I wanted to thank you all for your comments and feedback on my posts so for. I got notification that I have now posted over 100 times on morningswithron.com and we have over 17,000 followers. Please continue to share with your friends and family as we try and reach even more people to bring a little something extra to their day.

Also, I wanted to thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for my dad. The last month has been a bit trying as we deal with his diagnosis and try to figure out what it all means. He has the most amazing team of doctors looking after him and for that we are grateful. In his latest blood test his hemoglobin is the highest that it has been so far so we believe we are starting to see signs of the medicine starting to work. At $13,000 a month it should be doing something don’t you think? :-). We pray we will continue to see progress.

This weekend my brother and I will go to my parents and convert their bathtub to a shower so that it will make it easier for him (and my mom) to get in and out. The medicine is making him quite tired and that makes it more difficult to make the step over. It is a reminder in times like these the love we have for each other and how family comes together in their time of need.

That’s all for now. Just wanted to say thank you for being you and allowing me to share each day with you.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Yesterday, I came across a quote by Debbie Gibson (think 80’s singer) that said, “live your life facing forward, not looking back at your past.” So few words for such a powerful statement and it caused me to start to evaluate how I live my own life. Am I guilty of living in the past? Sometimes, as I think we all are. But mostly I try and focus on the hopes of tomorrow and that is what seems to fuel my soul.

There was a time in my life where it was all about the past. I focused on the things I had not done right. I wondered if the career path I chose could have been better. I wasn’t sure if I should have stayed in college rather than going in the military. So many questions that at the time seemed to have very few answers. However, I believe the older we get, the easier it is to look back on life as a whole and evaluate if the paths that you chose were really the right ones.

In all, my life has been pretty amazing. It was the dark times that became the stepping stones to the better ones. It was the trying times that prepared me to accept the good times and enjoy them for what they offered. Every decision I made along the way resulted in exactly where I am today. I learned from the bad decisions and altered course to make sure that I didn’t repeat the same mistakes. I enhanced my focus on the good decisions so that they could help guide me to an even better place than where I was.

I think to some degree we all focus on our past.  It is our past that has brought us to our present. I think what Debbie Gibson was trying to say was that if we only live our life in the past we never get to the point where we can live life facing forward. At the end of the day what kind of life is that?

Think about it. We have no ability to change the last second that just happened. Yet we have every ability to change every second that comes next. Letting go of the past, yet using those experiences as learning tools, gives us the opportunity to make those next seconds something special. The entirety of the next moment rests in our hands and only we have to power to determine its outcome.

When times are tough and all we seem to be dealing with are problems, the hope for a better tomorrow becomes difficult. However, it is that very hope that helps us get to the better tomorrow and why it is so important for that hope to be maintained. Have you looked at how you live your life lately?  Are you living in the past or are you living a life facing forward? My hope for you is that you are living the latter.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Do you ever feel like in life you strive to take two steps forward and something comes along to move you four steps back? We really want to succeed but sometimes it seems like we are hitting our heads against a brick wall at every turn. In those moments we are forced to make a decision. Do we move ahead and work to persevere, or do we simply give up and move to plan B and C and maybe even D?

When I started the Bring Smiles to Seniors program, I did it with absolutely no resources. I invited my friend Linda to go on the journey with me and I had no idea where that journey was going to take us. I had an MBA, so I wasn’t worried about the business aspect of running a non-profit. However, as anyone who has done it can attest, setting one up and getting your 501 (c)(3) is no easy process. Then of course there is the money required for filing fees, stationary, advertising, logo creation, cards, supplies and the list goes on. The first year of the program I spent a great deal of my own money, in addition to some wonderful contributions from my friends, family and a few unknown people to bring this program to life. I did it because I had a dream.

There were a lot of questions the first year. Where would the cards come from? How would we get them decorated? How would they get delivered? How would we line communities up that would receive the deliveries? We had periods where we had no cards or money and we dug into our personal coffers to keep the program going. At times it seemed that it was just too much. We were spending nights and weekends on the program (some of us have full time jobs) and at one point I considered just throwing in the towel…but I just couldn’t.

