A few days ago I started a post on kindness, Why isn’t the world swimming in kindness. I was unable to finish it at the time and asked for your opinions on why it isn’t. I thank all that took the time to leave me their thoughts, good points raised in each and everyone of them.

I posted the very scientific “according to Bill” stat. No matter where you go in this world you will find about 90% of the people are just good, honest, KIND, good hearted people doing their best to live their lives. Another 5% are what I refer to as Earth Angels, those going way and above the norm in acts of kindness. That leaves the remaining 5% which I just call jerks. It is important also to remember that on a minute by minute basis we can all float back and forth between groups.

Using that very “scientifically” obtained math at any given point in time about 95% of the worlds population has goodness and kindness in their hearts. So why don’t we see more evidence of it?

I believe in the goodness within people, and I mean all people. I think that fact has been proven right here on this blog. On various occasions my birthday, anniversaries etc. I have asked for random acts of kindness to be done, the what or for whom didn’t matter. All that did matter that an act of kindness that came from the heart had been performed somewhere for someone. With the goodness and kindness people carry in their hearts I have never been let down. I have always been rewarded with stories of wonderful acts being done literally around the world. i thank all so very much.

I do believe in the goodness, the kindness all carry in their hearts, we just need a way to SAFELY be able to put that to use, and literally change the world.

This is how I see the world today.

We all lead very busy, very hectic lives constantly on the run to get this or that done. We see it as we don’t even have enough time to slow down to care for ourselves never mind caring for others. (excluding family and sometimes I even question that). I can just speak from my own experience here but I know I got myself into an almost frantic mind set. I HAVE NO TIME. A valid point, or is it? If something is really important to us, we CAN make time for it. If we truly can’t then I ask is it time to look at the priorities in our lives?

We are shy and fearful of rejection. What if they don’t want my help? What if they thing I am butting into their business? What if they just tell me to f— off.

We are suspicious of strangers. This was really brought home to me a while back. I am usually up early. In the summer I like to take my morning coffee out on the front step and listen to the millions of song birds welcoming the day. it was like 6:30 or maybe 7:00 in the morning of a beautiful warm day. At that time of the day no one else is about I had this beautiful world all to myself.  I noticed a young lady walking down the sidewalk coming in my direction. I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention until I noticed that as she got closer to my house, she left the sidewalk and walked down the middle of the street. After getting a short distance past my house I notice she returned to the sidewalk. The thought hit me, she must have seen something or someone that made her nervous for her to act like that. Is there a mugger or someone lurking in the bushes or between our houses. I grabbed my baseball bat and went to check. No one around, then it occurred to me. It was me that made her nervous. At first I just thought that was ridiculous. I am one of the very last people you would have to fear. As i thought of it, I realize she didn’t know me and was playing it safe and understandable thing to do. We are fearful of our personal safety, understandable particularly for the ladies.

We are also suspicious of strangers, why are they offering to help, what are they after, they must want something. No one does anything for nothing. Again I can sort of relate. I have in the past even been questioned about this very blog. “What is it you are really after, what is your agenda”? Do I have an agenda, well I suppose I do. I want to try to help people if I can in anyway I can. I have declined awards and even gifts. Why is this so hard for us to believe someone may want to help, just to be kind

Some feel that for an act of kindness to amount to anything, it must be some grand huge gesture. “There is nothing I could do that would make a difference so why even bother?” That thinking is just so wrong. Every little bit matters, every little bit helps. Even the longest journey begins with the first step no matter how small that step may be it is indeed a step in the right direction. Something as simple as a smile can light up the world. The wonderful ripple effect.

I think it would be fair to say we would all like to see a better world, to be able to do something to change the world for the better. It just takes one simple act of kindness to do that.

I actually have more to say on this and was going to get into how we ourselves benefit from performing these wonderful acts. In my usual style I have ramble on for so long I have tired myself right out and will try to get back to it tomorrow.

Think of this. One definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again in the same way day after day and yet are still disappointed when the end result remains unchanged.

This can be applied to thoughts of ourselves and of the world in total.

