"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. I just got one last thing, I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going."
Dear Diary,
It’s Sunday, so I presume it’s time to glance back over my week to review what has transpired; where have I succeeded and where have I fallen short? While I am not an NC State fan, I am a supporter of Jim Valvano--in the last stages of his life with cancer, he spoke the above words; I try my best everyday to live by them.
I was just wondering if a chuckle is the same as a laugh. Regardless, I did laugh a great deal this week-with my students as well as with my family so I can check that category.
Let’s see, did I cry? Yeah, tears fell watching the news of Japan and all the suffering by the citizens. I wiped my eyes as I inscribed the post on my Grandpa and once more when I read all the heart-felt comments about my Grandpa. It really reminded me that I have grand people in my life. I shed tears for Kim who had to put her beloved golden retriever, Tanner to sleep.
And gosh, there’s no doubt I was able to think. I once heard that teachers make hundreds of decisions throughout the school day. I would agree, although most are meaningless; can I sharpen my pencil? In my job alone, I am forced to think. I also thought of the scores of people in my life; their heartaches, their obstacles, their devastations and their challenges. I devote deep thought as to how I might respond to these friends and loved ones to best support them. At times, all I can offer is prayer so I know I haven’t fallen short in that regard.
And Diary, I also worked hard. Remember that pile of mulch and top soil placed in the driveway on Friday night? Well, it didn’t get moved by any little fairy-plus I was coerced to cheer for my teams of the Carolina Men’s and Women’s basketball, and don’t forget the Carolina Hurricanes.
So I guess I did okay, and next week will be filled with fresh opportunities and new experiences. I pray I am found worthy and capable as well as compassionate and sensitive. I ask for occasions to laugh even if it means chuckling at myself. May I enjoy the precious moments I am given with all the emotions I encompass.
PS Diary, if my teams could keep on winning that would be an added bonus
Jim Valvano
Dear Diary,
It’s Sunday, so I presume it’s time to glance back over my week to review what has transpired; where have I succeeded and where have I fallen short? While I am not an NC State fan, I am a supporter of Jim Valvano--in the last stages of his life with cancer, he spoke the above words; I try my best everyday to live by them.
I was just wondering if a chuckle is the same as a laugh. Regardless, I did laugh a great deal this week-with my students as well as with my family so I can check that category.
Let’s see, did I cry? Yeah, tears fell watching the news of Japan and all the suffering by the citizens. I wiped my eyes as I inscribed the post on my Grandpa and once more when I read all the heart-felt comments about my Grandpa. It really reminded me that I have grand people in my life. I shed tears for Kim who had to put her beloved golden retriever, Tanner to sleep.
And gosh, there’s no doubt I was able to think. I once heard that teachers make hundreds of decisions throughout the school day. I would agree, although most are meaningless; can I sharpen my pencil? In my job alone, I am forced to think. I also thought of the scores of people in my life; their heartaches, their obstacles, their devastations and their challenges. I devote deep thought as to how I might respond to these friends and loved ones to best support them. At times, all I can offer is prayer so I know I haven’t fallen short in that regard.
And Diary, I also worked hard. Remember that pile of mulch and top soil placed in the driveway on Friday night? Well, it didn’t get moved by any little fairy-plus I was coerced to cheer for my teams of the Carolina Men’s and Women’s basketball, and don’t forget the Carolina Hurricanes.
So I guess I did okay, and next week will be filled with fresh opportunities and new experiences. I pray I am found worthy and capable as well as compassionate and sensitive. I ask for occasions to laugh even if it means chuckling at myself. May I enjoy the precious moments I am given with all the emotions I encompass.
PS Diary, if my teams could keep on winning that would be an added bonus
50 comments:
:)
I wept for Kim too. I loved that sweet Tanner face. And Japan, all our hearts are there...
Oh, I love that quote. It is so true. I think is is a wonderful thought for each of us.
A very good post. I should spend time every week doing this.
Our emotions are a wonderful gift we should treasure. I read they are very excited that the Arizona Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, is showing emotions such as laughing, crying, and smiling. Apparently the part of the brain that controls emotions is on the front left side of the brain, right where the bullet entered her brain. Often people who've suffered trauma to that area are incapable of ever showing emotion again. They're left with very flat personalities. Emotions are a good thing, we need them.
Sounds like a productive week to me. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. It's nice to "meet" you. :)
Having many, many clients living in Japan, one in the immediate area of devastation, you bet tears moistened my eyes. Such a sad week ...
Sounds like you had a well rounded week.
Happy Spring ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
It sounds like you had a full week. I know I did. Today I'm resting up for the next one. Happy first day of spring.
Sue
Wow - you've had an amazingly cathartic and emotional week!! Thanks for sharing! I hope your teams continue to win!!!
p.s. I am truly sorry to hear about your friend's loss of her beloved Tanner. Hugs!
Take care
x
My husband is getting ready to head up North for work -- I enjoyed having him here this past week. Hope this week is a good one, Tracy. :)
This is a wonderful quote to live your life by. I'll have to think about being more aware of whether or not I do this every week to make sure I'm living a rich and full life. Thanks for sharing the wisdom.
I send my prayers and warm thoughts to Kim, who ever she may be. So sorry to read about her Tanner. I went through that October 1,2010 with my dear Lincoln who died from cancer. I really enjoyed your your thought provoking post...debbie
As always, such a wonderful post. I love the quote as well. I hope you have a good week and I thank you for being a treasured friend through blogging. May God bless.
