If you had asked me a decade ago or so what brings people greater pleasure, love or hate? My answer would have been quick, and what I would think obvious. Love.

In the scheme of emotions love and hate are the polar extremes of each other. I tend to think more things in life fall into the categories of like and dislike, OK and not OK. Whatever and meh. You get what I mean.

This could apply to music you listen to or sports teams you follow, or types of food your palate has an opinion about. The list goes on and on that triggers the emotions of love and hate or something in between.

This post is more about the loss of the in-between and the only options being love or hate. If we are talking about issues like Beyonce over Taylor or Mets verse Yankees or even Chinese food or Indian food, love or hate isn’t too big of a problem no matter which side you’re on. The repeated concerning issue is more in politics and the society it represents. Unlike the previously mentioned choices, the feelings people have towards a politician or politics is becoming more and more polarizing by either loving or hating.

Creating those extreme emotions attached to another human being or ideology is a slippery and potentially treacherous slope. First of all, no politician or political ideology is perfect. The feelings of love or hate on these issues tended to be fluid in the past. This leads to a more in-between sentiment. For some reason, currently those days seem to be over. It seems you either wear the uniform of one side or the other. If you approach the opposing side its seem frighteningly natural to get so emotionally angry, filled with hate, you might even express it through violence.

We are currently in another important political race here in New York City. The mayoral primaries have been quite heated on the democratic side with many folks having thrown their hat in the ring. What I’ve noticed more times than not, the commercials supporting a particular candidate spend far more time spewing negative, pseudo-hate propagating information about the other candidates and telling me far less about themselves and their plan.

What I’m getting at, is there is a greater shift, in my opinion, of what emotion people seem to be desiring. I feel like far too many of us enjoy the feeling of hating something or someone. We look for it and live to hold onto it. Anger seems to be something that feels good for far too many of us. It’s becoming a perverse drug to the social peace of what is supposed to be an advanced civilization we live in today.

Does anger make us feel more alive? Forget about love. How about just acceptance of things we don’t agree with. It has become energizing to many people to have strong feelings of disdain and hate toward someone or some group of people.

To be fair, I feel a degree of this exists in most people innately, but the sense of fairness and desire for a more peaceful society, allowed us to put things in perspective. This, I believe put our emotional barometers in a more neutral state, with some degree of respect always reserved for those with a differing view.

When our public leaders, so-called voices of the people of this country, are resorting to name calling, belittling and making those with a differing belief, now enemies, we have a very serious situation on our hands. When you create a society like this you are making it ripe for the taking of something that could be very detrimental.

I don’t care what side you’re on, the fact that you’re on a side that is not truly one of the “United” states is a significant problem. We have already become the “Divided” states of America and quite frankly many people seem fairly content with that.

Don’t let your personal frustration about your life be the fuel that entices you to spew anger at perfect strangers or people that are being labeled “the enemy”. Most people are expressing anger at things that they generally don’t even deal with on a regular basis, nor even impacts them very much. It’s easier to join in with the angry mob than to confront your individual issues that are making your life personally miserable. It’s a classic displacement or transposing of your own emotions onto others. The release of anger temporarily makes you feel good. Newsflash. Anger moves the needle of progress nowhere forward. In fact it stalls progress or sends us backwards in resolving problems.

We need the leadership on many levels to call a time out. To realize the rhetoric has gotten out of hand. Too many of us believe this is the new way in which this country operates. It has been a very long time since I’ve heard anyone in power say it’s time to heal the wounds and reach across the aisle and accept each of our fellow Americans with whatever belief system. Until we even begin with that very basic step, the aisle keeps getting wider and time makes it that much tougher to make the first move.

Stop spending so much energy on anger and revenge. The history of the world has already proven this is a formula for self destruction and disaster. I hope someone singularly or collectively can shine the light back onto the things that made this country the unique and beautiful United State of America it once was. Until then…..Sunshine Always!

The post Is Hate a New Drug? appeared first on Weathering Your 50s & Beyond.

With that being said, in the last few months I reread Eckhart Tolles , The Power of Now as well as Don Miguel Ruiz, The Voice of Knowledge and The Four Agreements. Sometimes I need a reset to step away from all of the noise and extremely poisonous vitriol that surrounds us currently. Not the purpose of this short post however.

Some dates in our lives live on forever etched in our brain. Some for very good things, others perhaps not so positive. Many of you might not be reading this on the date I’m writing it, but June 19th marks a very important personal day in my life. I know it has come to be a much needed representative holiday for many, now known as Juneteenth.