Your thoughts please, how do we change this

Back to the computer for a minute, checked  email and found one of those wise sayings that I find to be both funny and true. It is just too good not to share.

I may have taken the liberty of adding one additional point can you figure out which one it might be. lol. I asssure you it is but my attempt at humor I am not serious.

Summary of Life

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats..

2) When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

9) Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

10) The best place to be when you’re sad is Grandpa’s lap..

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.

2) Wrinkles don’t hurt.

3) Families are like fudge….mostly sweet, with a few nuts

4) Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground..

5) Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.

6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy..

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD

1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional..

2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.

3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.

4) You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

5) It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions

6) Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician

7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.

2) You don’t believe in Santa Claus.

3) You are Santa Claus.

4) You look like Santa Claus

SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . . . not piddling in your pants..

At age 12 success is . . . having friends.

At age 17 success is . . having a driver’s license.

At age 35 success is . .. .having money.

At age 50 success is . .. . having money.

At age 70 success is . …. . having a drivers license.

At age 75 success is . . . having friends.

At age 80 success is . . . not piddling in your pants.

Pass this on to someone who could use a laugh. Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day. Have a wonderful day with many ! *smiles*

Take the time to live!!!

Life is too short.

Dance naked. woo-hoo

When dancing naked send Bill pictures

I am up and at it today. I feel a world better than I did yesterday. It was one of those days when it was not a lot of fun living in this body of mine.

Now, I know from personal contacts that not everyone has the time everyday to read all the comments left for me here on the blog. That is unfortunate as these comments most often contain wisdom far beyond anything I can ever say. Now that is NOT to say I look for only comments containing something profound, I appreciate ever comment even if it is just a simple HI.

In my writing I have been know to ramble on and on and on……. Well that is what I have done this morning. I received a comment with some very direct, good questions. I replied to the comment and went on and……

I am I suppose “cheating” today. I have several appointments and sort of used up my blogging time. With the knowledge that all do not read the comments I am copying the comment and my reply. Sorry about that.

47whitebuffalo Says:
November 4, 2009 at 2:19 pm | Reply edit

I don’t mean to be glib or insensitive, but as someone who cannot have this vaccine due to allergies to its albumen base, and as someone who would NOT get this vaccine even if i was not allergic to its contents–Why do you want it? If you’re already experienced the virus your body is already producing antigens to fight it.
Okay–just a question of pratical nature is all.

Now–why do you suppose the world is looking so different to you these days?
Is it all because of dying?
Death is the ticket to the next adventure—have you missed this adventure or is it still unfolding for you?

I hope by the time you read this that you’re more comfortable physically than during your bathroom visits.

