Some months ago I noticed a new plant growing beside the cluster of plants by the patio outside of my office.  I loved the leaves of this mystery plant and wondered what kind of plant it was.

Then finally the plant grew golden yellow tops that look sort of like mini Christmas trees flocked in golden yellow. Now I was even more curious to know the identity of this plant.

And believe it or not, just days later, I got my answer. As I was reading the Houston, Texas newspaper, I spotted a picture with a couple of different types of plants.

The picture was in an article about gardening.  Looking at the picture I was drawn to the plant in the background. “That looks like the plant growing by my patio!” I said to myself. I was excited! Underneath the picture the caption told me that the plant in the background was goldenrod.

You may disagree, but

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I believe that motivational stories can help you, so let me tell you this one. It’s my own experience.

In case you don’t already know this from another story, I really love to sing…even in front of an audience! Since I don’t play a musical instrument, I’ve become quite accustomed to singing a capella, which means singing without musical accompaniment.

Lucky for me, I can stay on key through a whole song without music. My brother, Robert, a singer and musician, told me that not many people can do that. So I feel blessed with that gift!

When my daughter, Natalie, asked if I wanted to write a song and sing it at her wedding reception, I was thrilled. I began writing the song last year and completed it months ago. Then I began practicing singing it and also doing voice and breathing exercises daily.

I practiced over and over again…and then some more. And I only expected to be really good when I performed my song at her wedding. I never considered that I would do less than my best.

I also told myself in my twice daily affirmations that I am a successful singer. I had great expectations and positive thoughts….

Did all that practicing and positive thinking and affirmations pay off?

Here’s what happened…

When I sang at the wedding reception, in front of a band and before an audience of about 117 people, I wasn’t even nervous. Since it was a love song, I sang it looking at my husband, Brian. And I was singing with no musical accompaniment. So my voice was extra important. It was a challenging song requiring that my singing be exceptionally good.

After I sang my song, I received many uplifting compliments on my performance, as well as the song. My brother, Robert, said I was really brave.

It’s amazing how brave you can be when you really want to do something.

What is it that motivates you to be brave?

Do you have a dream of doing something that calls for courage?

How are you keeping that dream alive?

Do you cherish that dream and do things to make it happen?

With those questions in mind, check out these lyrics from my song, ‘Choose A Dream:’
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Although I’m a big proponent of using positive words as much as possible, I know sometimes negative words are just as important.

Why do you think that is?

How did the term ‘Terrible Twos” come about? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it regards children who are 2 years old. At that age children start to become somewhat independent. And they tend to do many things of which their parents and other adults disapprove.

When that occurs, they tell the child, emphatically, “No!” And the child hears “No!” over and over again as the days, weeks and months go by.

Those memories of hearing disapproval are embedded in the child’s mind where they most likely remain into their adulthood. For some people who unconsciously remember and feel the disapproval they heard as a child, I believe they crave approval.  So they do the opposite of what they felt when adults told them “No!”

They become “Yes” people. Anytime someone asks them for a favor, they quickly reply “Yes” or something like “Sure, I’ll be happy to do that.” They answer without considering possible consequences or priorities. And it’s not unusual for them to constantly stay busy with organizations and other commitments they make as volunteers.

When they over commit themselves, who suffers?

Are they so exhausted that they’re never at their best?

And does their exhaustion cause them to snap at their loved ones?

Do they spend enough time with their family and close friends?

Or do they neglect their loved ones to win the approval of as many people as they can?

How many people do they disappoint or hurt when they finally realize that they can’t do something they promised?

Have you ever had someone break a promise they made to you?

How did you feel when that happened?

Who do you know that fits the description I’ve given of a “Yes” person?

Is it you? Or someone you know?

Here’s the lesson. These are lyrics from my song, ‘The One Who Says No.’

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As we were eating breakfast this morning, Brian drew my attention to an article in today’s Houston Chronicle, “White buffalo calf is the ‘hope of all nations.’”

In the article I read that the calf was born on May 12, 2011, during a thunderstorm about 50  miles northeast of Dallas, Texas, on the Lakota Ranch owned by Arby Little Soldier. With its dark nose and eyes and marking at the tip of its tail, this calf is not an albino. The Lakota Sioux Indians believe this white buffalo calf with those particular dark markings is sacred.

They say that a white buffalo is a sign that we’ll endure hard times unless everyone lives in harmony with each other and Mother Nature.

According to Samuel Joseph Lone Wolf, a Native American elder, “It’s the beginning of a new age, new times. The birth of the white buffalo calf, it tells us we need to get right, not just with Mother Nature but with all nations and with the Creator, which is God.”

And I say, Yes! Let’s have more Peace, Love and Happiness!

What are your thoughts about the birth of the white buffalo calf?

Will it motivate you to make some changes in your life?

What prejudices will you get rid of?

How will you respect the rights of gays and lesbians?

If they get married, how does it harm your life?

Is it good to be judgmental of the beliefs of others?

Shouldn’t we all have the same rights?

What will you do to receive peace, love and happiness?

I have some suggestions for you in the lyrics of my song, ‘Let’s Create Peace’-

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