For me however, June 19th, 1975 was a very important day in my young life. It was the June of my 8th grade graduation from my private Catholic School in Ozone Park Queens, Nativity BVM. The tradition of the school was that upon graduation, the class was treated to a day trip to Rye Playland Amusement Park in Rye, NY. The really cool thing is that the park still exists today. I did get to revisit a couple of times when working for WNBC and I would do a weather remote on location. That was always fun and I would reminisce.

So with all of that being said, I am going to briefly indulge myself and step back from the now and fondly look back an incredible 50 years ago today. The trip of course was marking the end of an 8 year journey with friends that many had become family. It also brought to mind how we would not necessarily see some of these friends again, as we were all heading off to different high schools.

The greater memory however, is something I have written about as part of previous blogs. By the time 8th grade rolls around, hormones are beginning to rush through the veins of young men and women. This leads to the first attempts at relationships and dare I say feelings of like/love.

As it was for me I had a crush on a particular tall lean brunette. When she would walk into the classroom or sit near me a strange feeling as if a butterfly field took flight in my stomach came over me. At first I thought it was something I ate (just kidding), but the persistence told me I was bitten by the love bug.

It was on this date, June 19th, 50 years ago when I made my feelings known to Nancy Scipione. We ended up spending most of the day together at the park. She gave me the nickname Doobie (not for the reason you might think). I remember writing it on the underside of the bill on my baseball cap.

As many of you know already, 9 1/2 years later we were married. We were together over 40 years(married just shy of 32 years) and made two beautiful amazing children, Jeremy & Carly. The love story took a turn in life that leaves one questioning why, as Nancy was taken from us May 21, 2016.

Again this is a reflection back. It’s almost not comprehensible to think this was 50 years ago. It had such an innocent and beautiful start and blossomed into an amazing life together. While I’ve learned to move forward and stay mostly in the present moment, I feel this day needs a bit of honor from me. Who knows the path forward if I never said anything and we graduated and never saw each other again. It’s that simple.

Thinking back makes me smile and feel a bit of that innocence once again. It’s worth looking back when you still appreciate and feel joy from a memory. It’s not about being sad or resenting what isn’t anymore. I have this discussion often with someone close to me. I feel if you’re going to look in the rear view mirror and it makes you smile then go for it. If it makes you angry or sad then DON’T! It does no good as we really are only living in the present.

So for me a nice reflection on a day which ended up playing a huge part in the next four decades of my life is worth the time. Thank you Nativity BVM, thank you class of 1975, thank you Dolores Rimi(the match maker) and of course thank you Nancy Scipione…….Nance. There’s still a little Doobie in me.

Sunshine Always

The post It Was 50 Years Ago Today…… appeared first on Weathering Your 50s & Beyond.

The last couple of winters in the NYC area have been rather wimpy when it comes to snow. This winter we have had a bit more frequent snow, but no one snowfall has been particularly heavy. At the time of my writing this, we are still over 9 inches behind a normal snow season in Central Park.

This particular post isn’t about snow stats and numbers. In the most recent light snow event, I found myself looking out the window to the street light to watch the flakes falling. For night time perspective of watching snow, it’s the best way to view the flakes as they fly.

I can remember as a child at night, with a pending snowstorm, peeking behind the blinds or shades to look up at the street light to see if the snow had begun falling. I would just sit for long stretches of time, excited when a car’s headlights turned up my street of 107th Ave in Ozone Park, and I could gauge how hard it was snowing as the lights lit up the flakes as if in a snowglobe.

The enchantment of snow often begins in childhood, a time of innocence and discovery. The first snowfall of the season can transform the most familiar of landscapes into a breathtaking winter wonderland, a spectacle that never failed to bring a unique happiness in my heart. The sight of soft white flakes gently accumulating on rooftops and streets ignites a unique sense of wonder and excitement, marking a distinct departure from the mundane sights of pavement and concrete along with bare leafless trees.

When you’re young, the experience of snow is filled with possibilities and adventures. Gathering with friends outdoors, and suddenly having this appreciation for nature. Of course that comes with time-honored activities like building snowmen or igloos. Often, neither of which turned out exactly as planned. The snowmen would end up having a screwdriver or something other than the traditional carrot for a nose. The eyes might end up being two mallomars (though I would never waste them there)l instead of coal, but you get the idea. It wasn’t a competition, but more about the fun of building something together and just maybe, as I get a bit nostalgic, creating a sense of community in it’s own small way.

