Words to Live By: MORE and LESS. Week 9

If you are new to my blog, this is what this weekly series is all about:

One of my notepads lists some ways we should live more and live less.  Inspired by this message on Friday, March 28th, 2014 I wrote a post about "Words to Live By."  I decided to make weekly updates to this post, until I start repeating myself!  I promise each weekly update will contain more information than just the five new phrases though!

Readers are invited to use the comment section below, if they have new ideas of "words to live by" which would complete the phrase _____________ more. ______________ less."  

(Any time I use an idea that is not mine, I will credit the contributor and their blog, if they have one. Just keep it family friendly, please!)

HERE ARE THE IDEAS FOR THIS WEEK :

(There’s sort of a happiness theme to these.)

1. Count our blessings more.  Feel ungrateful less.
This is something we probably should do every day, but this advice seems especially fitting during Memorial Day weekend in the United States. Freedom and opportunities should never be taken for granted.  

Facebook reminded me today not to forget the reason behind this three-day weekend. There was a picture posted of a crying woman being hugged by a toddler, beside a grave with an American flag.  The poignant caption read: “Memorial Day. In case you thought it was about a 3 day weekend, parties or the beach.”  

2. Make friends more.  Make enemies less.
Right now, I'm thinking about this in the context of Memorial Day.  If we all work towards better global friendships and more tolerance, wars may end ... and not get started. Political leaders of every country - please make this your mantra!

3.“Dance to our own tune”more.  Conform less.


4. Vacation more.  Work overtime less. 
While overtime-pay on a holiday weekend is a bonus, it is beneficial to try and strike a good balance between work and leisure time.

5. Sing more. Cry less.

Last night I attended a lovely Senior Recital.  Instead of using this event to showcase her own voice, this graduating high school senior chose to celebrate the connections she has made through music.  She invited friends, mentors, her voice teacher, and her mother to sing with her. 

I got choked up during many of these bitter-sweet farewell duets, but my eyes are watering again remembering her heartfelt solo, “Danny Boy,” followed by “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” sung as a duet with her mom.  Not really sad tears - just emotion evoked by life. Those tears are sometimes okay.

“... Sail on, silvergirl

Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind”

© 1969 Words and Music by Paul Simon

Think of a mother you know, singing these lyrics (beautifully) to her daughter as she is about leave home for college. See what I mean? My children would not want to hear their tone-deaf mother singing in public, but I hope they know I sing these sentiments to them every day in my heart.

I'm trying to live more, not less.  How about you?  

What suggestions do you have?

To view ideas from previous posts please click on the page tab “Words to Live By” at the top of this blog .  The list has grown too large to include here!

This notepad is from the Eccolo World Traveler "Lofty Thinking" collection.  The author of the words is unknown.