What new and wonderful ‘think’ did you ’see’ this day?
shanti

Hello 47whitebuffalo, welcome to the site. You have asked some very good questions and I thank you for that. I will try to answer them in the order presented.
First about the flu shot. I appreciate your position with the allergies and all. You ask why would I want to get the shot as I am already experiencing it, good point. Well my body is definitely experiencing something with flu like symptoms. As it has dragged on for almost 3 months I don’t really think it is the flu. Even if it was the flu, I would still want to get the shot when available. There are, I don’t know hundreds maybe thousands of varieties, strains or mutations of the flu. How could I know if the particular flu I had and had developed the antibobies for was in fact this N!H! strain. Please allow me to ask you a question. Now, I am most certainly not trying to challenge your individual decision, but I am curious. Putting the allergies aside, why would you not want to get a shot that could possibly have the potential to save your life?
Why do I suppose the world is looking different to me and do I think it is because of the dying? Good questions but difficult to answer as I don’t really know for sure. Before all of this, I was caught up on the treadmill of life. Working long hours always too busy to slow down just enough to see life as it was. As it seems most of the world is, I was just seemingly fighting to get through each day as it came. Totally wrapped up in my own little world being the issue of the moment. I thought I was too busy to see beyond the moment. I was so wrapped up in my own little life that heart attacks didn’t even slow me down. Now I can look back and see how stupid I was at the time. Shortly after we discovered the brain tumor that is located in the area that effects my judgement. I like to think it was the tumor and not me being just plain stupid.
For me, I had to hear the “you are dying” words before I sat up and paid attention.
Now, my reality is I know I may not have a tomorrow, I may not even have this afternoon. In that way really I am no different than anyone else, life is a gift, never a given. It seems most take tomorrow for granted, the difference I think is I do not take it for granted, I appreciate what ever time I have and am trying to make the best of it and the most of it. I can now look back over my life and remember individual situations that at the time had me really in a dither, now I just think, geesh, why did I get so crazy over something that really is so small in the big picture of life. I admit there have been and still are times when I hear people complaining of their lives. I hear what they are complain about and just think to myself. Relax, that is not a big deal. Think about what it is that has you so wired up and then ask yourself would you like to trade places with me. That is suppose in my own humble and bumbling way is the message I am trying to get across here on this blog. Life is beautiful, relax and enjoy it. Look at the big picture instead of just the individual situation you may be facing at this moment. Look at issues not as problems but as opportunities to grow and learn from,
I totally agree with you. Death is the ticket to the next adventure in the on going cycle of life. Do I fear it? NO. My life has been an adventure and I consider myself a lucky man to have had everything in my life to this point. I am content to be where I am at this moment. Is the adventure still unfolding before me? YES and it will continue to do so until my last breath.
What new and wonderful thing did I see in my day? Well your comment was posted yesterday. Now my yesterday wasn’t my best day, I was not feeling well at all. In your mind it is difficult when in a day like that to see beyond that moment. At times like this a message can sometimes thankfully come from deep within. that message, I am a lucky man. I may not be feeling so spry at this moment but I know by tomorrow I will be feeling better. What I am experiencing for this short time is the daily reality of many, today and tomorrow as various diseases ravage their bodies.
Now, don’t take me wrong, I am not trying to imply I have all this down pat or totally mastered. I struggle with it daily, but I am getting better at it. God, sees us all as being human and as such I am sure doesn’t expect perfection. He does though I believe expect us to keep trying and that is all I am doing.
Wow, I just realized that in my typical Bill style I really got on a ramble here. I have a busy day ahead of me and I think I am going to copy this and put it up as my post for today. I know many that sign in don’t always read the comments. That is sad as more often than not, there is much more wisdom in the comments than in anything I can share.
Have a good day and I hope to hear more back from you.
Bill

Not feeling so very spry today. Wasn’t feeling so good yesterday and felt really guilty. Brother-in-law Henri was over to help with some painting, I basically just laid around watching him. Thank you Henri.

Something thought just seemed to hit me like a ton of bricks last evening. It was not a fun night last night. Let’s just say I spent a lot of time in the bathroom, with both ends in action. For the first time ever, I have had to postpone a doctors appointment. I was supposed to see my cardiologist this morning but had to reschedule .

Have been fighting some sort of a bug for over 3 months now. Doctor’s can’t seem to put a finger on exactly what it is. I think I just picked up a flu bug.Hey, speaking of flu bugs. Here in Manitoba anyway, daily we are getting information on this apparent possible pending N1H1 pandemic and of how the government and health official are prepared for it. Huh, on Monday I was turned away from a community clinic giving the vaccinations for it. It seems we have already run out of the shots. Knowing they were running out they came up with a priority list as to who would and wouldn’t get them. On that list are people with chronic health conditions, well that is me. BUT, because of this shortage the list was amended to people with chronic health conditions who are 55 years old or younger. I am 56, geesh.

Oh well, I pray daily to have God’s will done in my life. The shot I would have received obviously went to someone else in greater need than I, so be it. This shortage is only very temporary and I will get my needle in due time. This is another one of those things that I so often write about There are always 2 ways to look at every thing.

There is nothing I can do about this shortage. So, I have a choise to make. I can get my shorts in a wad, get mad, jump up and down, getting all stressed and  making myself really miserable, and then get my needle when the new shipment arrives. Or, I can just relax and think to myself. Well this isn’t the way “I” thought things were going to go. Oh, well, I guess I will just get it in a few days when the new shipment arrives.

Either choise that I make won’t change the end result, being when I do get the vaccination. What will change though is the quality of life, the enjoyment I get out of life during the time I am waiting.