Snowball fights, often characterized by playful friendly rivalries, also brought a lot of laughter and fun to those cold winter days. Maybe on the rare occasion things escalated a bit. I recall perhaps a snowball toss taking on a bit too much ice and somehow finding its way through someone’s living room window. My memories fuzzy on that, but in the end it was still innocent fun.

Then there was trying to find a hill to slide down when the snow was deep enough. Now I could tell you we all had sleds and would go off to a nearby park like you see in movies, or even on news reports after a big snow. Well, I grew up in the 70’s in Queens, NY. Most of us didn’t have sleds. Those big plastic Whamo sliders weren’t really popular yet. Once again, this called for innovation. We might grab a trash can lid, or flat piece of wood. If really lucky, we would find an old wooden milk crate(yes, I’m old) and use that as our sled. When all else failed, we might just slide down sans nothing, or on our butts.

With those wonderful implements in lieu of sleds, we would often just find the biggest hills in the neighborhood and take them on. I do recall one in particular we would often go to. In retrospect I certainly wouldn’t recommend it, but we were young(teenagers) and a bit stupid.

It was a street we used to call “the Dip”. It was a strange drop from a side street into a busy avenue. The avenue was Pitkin Avenue and there were always plenty of cars traversing the two way road. I will say, we were usually responsible enough to signal the person at the top when it was safe to take the run down the Dip. One of us would stand guard and gauge the traffic. Of course, I think some of us were better than others at judging the speed of oncoming cars. Bottomline is, thankfully nobody ever got seriously hurt.

The sheer thrill of racing down a snowy “dip” encapsulates the essence of childhood, a time when worries are few, and the world is filled with adventure.

Then of course there are snow days. To be honest, back in the 70’s and even 80’s, a snowday was a very rare occurrence. I can remember snowstorms of 6-12 inches and we still had school. I think back on my friend Neil and I walking to our school everyday through it all. One particular scenario sticks out in my mind quite vividly.

We had a very bad icestorm, but yet school was not closed. As we walked to school we would see and hear tree branches crackling and crashing to the ground in front of and behind us, as we laughingly made our way to class. Now, I think if one of those branches fell on us, I’m not so sure I would be writing this more than 50 years later.

The really interesting thing about snow and its emotional impact on people plays out in some telling statistical studies.

Throughout various surveys and studies conducted on weather preferences, snow consistently emerges as a favored element among many individuals. For instance, a survey by the National Weather Service found that approximately 70% of respondents express a strong preference for snowy weather over rain or storms, illustrating snow’s unique charm. This affinity seems to span across different age groups, connecting individuals to a nostalgic appreciation that often dates back to childhood experiences of winter wonderlands.

In contrast to more common weather conditions like rain and heat, snow tends to elicit a more profound emotional response. A study conducted by the Weather Channel highlighted that 65% of participants reported feeling joy or excitement when snowflakes first begin to fall. These findings suggest that snow is not merely a meteorological phenomenon but one that deeply resonates with people on an emotional level. Furthermore, the undeniable beauty of snow-covered landscapes often prompts individuals to engage in recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and building snowmen, further fostering a positive association with the season.

Interestingly, the love for snow appears to supersede preferences for sunshine and clear skies as well. According to a comprehensive survey by the American Meteorological Society, 58% of respondents stated they would choose a snowy day over a sunny one if given the option, underscoring an inherent fondness for winter weather. The pristine allure of fresh snow and the serenity it brings can potentially forge cherished memories and traditions that remain with individuals throughout their lives.

Overall, the statistics place snow in a favorable light, illustrating that many people hold a deep-seated fondness for snowy conditions. This emotional connection helps explain the enduring love for snow, making it a beloved part of the human experience regardless of age.

The thrill associated with impending snowstorms can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the unpredictability of weather conditions lends excitement to the possibility of a snowfall.

Moreover, snowstorms provide a break from the regular pace of life. When forecasts hint at significant snowfall, there is a collective exhilaration that often translates into a temporary shift in daily routines. People anxiously check weather updates, preparing for what may come next, which can create a sense of community as individuals bond over shared excitement. Even the prospect of disruptions, such as school closures or altered commuting, can add to the thrill, as they offer opportunities for a pause from the usual hustle and bustle of life. Of course let’s not forget the run to the store for milk and bread. I would say eggs but, well you already know.