I love your closing P.S. It's divinely human. :)
This quote is a good one to measure your days by. Sounds like your days have been full and good, Tracy. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
Great post - I lOVE that quote, to at the top...have to save that one! have a great night xo
Well, I think a chuckle is a small laugh, not an outright big belly laugh. I don't agree that you should cry every day! But the laughing is good. I'm thinking you know how to make fast and good decisions and I'm also thinking you are able to handle unexpected things, just from what I know of you!
This is a great post. I have always been a Jimmy V. fan and that quote of his was one of his best. It was a sad day when he died, but his foundation has continued to help many.
Good luck to your NC team in the tournaments.
The only part I would not want is the crying but I know life insists we do now and then. Think after this past week, I'm good for the month in that respect.
Laughter is what we all need and is a marvelous healer.
Wonderful quote and post.
That was a wonderful post, a beautiful quote on which to base it.
I would, however, like to pass more of my days without tears for a change. Crying every day is draining. Exhausting. Depressing.
But I'll vote for more laughter.
And I, too, am sending my deepest condolences to Kim, on the loss of Tanner. My own grief over Annie's loss still is fresh...So from this Kim to the other--I wish you universal Blessings and Peace.
-Kim
That was a sweet post. Have a wonderful week.
I liked that quote too! Sounds like a full diary week to me. Many purrs and hugs to Tanner's Mom.
A great reminder for all of us think about what each day has brought us. If we can at least laugh, or even chuckle, a little each day we have had a good one.
Can I skip the crying part of each day?? I want to feel and laugh, but I certainly don't want to cry that often. I try to avoid it as much as possible. Unless, of course, my team loses. ;)
I guess I laughed a couple of times this week: cried several. I going to have to work on that laughing every day thing. Great post.
What a wonderful thoughtful post! I love the quote you've given us too.
How nice to know you're a music lover. At my church we really have a blended music service - many praise songs mixed with the hymns. I really like this.
Now isn't that something you mention the Tapestry album of Carole King - I had that and just loved it. Actually, I think I still have it somewhere!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
What a great reflection of the week! Thanks for reminding me that even when I am so busy, I don't know what to do next, I need to take time and reflect on what I've done besides what still needs to be done.
Love this quote. I like the look back over the week. We all need to do that from time to time!
I loved the quote, and have so felt the friendship of those like you who left comforting thoughts on the loss of our boy Tanner...It's very touching and humbling that people cared about a pup they never met in a small town in Virginia...Thank-you for your kindness and your friendship!!!
This ia an excellent way of self reflection. I should start doing this. Keep an account of things on a weekly basis. Wow
Love that quote --and I too liked Jim Valvano. He was a great coach and loved by many... YES---life is full of emotions --both happy and sad... We need them all, in balance... You obviously have had a good week --with many emotions....
Glad your Tar Heels won today....
Hugs,
Betsy
Those Tar Heels just defeated out Huskies, so I really shouldn't be speaking to you. But then I'm not a big fan, so it didn't make me cry. In fact I don't think I've had a cry today. That's good.
excellent, inspiring quote! Life holds many emotions. I believe Jim is telling us to treasure them.
This is one post that I am soooo happy I did not miss. Beautiful and I am glad you shared this with us.
I believe that all of us need to keep these words close to remind us of what we have in our lives.
Glad I stopped in tonight to say hello and to thank you for your lovely comment about my writing.
I can not tell you how much I appreciate you and your friendship.
Love ya
Maggie
We certainly should appreciate every moment and live life to the full, a wonderfully thoughtful post ... and it's always a bonus if our team wins! :o)
I hope your team keeps on winning too! :) It's amazing what a lift that gives to our emotions! Have a great week!
Ann
Laugh. Think. Cry. Indeed, it has been a full week... My first visit here... :) Hope you can visit me back... World of Vhincci
There was a lot of heartache last week to be sure. It's amazing how many emotions we can go through even in one day. I guess that's part of what makes us humans.
I hope this new week is filled with more laughter than tears for all of us!
Big hug Tracy!
xo Catherine
What a post my friend. All the range of emotions and basketball too, what more can one ask for?! Don't you wish we did have fairies that came and visited to do our chores?! :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Emotions keep us alive by fully allowing us to feel the entire world we live in.It is nice you have found time for the B Ball.I haven't watched much TV all weekend being a grandpa instead.Just got back home and it feels good.
Tracy what better post to begin my day! Thank you :)
To be sure - last week was an emotionally stimulating week. and hopefully we have learned and grown and lived because of it.
Hugs,
Penny
What lovely poem and a wonderful post! Thnak you for making my day start off with a smile on my face.
Rita
Lovely poem and post. The flowers are beautiful too. I hope you have a week of laughter.
I really enjoyed your blog and post. That is a great presentation. I try to enjoy and live each day have.
There's been much to cry about lately... yes, with the Japan tragedy and Kim's sweet Tanner... I, too, have shed some tears. I hope this is the beginning of a great week for you :)
Good post. I really like the quote. I really had a full day today....think I had done all those things by 7 this morning!! Now when someone asks me about my day, I'll say, "It was a full one!"
Hope your team keeps on winning! "Our" team lost already....
You did, indeed, have a full and busy week. Fingers crossed that your team will keep winning.
Great quote! And aren't emotions wonderful? :D
Good luck with your kids teams games!
Valvano was right!
Great words to live by Tracy!
Let me see....do I laugh enough? Probably not, but will try harder on the one! Why not!
You have had a productive week, more than I can say for myself, and the quote is fantastic..
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