It seems like forever, that I have had this 2 ways you can look at things idea in my head. This may sound strange and maybe it is, I don’t know. Overall, I would have to say that this whole “dying” experience has been beneficial to me. First off, hey I haven’t died yet now that is a really big one for me.  It truly has changed my way of thinking and the way I see the world. The change is remarkable, it really is like I am seeing through new or a different set of eyes. Through these eyes I see such a beautiful and wonderful world. It is the same world that has always been there, I just couldn’t seem to see it before. Does that mean I am suddenly blind to the problems or issues in the world today, of course not. It is just now, I see that nothing is as “bad” or “hopeless” as I may have previously seen.

I have been so blessed, so lucky to have had my eyes opened to really see the world as it is. For this I thank God.

Wow, I started this post off intending for it to be only a few lines saying I wasn’t feeling so well and would get up my kindness post tomorrow. In my usual rambling way I have just carried on.

Wow, I must have been at a big party on Sunday, it sure wore me out. But, wore me out in such a very nice way. spent most of yesterday dozing in and out. It was one of those really comfortable contented sleeps. You know when you sort of wake up every once in a while. When you do sort of wake up you just have that wonderful feeling, “ah, this feels so good I am going to just stay here for a while longer.” That repeated itself over and over for a good part of my day.

I am not really sure how to describe what I am feeling. It is something like “basking” in the warm glow of the feeling of love being spread around the world.

In the past I have often quoted a “Bill” statistic about the people of this world. I believe that about 90% of all are just regular good, kind, honest hard working people doing their very to get through each day in the best way they can. At any given time about 5% are carrying out their role as Earth Angels. The remaining 5%, well lets just call them jerks for lack of a better term. i do believe that no matter where you go in this world that is about what or who you will encounter. Now it is important to realize that the lines that separate these groups are not carved in stone and that each and everyone of us is in constant motion continually floating back and forth between the “groups”. Yes, I mean we can all be jerks at times, it all depends on the situation or circumstance. Just think about that.

Now using these very official “Bill” statistics that simply means that at any given time the vast, vast majority of people on this planet are wonderful people with hearts just bursting with love and kindness.

Now, I have to ask myself. If 95% of the population have hearts just bursting with love and kindness, why are we not just floating it it. It would seem to me, there should be so much love and kindness floating around that we would have reached the point, where if I reached to scratch my ear, there would be numerous kind people just waiting to offer to do it for me or anyone else. Why don’t we see that?

I have to go out. I was going to carry on listing some of the reasons I see for what is happening. Maybe, instead I will post this as it is for now. I ask you for your ideas on this. I will get back to it maybe later today or tomorrow for sure. Please give me your thoughts on this idea of mine.

How do you judge if a blog party was a success? Well I really don’t know as I have never been to one before. In fact I have never even heard of one before, although I am sure they are out there somewhere.

So I am going to judge it as I would any other party that being based on how much fun did I have? Based on that it was a GREAT PARTY. I had a wonderful time. I visisted with some dear friends and met some new people I now consider friends. What could be better than that?

Well, I can tell you what could be better than that. It is when your friends come with gifts. Maybe, I am a greedy guy but when I invited all to my special celebration, I did indeed ask them for a gift. Oh, what wonderful gifts did I receive. Gifts came from as far away as Australia and South Africa and I am not even sure from where else. I thank all so very very much.

What were these gifts that I ask for and received in such abundance. Simple random acts of kindness. I know everyone leads such busy lives and throughout each day perform countless acts of kindness without thinking or it or even mabe realizing it at the time. My request was that everyone specifically LOOK for a chance to perform one more, just one more. and then carry through with it. The gift to me was then, having my guests stop by (a wonderful gift in itself) and tell me about what they had done.

My dear friends didn’t let me down, to the party they came with their stories of the acts they had performed. All so wonderful, I thank all so very much, I am such a very lucky man to have the friends I do. I thank God for all. Yesterday, the world was indeed a better place because of YOU.

I believe performing random acts of kindness is always a win/win situation. Huh, I am just sitting here sipping my coffee and I glanced at my cup. On it is a saying that pretty much says it all: “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves”.