Ultimately, the anticipation of pending snowstorms elicits an emotional response that intertwines joy, nostalgia, highlighting the enchanting influence of snow on our lives.

Of course as adults, the snow isn’t always about fun and games.

For many adults, the prospect of navigating snow-covered roads introduces a layer of stress that overshadows the initial joy the winter season brings. Commutes can become treacherous, requiring careful planning and increased travel time. The allure of a snow day, once synonymous with freedom, is often overshadowed by the responsibilities that persist, such as work deadlines and commitments. Some individuals may find themselves at odds with their affection for snow, grappling with the dilemma of wanting to embrace winter outdoor fun, while acknowledging the challenges that arise from snowy conditions.

To reconcile these conflicting feelings, many adults find a more pragmatic approach. This can include flexible work options such as telecommuting or adjusting work schedules to enjoy the snowy landscape while managing professional commitments. Others may seek to carve out time during weekends or leisure days to indulge in snowy activities, allowing them to reconnect with their love for winter while still fulfilling responsibilities. Embracing this balance is essential; therefore, prioritizing both enjoyment and duty becomes a vital skill for many adults navigating the complexities of winter weather.

Ultimately, finding joy amidst the practical challenges posed by snow can lead to a more fulfilling winter experience. As individuals learn to balance the charm of a snowy landscape with their adult obligations, they can continue to cultivate their love for snow throughout their lives.

In concluding this, while I still grapple with a love-hate relationship with snow in my adulthood, I realize the hate is really because I can’t embrace the snow the way I used to in younger less responsible years. Having a career which largely includes the responsibility of disseminating information about pending snowstorms, I do miss out often on those more innocent joys from a good snowfall.

It’s all part of the balancing act of life. To that, no matter the situation, I will always try my best to get something out of every snowfall that brings that twinge of more innocent times back into my heart.

I still have anxiety the days and nights before approaching snowstorms. Granted it may now be more predicated on the accuracy of my forecast than whether or not we will have a snow day. One of the worst feelings in my career is the forecast bust of a snowstorm. Particularly the misses, not so much the under forecasted accumulations.

In embracing snow, we celebrate its enchantment throughout our journey from childhood to adulthood. The excitement, beauty, and emotional resonance of snowy landscapes remind us to appreciate life’s magical moments, urging us to reclaim our sense of wonder at any age. Engaging with snow, whether through activities or quiet contemplation, allows us to connect to both our past and present.

So I say let us find joy in snow’s enchanting embrace as we navigate through the seasons of life.

OK! Snap out of it Cimino!!!! Is it Spring yet??? Playball!!!

Sunshine Always!!

The post Ageless Snow Lovers appeared first on Weathering Your 50s & Beyond.

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, as well as some of my own challenges, I’m back in my blogging saddle. I do hope all of you had a pleasant and peaceful holiday. Prior to the holidays and through them, something has been on my mind. After enjoying a trip across the border into Niagara Falls and Toronto Canada to take in some of the festive Christmas markets and displays, it brought more light to what’s been bothering me. I intend to write something about that little journey as well, and can’t say enough nice things about the people we crossed paths with across the border.

For quite some time now, the mood and attitude of people here in the Tri-State, in particular NYC, has been angry and combative. Social graces are rarely seen or heard. When I do hear a thank you or have a door held, it feels like I’m experiencing something very special. While appreciating these things is nice, they should really just be part of normal behavior.

The real forum for the unhealthy conduct is on social media. Here, all bets are off, as well as the gloves for some. Perhaps it’s a bit due to a sense of anonymity, a perception people have when posting responses to things they see that they disagree. It’s fine to disagree and have varying opinions. We should be able to enjoy the freedom of expressing them. That being said, if you need to get around someone in line or within a crowd, you can politely say excuse me and move around them, or you can physically push them out of the way and knock them over, while also hurling some completely inappropriate personal insult at them. I am using this metaphor to express how I often see things on social media interactions.

The anger and vitriol has even worked its way into the weather world online. I recently had an experience with a group of weather interests on Meta that was both laughable and a bit disturbing. I’m not going to mention the group, as it’s not really the point nor worth it. I will say it is a private group, but not one that does any heavy vetting to get into. This meaning, any person just interested in weather, particularly snowstorms, can join in with no meteorological background or education.

