Susan Ricci has wise words for us today as we near the end of our Positivity Blog Tour.

http://www.susanjeanricci.com/blog/just-be-a-little-kinder

Savannah Morgan gives us a much needed shot of positive reinforcement.

http://savannahsthoughtgarden.blogspot.com/2015/06/from-challenge-to-gain.html

Join Jen Winters as she shares the talents of our very own Julie Nicholls in 'Let's Talk About Stress Relief'.

http://wp.me/p5ysdD-cX

 I was reading the previous posts by my fellow bloggers and all are excellent, sharing personal takes on being positive. We all need reassurance from time to time, and if you've been reading, there are so many ways to receive this, whether it is from within or from another person. 

My father always told me that I had a choice to decide, each day, that I was going to greet that day with a smile and I have always tried to do so. We can't control everything that happens, but we can put ourselves in a positive frame of mind and that will help with what the day brings. 

When there are times when nothing seems to be going well, I try to think of what blessings I have and what I am thankful for.

So here is my latest list:

I love my fellow bloggers...Mistral Dawn, Julie Nicholls, Savannah Morgan, Jen Winters, and Susan Ricci. They have enhanced my life immensely and brought me friendship, support and laughter.

My family gives support in their own quiet way, sometimes with just a touch.

Paulette two doors down knocks on my door unexpectedly to bring me a dozen homemade yeast rolls which I confess I can't resist, consuming far more than my share.

 My daily discussions with a dear friend on facebook are the highlight of my day and there are no holds barred. which really makes me chuckle.

The hummingbirds are a sweet delight as they carry on their aerial battles over the feeder.

I think you get the idea. Make your own list either mentally or written. Refer to it often. You'll find that it changes as you do and as the times dictate. Life can be difficult with losses, illnesses, etc., but if you try to keep a bit of a smile in your day, it can go a long way toward helping your mood and in turn, your health.

Peace.

THE MIRACLE

Mom belonged to a group of women affectionately known as the Eufaula Eight or So. They were all middle-aged and belonged to our local Methodist Church. Being together for over twenty years had given them the perspective of time and wisdom. I always wondered what they discussed and was usually given the cryptic answer, "Whatever happens to fall out of the sky".  I did know that they had a list to pray for each week.

One Saturday morning, I was up early, made my coffee, and left for the local church where our choir was to give a concert. Upon my arrival, I discovered that the air conditioner wasn't working. It was the middle of June, one of those early hot days that you don't expect, one that takes your breath away with its arrival. If it's something I can't stand, it's being hot and not able to escape it. I was miserable. Also, having to sit on a narrow window sill of one of the church windows didn't help. I was becoming increasingly agitated with each passing moment.

Suddenly, I found myself walking down a cool forest path.  The trees formed a canopy overhead. The sunlight played over the leaves making ever-changing patterns on the forest floor. As I walked, I delighted in the sounds and smells of the woods I loved. The path led to a shady pool surrounded totally by trees and bushes. A huge rock covered with moss was at one end with smaller rocks nearby. I found myself in the water, sinking in in the cool green, with sunlight filtering through. It was the calmest feeling I had ever experienced...perfect peace.

 I was back in the church, sitting in the same window, no longer agitated, hot, or hurting. I looked over the faces in the crowd, some familiar, most not. Who had given me this perspective, this gift of calm and peace? I received no affirmation, no acknowledgement. I couldn't wait to get to the phone to mom and our usual Saturday morning conversation. As I related the events, she remained silent, making no comment. When I had completed my wondrous revelation, she uttered five words that would have an effect on me for many years...."I'll be damned, it works".

She and her group had created a 'soul pool' in which they placed all their children and the people on their prayer list. They did this each morning at the same time, faithfully, through their many years together.  I had described the pool and surrounding woods perfectly down to the smallest detail.

Mom and I shared many psychic connections through the years. Those waned when my son was born. The 'soul pool', however, remains vivid to this day, a testament to her unending spirit, her quest for knowledge, and her belief in a rewarding hereafter.

Today, we'll hear from Mistral Dawn as she gives us timely advice.

http://mistralkdawn.blogspot.com/2015/06/positivity-blogtour-say-something-nice.html

Susan Ricci steps outside the box in today's post.

http://www.susanjeanricci.com/blog/rock-your-positivity-step-out-of-the-box