Any act of kindness when done from the heart is a beautiful thing.When it is done not because it is expected or done expecting some sort of reward, it comes from the heart. Performing such acts can’t help but begin to give us a warm glowing feeling within our hearts. As that feeling grows we begin to see ourselves for being the kind and wonderful people we really are.

To all my dear blogging friends, I am so glad you are exactly who you are. Wonderful, kind hearted, generous people. I am so proud to have you as friends.

Bill

I suddenly realize this is kind of awkward. Here I am in full party mode and I don’t know if anyone else is at the party. Well I guess only time will tell. In the mean time I am partying. Picture me doing the macarana, no idea as to the spelling even spell checker can’t help me with that one. I am going to just sit back waiting for 10:00 to say my little prayer and toast to the world.

Topping to pray, back at 10:00 with toast of goodwill to the world.

I genuinely mean this with all of my heart as I propose a toast to every person on this planet. “May the very best day in you past be not nearly as good as the worst day in your future”

I am not sure how this time delay thing is working or even if there is one. I am responding to the wonderful comments as quickly as I can. Can anyone tell me, is the a delay.

It is now 11:45 my time and I am worn out and heading for my nap. This has worn me out in a very nice way, I thank all that have participated so far. Please feel free to party on until I return in a couple of hours. Keep those comments coming and I will reply when I get back.

I thank you my friends for your support and for sharing your wonderful acts of kindness. Back in a couple of hours.

I am feeling a little nervous. I came up with this idea of having a blog party which is scheduled to start in a couple of hours. What is a blog party supposed to look like, I don’t have any idea. Any past experience i have had in organizing a party has consisted of picking up a case of beer and ordering a pizza. I guess I will just show up and see what happens.

Now I understand things are off to a shaky start already. From comments I read that my blog clock is set to the wrong time. Huh, until I read that I didn’t even know I had a blog clock. Hey cut me some slack here, I am working with a huge handicap, I am a MALE, that should explain it all.

So what is my idea or what is it I am hoping will happen? I am hoping it will be a small gathering of people, together to celebrate life. On a daily basis life is a gift not a given. If we can somehow come to appreciate that fact, can it is someway help us appreciate the wonderful blessings we have around us. Can it help us prioritize the things that are truly important to us in this life? I don’t know but I hope so.

I am celebrating the fact that I am alive. I hope that as any join me that they in fact will be celebrating the fact that they are alive. This is not intended to be a “Bill” thing. Yes, I invite you to celebrate with me the fact that I am alive, but please let me and all join with you as you celebrate the fact you are alive. So obviously as we can’t be together physically because of the vast distances that separate us, we can be together in spirit as we band together at the same time with our individual celebrations.

I will be signing on at about 9:45 central standard time (my time).
At 10:00am I will be saying and drinking a toast to all mankind:

“May the very best day in your past be not nearly as good as the worst day in your future.” My beverage of choise will be coffee but each to their own.

Either before or after that I ask all to say a short prayer of thanks. We often pray in time of need, sometimes we do give thanks for the blessing bestowed upon us in this life. Have you ever prayed thanking God for the very blessing of life itself. Please give it some thought and then do so. I am not going to be so presumptuous as to try to lead you in prayer. Please just do it in your own way in your own words.

I am hoping that we can then turn the blog into something akin to an open forum chat room. I am sure there will be time delays as posts appear so maybe patience will be required, I don’t know, more of the pesky male gene showing through.

I have asked that random acts of kindness be performed in honor of your say of celebration. Please share them with me.

It is an anniversary celebration for the blog also, if you have any memories of our time together that you would like to share, please do so.

Will be back in a couple of hours.

Well here we are, November 1st.. There have been times in the past when I literally did not think I would live to see this day.

Only once has a doctor ever given me a time estimate on how long I may have left. I was given 2 years if I am luck, and here we are a full 6 years later. Now for me anyway that is indeed reason to celebrate.