All of what I’ve just described would be fine in a world where we weren’t so hypersensitive to the overload of information around us. Injecting a level of hype or fear seems to be the only way people attempt to get attention.

To get more specific about this site, they post things about potential snowstorms, often 10-14 days out. There are several long range weather computer models. Many times during the winter, one or two of these models is showing an east coast blizzard forecasted some two weeks into the future.

Some of these models put out actual accumulation forecasts as well. Often it will be showing anywhere from 15-30+ inches of snow. As anyone who lives in this area knows, that is a very rare beast of a storm. Nonetheless this will be posted on their site and discussed with child-like enthusiasm every time any computer model hints at something along these lines.

I like to call it wish-casting or the Santa Claus theory. Like sitting on Santa’s lap and asking for a brand new Porsche for Christmas and Santa laughs and says “ho ho ho I’ll see what I can do”. Then you go home and tell your friends your getting a Porsche for Christmas. Not likely….

So what’s my problem with that?

I’m a meteorologist. I have been for 40 years of my life. I’m a snow lover, and when younger often spent sleepless nights awaiting pending storms. However, as I am part of the communication industry for many of those years, I feel a responsibility. Weather forecasting is not factual. If it’s a prediction, then it hasn’t happened yet, so until that point, it is not a fact.

Study after study shows people watch local news most often to get there weather forecast. Obviously, in the day and age of apps etc., less and less people will turn to their TV, but rather to their phone for the forecast. In some cases they will tap into online or social media groups that talk weather. I could write another separate blog on my feelings and shortcomings of the plethora of weather apps, but I will save that for another day.

Now to my “real” point about this post. Last month, I saw another of the usual posts on this aforementioned weather site, showing possible 1-2 foot snowfall amounts for the east coast. The person who runs the group and his closest cronies were all chiming in with their usual premature overzealous excitement. Again, I’m a snow lover. I still have that feeling of excitement when a pending storm gets closer to being a reality. However, I’ve been through enough of these false alarms so far in advance, to keep grounded in reality and patiently wait.

The issue becomes, that this information they are putting out there, spreads like wildfire. They may think they are only talking amongst themselves in their weather bubble of snow lovers, but the fact is fringe folks without any great understanding of weather models and their shortcomings, take what they see, and run with it. It inevitably falls into the hands of digital folks at various TV stations. They then start writing little blurbs about this big snowstorm coming almost two weeks from today. This is then is ingested by the general public who spreads it to their mothers and family and friends. This leads to the lines at grocery stores and Home Depot buying rock salt and shovels.

Then as the days get closer, the computer models either don’t even show a storm, or take it 800 miles out to sea. A complete miss. Not a flake.

Even though I’ve never said anything publicly on air about that storm, as I am trying to responsibly wait for things to become a bit clearer, I inevitably hear the fallout. “What happened to that big storm we were supposed to get?” “You guys don’t know what you’re talking about!” “I wish I had your jobs…. I could be wrong all of the time and still keep it.” Also my favorite, “THEY said it was going to snow….what happened”.

My Dad, rest his soul, would always say to me, “yeah THEY said it going to get cold” or whatever the weather story would be. I would say Dad….”I’m one of the THEY” why don’t you ask me?

To put an end to this story, I went onto this not to be mentioned weather site. I saw another excited post about a possible storm. I posted “guys this is ridiculous so far out in advance to be putting out there. It’s fun to look at and talk about it, but we(TV/Broadcast meteorologists) get stuck picking up the pieces. Try and forecast responsibly.”

Wow. You would not believe how quickly they attacked. It started with a snarky reply or two and I could see they were protecting their turf. Then the first personal attack came. That’s when I led a reply with “Listen twerp(maybe I should have chosen another term).” I let them get to me, but tried to explain that after broadcasting the weather to the public on radio and TV for over 40 years, I think I have an understanding of how the public interprets what we say, as well as what they need and don’t need to know.

I thought it would end there. Boy was I wrong again. It degenerated into them calling me a washed up old guy on a TV station and network nobody watches or even knows it’s name. Well that’s some anger there. From that point forward, I was done with engaging. However, the personal insults kept coming. My favorite, it made me laugh, “Frankenstein called and he wants his face back”. That’s a good one. Despite the fact it was totally inappropriate and off base of the intention of my first post. A couple of folks did come to my defense and had a nice thing or two to say, but the majority angrily piled on.

My point? Are we kidding? Is this what we’ve become? All I encounter are angry, frustrated and just mean spirited people on much of social media. There are some good folks still out there, although we often can’t hear them over the shouting of negativity from the masses.

I had another issue pre-election from a post I made showing the stock market and inflation compared to post the Spanish flu pandemic. I asked a question that I kept hearing, but really felt was not necessarily relevant to the election. Are you better off or worse from 4 years ago? Please don’t read into this here by the way. Been there….done that. However, again, while it could have started a discussion of opinions and views in a mature manner, it degenerated into such an angry mess. Once again things turned personal and close to vile. I pulled the post and felt forced to block some people.

With all of this being said, I waver on just pulling the plug on all of my social media. It’s beginning to feel more and more toxic every day. Their are still some very positive things I see, but between the false information and vitriol, I’m not sure it’s a healthy choice.

I still like to use social media for my love of travel and food. For sharing pictures with friends and family we can’t get to see in person very often, but can share positive things in our lives.

I just wish we could stop this constant anger. Whether it’s on the surface openly or underlying, it really never helps or fixes anything. We can all believe what we want, at least I hope that’s still the case. If we don’t agree, then so be it. It might be frustrating. It might lead to even ending connections to things or people that the differences are too great to continue moving forward together. That’s a last resort, and hopefully more peaceful resolutions are possible.

Just stop perpetuating angry personal attacks. There’s a difference between “I don’t agree with what you think about taxes or our healthcare system” and ” you’re an ugly idiot and your mother wears army boots because of what you think about taxes and healthcare.” Get my point. Disagree with someone, but you don’t have to try to disgrace and personally hurt them. That’s not a victory.

Until next time……Sunshine Always

The post Anger Pandemic – Discuss vs Disgrace appeared first on Weathering Your 50s & Beyond.

As we continue our journey through this winding road of life, it often feels like I’m coming up with more questions than answers. When you’re younger (20s – 40s), for the most part, you’re doing and planning. Living life on some trajectory you think you are controlling. Achieving things or frustrated by not reaching a goal. Perhaps starting and taking care of a family of your own. Maybe even just trying to figure yourself out. Most of us at this point in our life don’t ask THE question or spend much time pondering something. Why am I here? What’s the purpose of life?

I find when the realization of the fact that we are not here for very long sinks deeper into our psyche, we start to challenge ourselves in a different way. Much of what we spent the previous 30-40 years on, may not seem quite as important. Yes, it got us to where we are today, but then is this where we want to be. So many questions……so little time.

For me I feel it’s more about the inner soulful side of my existence than what I may or may not physically be doing out in the world. It’s examining many of the things I put quite a bit of attention and time into, that I now see weren’t so terribly important. I’m a believer that everything has a purpose in our lives. From monumental moments to the seemingly mundane.

As I’ve entered my 60’s, I’ve clearly entered at least the later act of my life. It’s quite a bit different than the earlier acts. Perhaps the biggest difference however, is my approach. I know a little more about who I am. I’m still learning the art of “Let it Be”. I can’t change what other people feel or think other than by being my genuine self. Believe me, that can be one convoluted mess to sift through. I say that tongue in cheek, but it still holds quite a bit of truth.

In trying to find my way, I often find other peoples stories quite interesting and also great sources to learn from, for my own life. We are all different, and no two persons paths are exact. This doesn’t mean others don’t impart significant nuggets of knowledge upon us. Sometimes we miss these gems of enlightenment when we first receive them, only to have them re-emerge later in our lives in a much clearer and resourceful manner. Sort of like time released wisdom.

So I’ve decided to pass along a few here that may or may not have meaning to your life, but I think cover a nice spectrum. If you search, there are thousands out there, but I’m just trying to use a range in the sources. All different walks of life, from all different times, still imposing some wisdom about life in a rather simple and succinct manner. Feel free to share some of your inspirational quotes as well in response. Hope this gets you going in the right direction.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.(Buddha)

If opportunity doesn’t knock, then build a door. (Milton Berle)

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.(Aristotle Onassis)

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you planted.(Robert Lewis Stevenson)

It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and not too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver. (Betty White)

Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it… (Michael J. Fox)

“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.”(Aeschylus)

Misery might love company, but so does joy, and joy throws much better parties. (Billy Ivey)

It’s not about being happy all the time, or being sure of all your choices. It’s about knowing that life is precious. Even when it’s tough. (Topher Kearby)

Until next time…….Sunshine Always!!

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