Today, I speak from my life experiences.  Life is not always as easy as we know. We all have our share of curve balls thrown at us but we continue on.  I put a positive vibe around me to attract good thoughts and people I want in my life.  Don’t get me wrong- I’ve had my share of takers of my time and energies.  Being the yes person I used to be.  I thought nothing of offering my talent or time to help only to be left out in the cold when I was in need emotionally.  Well there is a saying, “don’t let them take your kindness for weakness” and I found out it was true.

I was raised in a european household where you were taught respect for others and accepted them for who they were no matter what nationality or race they were.  There was no bullying of anyone; everyone was treated with kindness and respect. My upbringing has always guided me through life. It has helped me have a wonderful career where I met many wonderful people and was able to share in great and sad moments in their lives. To know that I made an impact on so many people’s lives in those shared moments is very rewarding.

In today’s world my upbringing has served me well.  In a world of anger and violence I believe it’s because children of today don’t have what many of us had growing up. Neighborhoods where we had family support. Where your aunts, uncles or grandparents lived around the corner or on the next street. They were also your parent’s eyes and ears. Your parents always knew what you were doing. You learned great lessons from them growing up which made us good people. Today’s children don’t have that.  Unfortunately, we’re living away from our families due to work and other circumstances. Those support systems which I used to call a nuisance were really a luxury and shaped me into a better person. Children today don’t have this. We should take back some of those “old fashion values”. Maybe it starts with parents taking back control. Stopping to talk and listen. Getting rid of electronics and video games. Dialing back those Hollywood adventures full of violence. Maybe our kids and grandchildren will have a chance.

~Ciao

Always smile, keep it positive, never let negativity get to you in this crazy mixed up world.