A lot has change over this past 6 years. The biggest change has come within myself, my thinking, my way of looking at things. It is a full 6 years ago that I got the “big news”. For me anyway, hearing the words, you are dying coming out of your doctors mouth, tends to take the wind out of your sails for a bit. It must have been something like a good year or so that it took me to get my head wrapped around that idea. It was a process that took time, my thinking began to change to evolve and still is to this day. I realize now that reflects spiritual and emotional growth an ongoing process that will never end, well until I end here in my present physical form.

I have so many people to thank, with out the love and support I have received, I would not be here to write this. First and foremost is my family, I am such a very lucky man to have been blessed with the family I have. Vi and my two daughters, Billie and Shauna. I have put them through so much. I know it is so much harder on the families. They are forced to stand by watching and waiting, feeling helpless, unable to do anything to help. Little do they realize how much of a help and a boost it is just having them at my side. A special prayer for them please. I am not even sure how many times it has been but it must be at least 15 or 20 times that Vi has rushed me to the hospital. Often having to drag me out of the door as I kick and scream about not wanting to go. She is then forced to sit in the waiting room, waiting nervously as I have been rushed to emergency. It is harder on the families and I am so grateful to mine and at the same time sorry to be putting you through all of this. I love you and I thank you.

My two brothers Eric and Robin so supportive. Eric living close by has  been called upon so so many times for help and support. He is always there for me and I thank him so much. I can almost see him wincing when ever he hears I am taking on another project, just because “I” can. My brother, sister and sister-in-law far away in South Africa always so supportive from afar. So many of my cousins have stepped up when needed. I will always have a warm glow in my heart as I remember the lawn seeding party. Vi’s family so supportive, her brother Henri a true Earth Angel.

So many doctors, nurses and all sorts of medical personnel have kept me going. They are all so gifted, talented and a blessing to me.

What has this “bonus” 4 years given me. Well if my math is correct it has given me 1,461 wonderful days, I have cherished and appreciated everyone of them. Should I not have had this time I would not have had the heart melting experience of spending time with my two grand daughters. Both are such beautiful little princesses. Within my heart princesses they will always be. Vi’s daughter Lynelle delivered young master Seth, to join his big sister Sadie. I have been so truly blessed.

What else has happened, well I had another heart attack, and the good news is I survived again.

One of the big events of this past 4 years is, I STARTED BLOGGING. What a wonderful experience this has been. This journal has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I am not even sure how to describe my feelings about this whole experience. I feel humbled, in awe, amazed and so very grateful. Plainly put, I don’t really understand it all. I am not a writer, I have never claimed to be one, yet somehow my ramblings seem to be able to at time help others. Of that I am very glad, but somehow can’t seem to feel deserving of the credit I at times am given. I don’t plan my posts, I don’t research them, I don’t proof read them or anything. When I think of it I do use spell checker but that is it.

All credit should go to our Heavenly Father. Prior to writing anything I always say a short prayer. I ask for guidance in writing something that may help someone, anyone this day. I pray that that person be guided to the blog on that day to receive His message. Let’s give credit where it is due which is really not to me.

I was going to thank individuals that have contributed so very much to the blog via their various comments. I realized though that no matter how had I tried being memory guy I would miss some. You know who you are, you know what you have contributed and I thank you so very much. I feel in some ways that I do owe you my life. Prayers have been said for me from all over the world, for which I am so grateful. The loving supportive comments have meant so much to me, on some days have kept me going. I owe you all so very much, more than I can ever hope to repay.

In ways it almost seems the blog has become my purpose for being. Or at least in my mind it gives me a purpose for being.

This has been a bit of an ego booster I admit. I have been called brave, courageous, inspirational and so much more. These comments I think must have been intended for someone else but wordpress got the lines mixed and they came to me by mistake. But, hey I am a guy and what guy doesn’t like to hear those things. I have been interviewed by the Oprah show, by documentary producers from the Discovery Channel, another from L.A. and one from England. Three separate people have contacted me about writing a book about me and the blog. Way back at the very beginnings of the blog, Ms. Lyndor Reynolds did a article on me in the Winnipeg Free Press. I am left speechless thinking, do these people really know who they are talking to, I am just me.