What holds us back is fear of the unknown, not believing in ourselves and the unwillingness to take a chance. We often want to go for the things that are guaranteed rather than the things that come with risk. People make fortunes because they were willing to take the risk that most of us can’t stomach. People build empires because they believe in themselves enough to see through the bad times. We built this program because we believe in what we do and the impact that it has on our senior community and children.

Because we believed and refused to be held back, Linda and I soon because six. One by one our team volunteers came on board at just the right time. In my heart I knew the people that I chose were the people that were supposed to be in this program because they had the same drive and stamina that we had. Renee, Diane, Liane, Becky and Linda all had unique abilities that contribute to the program as individuals, to create what is the whole. Then of course there is our amazing card artists, decorators and supporters that join our journey and never leave.

Because we believed and never gave up, over 50,000 cards and smiles have been put in the hands of seniors. We have delivered to all 50 states twice (some more) and have hundreds of regular community deliveries. We deliver thousands of cards to seniors at home. Do we still face adversity? Every day. As we grew we had to move from in person deliveries to mailing to activities directors to distribute to their residents. As a result our postage costs are are now our main expenditure. Most of the time we are lucky to have just enough in the bank at any given time to cover future expenses and mailings. Yet, every time it seems like we may be done, more packages arrive, an unexpected donation shows up and we find a way to keep the lights on so that seniors can smile another day.

So in the end, what holds us back? As far as we are concerned in the Bring Smiles to Seniors program, nothing. Why? Because we won’t let it. We understand our mission, our place in the world, and most of all our purpose for being. Put all that together and that is the recipe for why being held back is not an option.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

You have seen me write a lot about friendship and there is a reason for that. I truly believe it is a solid base of good friendships that help make our life full. When you find people that nourish your soul, you know that those people have come into your life for a reason and it certainly did not happen by chance.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going to brunch with my group of ladies that I play Mah Jongg with. We were celebrating two of the groups birthday. As I sat at the head of the table I looked around at each of their faces and counted my blessings for how lucky I am to have them in my life.

There is a reason that this group of ladies is so special. A year ago April I was invited into this group that had been playing together for years. If you know anything about the Mah Jongg world, these groups form bonds that often last a lifetime. Here I was, someone who had just learned the game (which was bound to slow them down in their game), someone they had never even met before and most of all a guy (which is rare in the Mah Jongg world). Yet despite all of that they welcomed me with open arms. I was originally supposed to be a substitute for one of the players that was gone for the summer, but it wasn’t long before I became a full fledged member of one of the most amazing group of women you would ever meet.

When I watch how this group cares for, supports and holds each other up it is magical to watch. They celebrate the ups and are there for each other in the downs. In reality, isn’t that what true friendship is all about? When friends make you laugh, make you cry and you always leave them with a warm feeling inside you know that you have something special.

I am a firm believer that people do not come into your life by chance. They come into your life because they are supposed to be there. They also come into your life at exactly the time they were meant to. That is what keeps life interesting and causes us to look forward to the next adventure with them.

When I looked around the table at my friends I saw different faces, personalities and demeanors that all culminate into one beautiful and amazing group. On this day I hope for you the same. Finally, always remember that when you are lucky enough to experience these kinds of friendships, we have an obligation to nurture, protect and appreciate them. Most of all be thankful for the gift of friendship that they have bestowed on your life. I am lucky to have found my friends and they are truly food for my soul.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Have you ever had that moment when your body and soul are trying to tell you something but you just can’t quite figure out what it is?  There is something you are supposed to know, yet you are just too busy trying to get on with your day and life that you don’t take the time to stop and listen? Finally, when you do figure out what it was, you wish you had listened because it would have been better to know sooner.

This morning, I am going to share a personal story that reminds us all of the importance of listening to our body and soul when it is trying to speak to us.

About eight years ago, I woke up one morning with a very weird feeling. This particular morning I sat up in bed and all of the sudden a voice inside of me told me that I needed to schedule an endoscopy (a procedure where they go down through your throat and take a look at you from the inside). I had been on acid reflux medicine for many years and had an endoscopy done back when they put me on the medicine, but that was six or seven years prior.  The doctor had never told me I was supposed to have them periodically to check things out because I had been on the medication for so long. However, this particular morning my inside doctor was speaking loud and clear.

