79 WHO KNEW ...

As a result of domino effects, life sweeps us from one surprising adventure into the next.  For example, how could anyone know that a little girl, who'd lost a huge slice of self confidence (and thus a huge portion of my voice) on a bus would develop the desire to inspire children to associate learning with fun—which developed into my need to have fun while raising well rounded children—which developed into my need to inspire my children to embrace positive attitudes by way of balancing consequences with positive strokes—which developed into my desire to teach family communications at the college level—which developed into my having been asked to speak at professional conferences—where the publisher of a parenting magazine felt the need to approach the podium and ask me to write about that which I so fervently believed to be possible as the future unfolds—which led to my writing an article—which developed into a column—which inspired me to write a book—which turned into this blog.  And each time my ire at human nature's tendency to tear down our world grows too hot to handle—here's what I tell myself in order to cool down, re-evaluate my perspective, and regain peace of mind:

The world was messy before I was born.  It will be messy after I'm gone.  And life is short.  So for the short time that I'm here, I'll do my best to clean up my own little corner of the world—and every now and then, I'll take breaks  to relax and have fun with family and friends.  And that's my life's plan.  It's as simple as ABC ... and that's the truth.

So, who knew that as Annie's thought processor matured, she'd grow up to grasp the importance of developing a keen sense of self awareness?  If you saw Annie, cowering on that bus, how could you know that one day she'd feel compelled to gather clues, assemble bigger pictures, seek you out and ask for help to get her project off the ground?  Go know!
 
As I welcome you into my little corner of the world, you, too, may grow mindful of how often history repeats itself.  And as you watch my history repeat itself, time and again, then you, too, may come to understand why I believe that this grass roots movement is destined to develop positively focused, mindful connections—in its own good time.  I mean, seriously, no man is an island.  Fourteen countries, and counting.  I want to hold your hand.  :-)