Since the very beginning of the blog, I have tried in my own way to focus on several different areas that in my current health situation I now see differently than I did in the past. Can we learn from the mistakes of others, I don’t know. If I write about how I see things now and of the mistakes I made in the past, will anyone learn or benefit. I don’t know but I can try. That is all any of us can do in life is try our best.

I have tried to inspire people to live life. I mean live it in a way that realizes the wonder of life and not to just endure it, endlessly plodding through one day after the next. Appreciate the time you have while you have it. A moment wasted in anger is a moment of joy lost forever. Life is a gift appreciate it and enjoy it, don’t sweat the small stuff.

I have talked about dying, facing your own passing or that of a loved one. Those with a terminal illness I try to encourage to live life to the fullest right to the end. If we allow it to happen we can stop living long before our bodies give out.

I have written to the families of the dying. Theirs is the toughest role of all. I have written to those who fear visiting a dying loved one.

I think I have shared my thoughts about just about everything one could think of. I always give the reminder, I am not a doctor, nor a therapist or a clergyman. I am just me, sharing my thoughts based on my experiences.

Way back some where I remember being asked if I thought I could change the world. I sort of felt a little embarrassed and laughed it off. Come on me change the world, now that is really a big LOL.

If I was asked that question again today, I would say, YES, I think I have changed the world. Now I imagine that has some laughing or thinking what a big ego this jerk has. I explain. We seem to have the idea that to change the world, we would have to bring about world peace or find a cure for cancer or something on that scale. Now there is no question those things would be wonderful to do. But, for many of use such acts are just beyond our grasp. That, though doesn’t mean just because I can’t do something big, I won’t do anything at all. We do what we can, we keep trying, and little by little collectively we can make a real change.

Kindness rules the world. It fills almost every heart, there is more than enough to go around. We just need to find ways to share it to show it. One definition of insanity is for us to keep doing the same thing in the same way day after day and then still be disappointed when the end result hasn’t change. We need to bring change within ourselves. Learn to show and share the kindness that is already contained with in us. I have challenged people to take 5 minutes a week to look for and then perform an act of kindness, the what the who the where, none of that matters. What matters is that you did it as an act of love directly from your heart. I know we are all busy but come on 5 minutes a week.

As I have done in the past I have asked for gifts on my special occasions. This anniversary is a special occasion for me. When you join me for the celebration please tell me of any random act of kindness you may have performed.

My blogging friends, I thank you so very much for being there for me, when I have needed you the most. Daily you are in my heart thoughts and prayers.

I love halloween. It is such an exciting time for the young ones. I enjoy going to the door, seeing the various costumes and handing out the treats.

I pray it is a fun filled, happy and safe time for all.

Well tomorrow is my big day. It is the 6th anniversary of the date the doctor told me I might have 2 years left and that was if I was lucky. Now that is a big reason for me to be celebrating.

Another reason to celebrate is I realize it is just over 3 years that I have been poking away here, sharing my rambling on this blog. A third anniversary, another reason to celebrate.

Plus, I see we are zooming in on 220,000 hits. Yikes more than I ever imagined that would be possible.

I do hope many will be joining me as I celebrate my life. It is my hope that as you join me you will be seeing it as a time to celebrate your own life. Life should be celebrated every day is a gift not a given.

Let’s please celebrate the wonders of our own lifes by going out and specifically performing one extra act of kindness. For whom the act is performed doesn’t matter, what the act is, how big or small it is doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we do something that comes straight from the heart a gesture of love and good will towards another.

As I think of celebrating the wonder experience this past 3 years of blogging has been. It gives me one of those reality checks I seem go get or maybe need every once in a while. I know I have written about my memory, it sucks and seems to be getting worse. I am embarrassed to say I even look at the contact list in my email and there are many name I just can’t remember. I know there have been so very many special times here and I also know so many I have forgotten. If you have any special memories please share them with me.

My tomorrows post I hope to have up later this evening. I will be on line from 9:45 until noon my time. I am not sure if it will work with time delays etc. but I hope we can celebrate together even if we are thousands of mile apart.

At exactly 10:00am I will be saying my prayer of thanks and drinking a toast to the well being of all.