For once I listened, promptly found a gastrointerologist and made an appointment. Within a week I was scheduled for the endoscopy. I expected it to be routine.  I was young…well younger in my 40’s, healthy, feeling fine and absolutely no symptoms. When I sat down with the doctor post the procedure, I was floored by what he told me. He spouted out a bunch of words I couldn’t understand and recommended that I see a specialist within the week, which I did.

To make a very long story much shorter, I discovered that I had a gastro intestinal stromal tumor (GIST) which was very rare at the junction of my esophagus and stomach. I had never even heard of these tumors and went to work doing my research.  Anyone who has had anything will tell you that researching what you have on the internet rarely is good experience.  I learned that there wasn’t a lot known about these types of tumors because they were so rare, that catching them early was key and that they almost always turn to cancer.

Fortunately for me, I had a great set of doctors. I underwent surgery where they removed the tumor and a piece of my stomach where the tumor was located and waited patiently for the lab results to come back. Finally, the news came that we had caught it in time.  It was benign and they were able to remove it with great margins. Today, other than having an endoscopy every five years, so far no return of the tumor or any new ones.

I learned a lesson that day to always listen to my body and soul. It often speaks to us and lets us know that it needs attention.  It is incredibly important that we take the time to stop, listen and devote the time and energy to understand what our body and soul are trying to say.  I listened that morning. Because I did  I am still here doing the work that I was supposed to do in this lifetime.

The next time your body and soul are trying to send you a message, whatever it may be, listen. If we don’t take care of ourselves first, it makes it impossible to take care of others. When we believe in our own importance and remember that we have a purpose for being here, even if we haven’t discovered it yet. In time we will, if only we choose to listen.

Have a great weekend and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Yesterday, on my Facebook news feed this image came up that I posted a year ago. It said” The most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” Going through the Lymphoma diagnosis with my dad made this reminder even more meaningful than it was a year ago.

How many times during the course of our lives do we pass on doing what we actually want in the moment, in hopes that we will get to it some day? Opportunities come our way to have experiences that we simply put off till tomorrow, in hopes that we will get to it at some point. However, when tomorrow never comes we find ourselves wishing we had, rather than enjoying the memories of what could have been.

When is a better time than right now to do the things we want? How do we know years from now our desire will still be there? In fact, how do we know that our circumstances wont change that make it impossible to enjoy what might have been? We don’t… and that is the issue.

I believe that life is made more meaningful by living it to the fullest. When it presents us with opportunities, we owe it to ourselves to maximize those opportunities to nurture our souls. Positive life experiences are what makes it meaningful. At the end of the day a meaningful life is what we all strive for.

The next time that you are presented an opportunity and you hesitate, ask yourself if you can guarantee that the opportunity will present itself again? Are you positive that you will be in the same position to accept and enjoy it if it does? If your not so sure, try something novel and grab the opportunity while you can and in turn make your life just that much more special.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

Today I was out doing errands and I happened to get behind a car that was going really slow. I was boxed in and I couldn’t get around them because of the traffic on both sides of me. The longer I was stuck the more frustrated that I became and I could feel my blood pressure rising. All of the sudden I began to think.

Why in the world did it matter? Where was I going that it was so important that I get there any faster than what traffic was permitting? Most of all, what was I gaining by getting all frustrated when ultimately I was going to wind up at my destination anyway? I am sure this is a feeling that we all experience every day as we are out and about.

After thinking about this, I began to wonder how much this pertains to our every day life. Time moves fast and it seems to get faster every year. I believe that part of the reason for this is that we just don’t take the time to slow down. We are in a hurry to get places. We are in a hurry to get things done. We are often so much in a hurry that we don’t take the time to actually enjoy experiences presented to us. Before we know it days, weeks and months have gone by. When we look back over that period and try to remember what we did, it is so jumbled that often the memories are clouded and we just forget the past.

Imagine if we were to force ourselves to slow down and actually experience and enjoy what life is offering. Longer meals where we can enjoy the company we are with and savor the food that has been prepared. Hanging with friends and being present rather than tethered to our electronic leashes. Taking time to have conversations with our family and friends and actually listening to what they have to say. My guess is if we did this time would naturally slow down as we focus on the moment and enjoy what it is offering.

I always tell people that we get one chance at life. There are no do overs. I for one do not want to be one of those people that get to the end and say I wish I would have. I want to be the person that makes the most out of each and every day understanding that tomorrow is never promised. I want to get to the end and say I am glad I did. Shouldn’t that be something we all strive for? Really, why the hurry?

