MY THREE Rs

“Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity.

Successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something.

Soon it becomes a reality.

Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will see positive results.”

William James, psychologist

I heard a story about a football player who reported for Summer training camp. When the equipment manager asked him what size helmet he wore. The player thought for a moment then answered, “I don’t know. I’m not in shape yet.”

Except for a few scratches and a spider bite that landed me in the emergency room, I’ve been blessed with great physical health. Mental health, getting my head in shape, is a different story.

I’ve discovered three important tools for this project, reading, running, and rim shots.

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READING

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

Joseph Addison, writer and politician

I love books.

One of the most valuable things in my wallet is a library card.

And if you go with me to a shopping mall, our first stop will be the bookstore.

Here are some books I recommend for getting your head in shape.

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

You Don’t Have to be Blind to See by Jim Stovall

 Bus 9 to Paradise by Leo Buscaglia

 The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus

I Can. You Can Too by Mamie McCullough

 Pete the Cat: I Love my New Shoes by Eric Litwin

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Dream More by Dolly Parton

And

Buddy Bloom Wildflower by Jerry Snider

*          *          *

RUNNING

“Running, it’s cheaper than therapy.”

Anonymous

Gotta get those endorphins hopping!

And if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.

Thirty years ago I started running. And I have no plans to stop.

Cooking up a good sweat, feeling my heart pound, filling my lungs with fresh air, listening to the beat of my footsteps – I’ve never been more alive than when I’m running.

Add the sun, the wind, and sometimes a gentle rain – mother nature is the gymnasium of the soul.

*         *         *

RIM SHOTS

That Badum-CHING thing they do on a drum after a joke.

Urban Dictionary

I agree with the wise soul who said, “Every time you are able to find some humor in a difficult situation, you win.”

So…

Did you hear about the man whose car broke down and he accidentally called AA instead of AAA.

When the tow truck from AA arrived, they could only move his car twelve steps.

Badum-CHING!

I just bought a new toaster but I’m going to return it to the store. Something’s wrong with it – the first time I used it the loaf of bread got stuck.

Badum-CHING!

Fall is my favorite time of year. Everything looks so pretty. Have you noticed, even the traffic lights change color.

Badum-CHING !

 

Visit me at www.buddybloomwildflower.com