Good morning, everyone. How are you doing today? Please take a moment to think about how you are actually doing. Any aches and pains?

I have a few right now. But it’s another wonderful Monday and the start to another wonderful week, so I am excited to kick things off with another Weekly Optimist Newsletter.

Quotes of the Week from Me:

“Present yourself with the gift of hard work. It’s a fun one to unwrap.”

“Let life flow.”

“What makes you feel important? Can you share it with others? Can you make others feel important?”

“It only takes a few moments to say hello. To say thank you, good luck, or congratulations. It only takes a few moments to smile, wave, or make eye contact. It only takes a few moments to make someone else’s day. So, go make someone else’s day. It only takes a few moments.”

“Some days are easier. Other days are harder. Be it easy or hard, the only way to get where you are going is to start, reflect, continue, and start again.”

Quotes of the Week from Others:

“We are no longer happy so soon as we wish to be happier.” – Walter Savage Landor

“That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history.” – Aldous Huxley

“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion more than our own.” – Marcus Aurelius

Quick Optimism

There are only two rules:

1. Workout today.
2. Workout tomorrow.

Doesn’t have to be formal exercise.

There are two rules, paraphrased:

1. Move your body today.
2. Move your body tomorrow.

Full Newsletter

Heartfelt Gestures.

Now, this story could be told in many ways and about many people. It could include more details and more context, but out of my appreciation for his laid back and friendly, but also private lifestyle, I am going with a shorter version. A poem.

I am sticking to what I appreciate most. I am sharing a story about someone I think about often, though I don’t see him as much as I used to. I hope it brings some brightness to your Monday, and makes you think about someone like this in your life.

In a world of hustle, ceaseless motion,

Amid the chaos, the purest notion,

Simple acts, heartfelt gestures,

I appreciate all the adventures.

The sun that rises on your lawn,

Hosted me from dusk ‘til dawn,

A helping hand and kindred spirit,

The moments shared, I still revere it.

Time cherished like a treasure,

My world richer when I remember,

A debt of knowledge so great and owed,

I learned a lot from what you showed.

In depths of life’s relentless races,

We paused and laughed, with smiling faces,

Good food, comfort, fishing, building,

Good times, chilling, always willing.

Life’s precious gifts, plain to see,

Not what’s taken, what’s set free,

And like our greetings, a manly embrace,

Such good times, never replaced.

Make it a poetic Monday.