Substance of Living

Lower gas prices FREE quality education for all Food for everyone Shelter and healthcare for the homeless Safe homes for everyone No more homeless animals - all would be adopted into loving homes All the service men and women safely back home with their loved ones Employment for ALL Fiscally responsible governments YOUR smile What would you like to see today?  Please tell us in the comments below and allow others to help make it happen. Tweet this Post Please share me with your friends! Please forward this post to your friends or better yet share on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.  THANKS!  Your comments and help in spreading the news about this site is ALWAYS appreciated!  Don't miss out on future articles. Have Substance of Living delivered directly to your inbox.

Why is it that when I think my skin is finally thick, or that I'm too old and "sophisticated" to get my feelings hurt - WHAM!  Sometimes I think I'm too sensitive.  Is it because I'm a woman?  Am I being hormonal? There probably is something to the fact that women tend to be more sensitive than men.  Little girls are taught in many cultures to be mindful of others and to put others before themselves.  There is probably some hereditary trait that is passed on from one generation, regardless of gender, to the next.  Being sensitive, however, is not a weakness.  In fact, it's usually the more sensitive ones who are the successful negotiators and they are certainly the ones we run to with a problem. " You're so sensitive! "  Even that statement, albeit true, can be hurtful.  There are times that a flip comment would roll off our backs and yet that same statement given other circumstances can bring us to our knees. If we are going to take me...

Earlier this year DH and I decided it was time for us to put down some roots and leave the highways to someone else.  We've sold all our toys, had a beautiful home built, and now in the process of moving.  In fact, we've been "moving in" for about a month now and still have two storage units of stuff and need to figure out where we are going to put everything. Originally, about 10 years ago, we put our belongings in storage until we figured out where we wanted to live.  We kept out the necessities and moved from city to city.  We thought it might take a year or so.  In fact, some moves lasted a few years while other moves were only a couple months.  We like to call the latter moves "vacations". Here is what we knew we wanted once we settled down: Park-like setting Community involvement Great neighbors Close to the city, hospitals, shopping, dining, etc. Far enough away from everything and the traffic to feel a sense of calm The list goes on....

Do you find yourself questioning your thoughts or goals?  Are you frozen and unable to make a decision?  Are you who everyone else thought you are supposed to be? We've all been there and possibly there again and again throughout our lives.  Here are five quotes or mantras, if you like, that have helped me out.   “Whatever you are, you are.  Be proud of it.” – Yogi Tea “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Emerson "Let a series of happy thoughts run through your mind. They will show on your face." – Unknown "And if not now, when?" – Talmud "A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow." – General George S. Patton Which quote seems to be talking directly to you?  Do you have any quotes you use as daily affirmations? P.S.,  Please share your mantra in the comments section below. Please share me with your friends! Please forward this post t...

"Don't Let Life Get In The Way Of What You Want" -- Marie Lee (This is my daily mantra) Steve Jobs gave a compelling speech that we all need to hear.  We may not incorporate his words into our daily mantra but they are epic nonetheless. Many years ago I was asked when I was going to settle down and remain in one job.  My response was that I was looking for something that I love and when I find it the money will come.  In the meantime, I had enough faith that everything would take care of itself.  You know what?!  Some how there was always enough money at the end of the month to pay my bills.  I never gave up following my heart. I didn't allow employers, family members, or friends pigeon hole me into something I wasn't.  I knew they were concerned and I loved them all the more.  I had to live my own life. My life hasn't been the straight and narrow, clean cut life but it is mine and it has made me a better person.  I...