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles today.

Ron

Tonight I went to visit my friend that is in rehab after having knee surgery. It so happens that it turned out to be one of the senior communities that we regularly deliver cards to that is also a rehab center. As I sat around the table with her mom and a mutual friend of ours I got to thinking.

There is something that clicks inside us when we have a friend or family member in need. It is almost as is we have ESP or a second sense to anticipate what they want and need. Sometimes they ask for help and other times we just instinctively know what we are supposed to do to ensure that they are taken care of.

In our lives we have a community of people around of us that we know would drop anything to be at our side when we need them. It is a test of true friendship. Sometimes the hard part is getting the person that is in need to actually let you do for them. You walk the fine line of respecting their individuality while helping them understand their limitations so they will actually allow you to assist them. When we know we have a list of people who we know would be there when we need them most, it is then that we are truly blessed.

Unfortunately, there are people who aren’t so lucky to have that support group. Either they have no family left, their friends have passed or they just don’t have anyone who cares and are left to fend for themselves. It is those very people that we try to address with our program to make sure that they know that they are not forgotten and are loved.

If you are one of those people lucky enough to have that community of friendship that you know will always be there for you, think about them today. Appreciate and love them knowing that there are those that are not so fortunate. If you have friends in need, heed their call when they let their guard down and actually ask for help. We all find ourselves in that position of need at one time or another and it is during those times that we always take care of our own.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

As we go through life, there are many instances where we set out to do something and seem to hit a brick wall. Or, we think we can do something and all people tell is us is that it isn’t possible or we can’t. We hear no so often that we start to doubt our own abilities and begin to believe that they may actually be right.

Growing up this was a problem that I faced early on. I didn’t have the greatest self esteem and it wasn’t hard for me to let people feed my own self doubt. However, at some point something changed in me and failure no longer became a viable option. In fact, if people told me no then I would make it a mission to find any way possible to turn that no into a yes.

Perhaps it was because I liked a challenge. Maybe I needed to prove to myself how strong I was. There is even the possibility that I just wanted to prove to the person telling me no that they were wrong. The more that I did that, the more sure I became of myself and soon it wasn’t about proving them wrong but about proving to myself my own capabilities.

When we set out to do something, the only limitations on the ability to accomplish our objective are the limitations that we place on ourselves. Often at the first sign of adversity we abandon our effort, when in reality if we persevere a little more sometimes we learn that we were often just out of reach of our goal. When exerting that extra perseverance winds up in success, the feeling that we get from accomplishing our objective can be quite amazing.

Think about the times when someone said no to you and you simply say OK. Who is to say they were right? How we do know that their effort to keep us from doing what we wanted to do was simply because it was something they wanted for themselves? That is why it is incredibly important to follow your gut, listen to your heart and exhaust all avenues before you give up.

As I said earlier, the only limitations that have are those that we place on ourselves. Think about that the next time you want to accomplish something. Never let anyone get in the way of accomplishing your goal. We can be our own best friend or our own worst enemy. I for one choose the former.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

I was watching a movie the other night and it had a quote about hope in it. The quote was “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.” This got me to thinking about how much hope plays a part in our every day lives.

Just about everything we do has a degree of hope associated with it. We hope we are successful. We hope for a good life. We hope for health. When someone is sick we hope they are better. When we go to bed we hope we wake up in the morning. It would be very difficult to think about a moment in your day where hope doesn’t play a part somehow.

I believe that having hope is what keeps us going. There is always a chance for a better tomorrow as long as we have hope. Even when things seem hopeless, we almost always hope they get better. As long as we believe that there is always a chance for things to be better then hope survives. It is when we lose faith that things can improve that hope starts to diminish.

When I was a boy, I hoped that my life would be meaningful. That in this lifetime I would make my mark on the world and leave it a little better off than I found it. At this point in my life I truly believe that that hope has become a reality. Believing in a better tomorrow has always kept me going and I think that is what drives the ambition to keep hope alive.

So, today I hope for all of you the gift of strength to go after your dreams, turn them into realities and make your life as amazing as it can possibly be. Everyone deserves to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled and they can be as long as you believe.

Have a great weekend and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron