe.  Well, here’s your newsflash: if you think sitting still means your little world is “frozen in time”…you’re sorely mistaken.  Literally.  Both your physics teacher and Mom were right: Change is the only constant.  And, since there’s no better time than the present, leap off the fence before you become a permanent rotting fixture!  Grow and thrive with the fabulous mix of change, and you’ll see, the view down here is grander than you ever imagined.

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman

Pure Soapbox launches June 25 2008!  Visit site of On-Camera Personality

SOAPBOX of the week: woulda-shoulda-coulda

Posted on by

“Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.”     – Euripides, playwright

Do they still perk up to haunt you?  Life’s countless regrets. The fashion trend you fell victim to.  Unexplainable hairstyles.  Person you dated.  Speaking your mind!  Quitting your job.   Spending the extra money.  Smoking this or drinking that.  Saying goodbye.  Saying I love you.  How about -that it’s taken forever to figure out what you really want to be when you grow up!  Pardon me, but aren’t you bored yet with the reruns, folks?  Unless you’ve got the power to turn back time, there’s no changing it.  And maybe some of those choices were really lifesavers!  Plus, the weight of grief…along with that weepy pout, ain’t making you any younger, smarter, or delightful to be around.  So dry your eyes and be glad you survived those not-so-fabulous experiences.  You might even come to laugh about ‘em!

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman

SOAPBOX of the week: Time is on your side

Posted on by

“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.”     – Douglas McArthur, American general 

Crow’s feet.  Laugh lines.  Crinkles.  Frown marks.  Scars of time.  Call them what you will… they’re still wrinkles. And unless you’re willing to sign up for a little, shall we say, “reupholstering” …you’re stuck with ‘em!  Or, perhaps it’s time you entertain a less defeatist and certainly more self-loving perspective:  Consider this view:  You’ve earned ‘em!  They’re the work of Mother Nature and Father Time, etching upon your face and body life’s storyboard of leaps of faith, risk-taking adventures, and determined soul-searching.  And for each experience you’ve embraced and perhaps survived to personal triumph, those markings might just become fabulous daily reminders that you’re really taking life by the horns!  Indeed you’ll still age on the outside, folks, but your inner spirit will remain young and vibrant with each new journey highlight you create.

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman

SOAPBOX of the week: Patience trumps perception

Posted on by

“Some people lose sight of the fact that of two evils, it isn’t necessary to choose either.”                  – Anonymous

Ahhh…the lesser of two evils.  Liver and onions or Brussels sprouts. Heartache or loneliness?  How about: a punch in the gut or a bloody nose?  Geez, what a fabulous selection.  Funny though, when confronted with lousy options, we still force ourselves to pick one, thinking: make it quick and move on!  Ugh!  Well, how about choosing neither?  And yes, folks…that is an option!  Because fifty bucks says exercising a little patience will open up space for a better option to show up.  Better still, it creates the opportunity for you to create that which you do want.  Why settle for the liver or the sprouts when chocolate cake is what you really crave.  And folks, Betty Crocker is just around the corner.

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman