Pennie Hunt
  • Home
  • Blog~Writings From The Corner of Spirit & Brave
  • Love-Life
  • Pennie's Store
  • Presentations
  • Pennie's Ponderings ~ Quotes
  • Pennie's Life Lessons
  • Videos
  • Pennie in the News
  • Meditations
  • More About Pennie
  • Testimonials
  • Connect with Pennie
  • Contact Pennie
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • New Page

OH FERN

8/25/2019

0 Comments

 
​My Mom passed away on August 10th. I have been spending time with my family while we planned her funeral and took care of arrangements. I stayed away from my work and all social media during this time as I cocooned in my place of safety. (See tip of the week below.)

I appreciate your kind thoughts and condolences, as well as your patience as I process this deep loss.

To honor my Mom, I am sharing with you a writing I wrote in 2013 when The Fernster was 82. She was 88 years, 2 months, and 19 days old when she passed. Looking at all the photographs from her life my amazement, respect and love for my Mom has grown to an even higher level than when I wrote this piece.

You all knew the Fernster as I brought her into your lives through my writings, sharing pictures, and videos of her. 
Please join me in celebrating the woman who brought me into this world and taught me so much about life!

Blessings,
     Pennie
Picture
​OH FERN

​I can still hear my Dad say,
“Oh, Fern,”
as she began one of her stories.

He called her Fernie Annie. 
Her nickname is The Fernster. 
Elsie Fern Tutewiler Hunt - yes, that is her name. To me she is Mom and yet, she is more than any of those names.   

Growing up I remember her as the family organizer, the child wrangler, the disciplinarian, and the choreographer of our life. 

She was a working Mom when most were home watching soap operas and creating meals from the Betty Crocker Cook Book.  She worked hard and expected the same from others.  

Thinking about the Fernster, I began to wonder who she was before me, before the years of motherhood and responsibility wrapped around her.
Picture
I looked at some pictures of her in younger days.  I saw the impish smile of a child and imagined her laugh.  I saw the hair of a young woman flow around her physical presence - self-assured, happy and carefree.  
​
I realized that stepping back from the Mom I've always loved I could look deeper to see a whole person. Years before her title of Mom, there was a woman filled with spirit, determination and dreams, eager to experience this world.    
The Fernster is almost 82 now and slowing down a bit.  Her eyesight a little less focused, her hearing and memory a little muffled, yet her spirit and spunk remain intact.   
Picture
Now I see the whole person wrapped with memories of a life lived, people loved and experiences had.  And yet, the spark of that young woman still burns with spirit, determination and enthusiasm for life ahead.   

The Fernster.
Fernie Annie.
Elsie Fern Tutewiler Hunt. 
Yes, to me she is Mom and yet, she is more than any of those names.  I value her not only as Mom, but as a whole person she is. 
I love her so -- the person she was before me and the person she is today with me.

Oh Fern, keep telling those stories. 
                     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
                       “Step back to see the ones you   
                             love  as a whole person!”
                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Picture
The Fernster loved to take selfies with me. This was our last one - taken July 13, 2019.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

THE WISDOM OF TREES

8/10/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​We all have memories that include a tree. 
You may think of a childhood tree swing, climbing a tree, picking apples, or sitting under your favorite shade tree.

Have you ever thought of the life wisdom we can gain from trees?  

Trees push their roots deep into the ground, curving and curling to create a foundation of strength. Many times, intertwining with the trees next to them to form a force of commitment as if standing like a family with arms banned together for strength.

Bending with the wind, the tree demonstrates contentment and adaptability during sunshine and storms.  With the breaking of branches, they teach stamina and survival, and after every environmental pruning they return stronger and rejuvenated with life. 

Trees hold a sense of community and serving others.  Opening their space to birds, squirrels, bees and even children to build homes in their branches, the tree proudly holds firm and strong to bear the weight of sharing a place of safety with others.

At times when disease or parasites attack, the tree’s bark may buckle and boil to form a knot or malformation in the trunk.  The tree doesn’t hide or disguise this disfigurement.  Instead the visible scar is acknowledgment that it has suffered yet endured the wounds of time.  

Trees adapt to the changing seasons, turning colors and shedding leaves for the winter to create space for the new birth of spring.

Bearing fruits and nuts, it nurtures and feeds others and when a tree falls its final gift is of kindling to warm the chill of those in front of a fire or as the framework of a home.  

From trees we learn:

     *  To band with our families and build our            roots and foundations strong. 

      *  To bend with adaptability to change.

      *  To hold community and helping others             as our service.

      *  To acknowledge our scars and suffering
          as badges of life and learning.

     *  To share our gifts.  

     *   To enjoy and accept the birthing, the                shedding and the circle of life.

Yes, wisdom of life can be heard in the rustling branches of a tree. The next time you are under a shade tree or look up to see a bird happily singing as it perches on a branch, think of the lessons we learn from trees.
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
        “When you are looking for the
            wisdom of life, look to a tree.”
                  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 ​YOUR TURN...
 My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to study a tree.  Connect with it.  Understand the wisdom it shares with you. 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE  A DIFFERENCE

8/3/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
I remember that day in 2012 walking into my first National Speakers Association (NSA) Conference with excitement and enthusiasm. That was soon crushed by fear and uncertainty. 

I had left my position as Executive Director of a healthcare organization just months before.  In that capacity, I went to conferences, spoke at them, and navigated the world of healthcare.  I knew people.  People knew me.  I knew healthcare acronyms and the lingo.  It was comfortable and fun.  I was at home in that world.

But this was different.  I felt alone.  I felt out of place and lost in a world of people I didn’t know.  I didn’t speak their language. After the second day I was ready to go home and by the end of the conference I had decided I would never attend another one.  After all, I didn’t fit in this speaker world. I left feeling unnoticed and invisible. I wasn’t one of the ‘cool kids.’ I wasn’t even close.

It took months of soul searching and self-talk to return the next year.  I did and I haven’t missed a year since.  The second year I told myself that I would just go to listen to the great speakers – more for entertainment than anything.  One year I went with the intention to learn, learn, learn.  One year I went with the goal of not thinking about me or my speaking, but to help others in any way I could.  Last year I went too soon after my car accident and spent most of the time in my hotel room in pain, crying, and just wanting to be home.

This year, my 8th conference, I finally felt at home.  Over the years, I have met people that have become one special friend at a time.  This year I knew people.  People knew me.  I have connected online with people that I was excited to spend time with.  I was included by others and I invited people to spend time with me.

Even with all of that, there was one person, one moment, that made this year different for me. Her name is Naomi Rhode.  She has been in the speaking business a long time.  She has accomplished every measure of success in NSA and won every award. She is a level above the ‘cool kids.’  

Right before the opening ceremony, she happened to be with me and said hello, introduced herself and asked what I do.  I told her the short version of my story. I told her I teach people- How to Love Your life- NO MATTER WHAT.  That I teach how to live in love and gratitude.  How I speak to honor my son who I lost in 2007.   I told her it was heart work for me.

Naomi didn’t just listen, she locked eyes with me.  In a crowd of over 1000 people, she listened with her heart.  And then, she said something I will never forget.  She held my hand, looked me in the eye and told me how what I do is so important.  That there are so many ‘lost’ people in the world and they need me.  They need my message. And to never stop. 

At that moment in a crowded ballroom I felt welcomed.  I felt important.  And for the first time, I felt like I was home.

I’ve been speaking since the time I could stand and entertain my family (yes, I am the baby), and I’ve been a speaker in some capacity at every job I have held in my life.  Now, speaking on my own, I believe I do know a thing or two about speaking.  When I met people this year who had that fear look that I had my first time I sat with them. I talked to them. I told them how I felt the first time and that it gets better. 

At this year's conference I listened with my heart. I shared from my heart.  I cried from laugher and from heart moments. And, I learned a lot!
And, I learned a lot!

But, the most important thing I learned is that one brief conversation when someone really listens and really cares can change you. 

Maybe I will never be in the cool crowd.  Maybe I will never stand on the main stage of this conference speaking about how to increase sales, improve your ROI, or the latest and greatest technology- because that is not my message. But what I know for sure is- Relationships are important. Connecting is important. What I do is important.  There are many ‘lost’ people in the world and they need me.  They need my message. And, no Naomi, I will never stop. 
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson: “It isn’t money, acceptance or accolades that constitutes doing important work.  It is how you help others and make a difference in their lives.” 
​              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to make a difference - one person at a time!    Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​



0 Comments

​QUIET WITHIN

7/26/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Settling into seat 8F, I pulled my jacket off and tucked it into my carry-on bag. I would not be needing that in Phoenix.

I looked forward to the sunshine and warmth ahead after the negative-number temperatures of the last week.  In went the jacket.  Out came my reading glasses, iPad, magazine, headphones.  Headphones!  Where are my headphones? 

I always travel with them.  They are the noise canceling kind that block the roar of the plane engines, the voices of the passengers visiting, the cries of babies in the back, and the intercom messages from the cockpit.  I block these so that I can enjoy the time to read, sleep or meditate in the headphone secluded space of rain falling, ocean waves, or the tweeting of birds; whichever seems to be my pleasure of the moment.

With a sigh, I felt the aggression of the engines lift the plane into the sky as 9F, (who obviously had a hearing issue), began to explain to 9E, in his best not-so-quiet voice, why he was selling his home in New Jersey to move to Phoenix.

I had a hearing issue too - for this hour and forty five minute flight my headphones were happily next to my meditation chair at home.  Hummppfff!

After reading an article or two in a magazine I laid it to the side, closed my eyes and began breathing. The deep in and out rhythm my body sensed as the call to meditate.  To enjoy calm.  To go within to the space of quiet where the outer world drops away.  Where the deepest thoughts of my soul mix with the messages from the energy both in and out of my body.

​I guard this time of meditation as a mother guards her child.  This is more than just a happy place.  This is my sacred time.  My daily ritual of flowing into calm serenity to a place which is more than one foot here and one foot there, but more like all there.  All-in, as they say in Poker, to an out of this body and fully in peace space.

The engines' roar became a soothing hum which muffled the voice of 9F.  The ping of the pilot's bell seemed to whisper the message of safety that floated by my thoughts of awareness without stopping to take residency in my space of peace.  I was there!  Not here, not asleep, but there.

Almost an hour passed when my breathing returned to the shallow breath of normality.  My eyes fluttered open as my senses returned to the awareness of my surroundings. The engines below my seat continued to spin as the mechanical dropping of the landing gear engaged. 

        "And in Phoenix the homes are a STEAL
          right now, so from what I clear on my
         Jersey home, I'll  pay cash for the new
         one." 

Seat 9F had not stopped his elaboration of his relocation.

I realized that I had successfully enjoyed the flight.  I had enjoyed a time of meditation and for a brief period  blocked the outside forces of noise, chaos and distractions.  I smiled at the reminder that calm serenity can be accomplished any place.  Any time.    The noise of the outside doesn't have to detract from this.  The outer world we cannot control.  It is the Quiet Within that we search for.   It is the Quiet Within we can find... Even without headphones.
               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Pennie's Life Lesson:
"Searching for tranquility does not require a vacuum of silence. Real peace is found within - even during the distraction of life."
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to understand that no matter what chaos  you are feeling in your life YOU have the power to feel peace within.     Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
     ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

DON'T CONNECT THE DOTS

7/23/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​DON’T CONNECT THE DOTS! 

Have you ever experienced a meltdown…the kind where you find yourself in a messy puddle on the floor?

 I have a concept called, "Pennie’s DOT Theory", that states:

 “Any event that happens to us, around us, or concerns us is just one tiny DOT in the grand adventure of life. If we over-think one DOT it becomes magnified and joins with other DOTs to form a mass of stress that creates imbalance and unhappiness.”

 If we blow one DOT out of proportion it can consume us, make us irrational and ultimately we end up in that messy puddle.  The problem is we over think a little DOT allowing it to become a big DOT.
Remember this-  
         D--O--T-    
       DON’T  OVER THINK the DOT!  

It happened to me.
It began with a flu shot.
Well, the flu shot is not responsible for the entire meltdown, but it is the DOT that began the snowball rolling. For three days after the shot I felt tired, drained and far from the perky, optimistic, personality I am known for. 

My fatigue turned into a colossal cold.  Another DOT.

I stopped working out, stopped meditating, stopped eating right…DOT… DOT… DOT! 

As the days continued my snowball began rolling faster. More stressful DOTs showed up.  The imbalance grew.  I broke dishes, forgot things and my blood pressure went up.  

As the DOTs continued to connect, overwhelm sets in.  I began allowing the profanities of human emotions to marinate with the DOTs…. You know the ones… words like, jealousy, resentment, anger, insecurity, and ultimately the BIG four letter word      
            - FEAR! 

Then it happened.
It doesn't matter what the “IT” was… it was just another DOT, but the most dangerous kind for me… my feelings were hurt.  The snowball aimed right for that DOT rolling around in it until every dirty bit of it was connected to the DOT party forming in my head.  It was just the DOT to heat up the snowball enough for it to come to a full stop, a complete meltdown and a DOT EXPLOSION! 

The pity party wasn't pretty.
The meltdown was ugly.
The DOT explosion was epic causing a massive heart attack.  You see, when you over-think little DOTs they join with other DOTs in the same way blood cells stick together to block your arteries.  You don’t function well and it eventually leads to a heart attack.  

Thank goodness DOT heart attacks don’t send you to the hospital.  Yet, they have the power to do just as much damage.  Accumulating and over-thinking DOTs stifles your happiness.  Fear takes over attacking your heart and breaking down its protective covering until an explosive meltdown occurs. A crack is formed and your heart is scared in hidden ways.  

Finally, I stepped back from the dirty puddle I was sitting in and realized I had broken my own DOT rules.  By over thinking every little DOT I had given them the power to become huge in my mind.  I allowed them to connect one, by one, stripping me of my calm, my contentment and my happiness. They blinded me and I couldn't see around them.

I carried the huge DOT mass around like a collection of boulders in a backpack.  Only as I dropped the backpack did they tumble out before me and I could see the tiny pebbles each of them really were.
Just tiny DOTs in the grand adventure of life! 
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Any event that happens to us, around us, or concerns us is just one tiny DOT in the grand adventure of life.
        Don’t Over-Think the DOTs!"
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to simplify your concerns and the way you handle experiences in your life - good and bad!   Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

I WANT YOU TO GO FISHING!

7/12/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Before he said hello, I blurted out,
"Do you have any coffee over there?”

This was our code for – I need to talk, can I come over?

I drove the 6 blocks to his office. He was sitting at his desk, happily surrounded by pictures of his fishing adventures.

These coffee conversations began with the same ritual.
First, he would show me the photo of his most recent “biggest catch.”
The fish always looked huge in the photo.
Once he told me how he had mastered the perfect angle and focus of his camera to make it look larger than life.

I oooed and awwwed and called him the mighty fisherman.

Next came the pouring of the coffee.
It was thick, strong and served in a cup from his mismatched office collection.
No cream.
No sugar.
No asking if it was too strong.
It was the expectation that it was to be enjoyed- as is.

Finally, with the ritual complete, he would sit back with his cup, his hair framing his face, and with a familiar silence stare at me.

His eyes locking on mine without words said,
--What do you need to talk about it?

This was a scene we played out many times. The problem of the day was hashed out with laughter, at times tears, but consistently with his calm and clarifying wisdom. I walked away feeling stronger, smarter, and grateful for having him in my life.
His name was Dan.

One day during a work meeting, Dan was exceptionally quiet. Not his quipping, sharp witted, entertaining self. While chatting during the morning break, Dan mentioned that he had a headache that wouldn’t go away.

Soon the black moleskin calendar that he carried in his chest pocket, once filled with meetings, appointments, and deadlines, began to mean very little.

Painfully I watched my mentor, colleague, coffee mate, father, brother, teacher, friend slow down with the ending of life.

I would call his wife to arrange a visit and drive to his home to talk.
Our talks were shorter now with fewer words.
No fish photos, no ooing, no aweing, no…. ritual.

One sunny day we walked slowly to his front yard patio. Silently we sat with the sun on our faces, listening to the birds and looking at the sky.

His wife brought us coffee.
Like Dan, the coffee was thinner, weaker and held in a smaller container than I was used to.

Breaking the silence, he said,
“Are you happy?"

Before I could respond his weakened voice followed ,
“You need to go fishing!”

I started chattering on about how, yes, I was happy and all was going well with me. I told him I wish I could slow down and enjoy the sun more like I was doing with him right now.

He said,
"Oh, I don't know if you need to slow down like me, but I want you to relax. I want you to have fun.”

And adamantly ended with,
“I want you to go fishing!"

Again, I began talking about how I had fished as a little girl and had taken my kids fishing when they were young, but really didn’t think it was something I would do now.

His piercing eyes stopped my chatter.

I have learned life lessons in many ways; through experience, through suffering, through joy, but this time it was sitting on a patio with the sun on my face through the locking of eyes.

Silently his determined eyes told me
Wake up! This isn’t about baiting a hook or holding a fishing pole. This is about finding what you love...coming alive with joy…. Being happy… this is about Living!

The stare down continued until the communication of the moment was solidified.
He knew.
I knew.
I got it!
​I understood.

He loved fishing. Fishing was his worship, the river was the sanctuary for his soul. Fishing was where he found joy, peace, and contentment.
That is what he wanted for me.

I never forgot the lesson.
And the amazing part is…. I found it!

When I write, when I speak and look in the eyes of someone touched by my words and when I help people I am fishing.

I feel it! I feel the contentment. I feel the peace. I feel the joy. I have found what I love to do… and I am doing it!
Yes, Dan, I am fishing!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Find the river in life that brings you joy, peace and contentment. Swim in it, splash in it and fish in it!”
Picture
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about what would bring you this kind of passion and joy.  What is your fishing?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

LET THEM DANCE

7/6/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​She is a four year old, blonde, blue eyed student of life.  

The evening sunset was long gone and dinner had settled in our bellies.  Just as most of us sat down to relax, she jumped in the middle of the room to demonstrate the dance moves she was learning in ballet class.  She kicked off her worn pink western boots and transformed from a chatty whirlwind of activity into a seriously composed tiny dancer.  

Her voice whispered,
     “Tap, point, tap, point,” 
as she awkwardly rotated through her toe points and pirouettes.  

After several methodical demonstrations of her talent, the group began clapping.  Her irritation was obvious when she loudly stated,
       “No!  I am still doing it!”  

The clapping hushed immediately as the understanding was clear  -- she was not done yet!

How often in life do we interrupt someone else’s dance? 
We are so rushed, busy and preoccupied that we don’t notice their dance or take the time to let the moment unfold.

When we see a fellow soul loving life, enjoying the moment and singing their heart song, we should hold the space of delight with them.  We should let it last for them (and for ourselves) as long as it can.  We should stretch it into as much absolute pleasure as possible.  

She may be a four year old learning her way, but for that space in time she was a teacher of life.  The lesson was clear; the meaning was firm. We need to recognize another’s dance, whatever form it takes and celebrate it as much as we do our own.  Allow it to last until the music of their heart stops and the dance is complete.
Don’t interrupt.  Let them dance.
                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
     “Every soul has a dance to dance.
             Celebrate everyone’s heart dance.” 
                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
 LET THE DANCE!
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to applaud everyone's dance.  Let them dance for as long as they want.  Be in the moment of JOY with them!  
Let them dance! ​
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

USE YOUR WORDS!

6/29/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
 USE YOUR WORDS!

The toddler was obviously distraught as he cried and thrashed his arms. 
His mom, calmly said,
      “I don’t know what is wrong. 
        Tell me what is wrong.
        Use your words.”

This scene echoed in my mind.  It wasn’t the frustration of a two year old that impacted me.  It was the wisdom of the mom to encourage him by saying,
       “Use your words.”

How often do we need to be told to – Use Your Words?

How often do we allow anger, fear, impatience, disappointment to bring us to the point of tears and outbursts?  We don’t express what is at the core of the problem.  We don’t share our experience out loud with others allowing our vulnerability to be shared.
  Use your words!

How often do we see others in the adult version of the toddler’s meltdown and push them away without encouraging them to share their feelings?

  Use your words!
How often do we see something we agree with or enjoy on social media and find it easy just to click an automated button that expresses “like” for us without taking the time to write how much we loved it and how it touched our heart—and why?

  Use your words!
How often do we pass strangers in our day’s journey without acknowledging their space in the world… not a “Hi,” “Hello,” or “Have a wonderful day?”

  Use your words!
How often do we pass the opportunity without telling the ones closest to us that we love and appreciate them and just assume they must know?

  Use your words!
From the moment a baby is born we begin talking to them and telling them we love them. When they are able to say their first word we are filled with pride and joy. We are given voices to interact on the most human level with others.

Use your words to acknowledge others.  Don’t look at the ground as you walk.  Look at the faces of those walking with you.  Use your words to express kindness.

Use your words to express where your fear and hurt is coming from.  Don’t lash out with a violent thrashing temper when you are frustrated or angry.  

Use your words to tell people how you feel.  If you love them, say it!
Don’t assume others know how you feel. Don’t sit behind a screen tapping an automated “LIKE” button allowing a machine to express your thoughts.  Take the time to use your words!

Say them, speak them and write them down. 
Use Your WORDS!
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Don’t allow anger to explode or fear to silence you. Use your words to express your feelings!”
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
USE YOUR WORDS
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to communicate your feelings.  Allowing them to fester inside will only cause an explosion at some point. 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

WASH YOUR HANDS OF IT!

6/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
How often do you wash your hands?
Most people wash their hands after gardening, before cooking, after using the restroom, and after shaking hands with someone who has a cold. 
We’ve been trained to use soap and water, and create friction by rubbing our hands together for as long as it takes to hum the happy birthday song in order to remove all of life’s nasty germs.
I would like to share with you one of my nontraditional reason to wash your hands.

How often to do come home from work completely stressed?
Have you ever returned from grocery shopping or running errands feeling exhausted?
Do you drive to work mentally overloaded with family issues and home responsibilities?

This all happens because we absorb negative energy. For me, I feel the energy of other’s so deeply that it bogs me down to the point of feeling overwhelmed and at times physically ill. 
So, I have created a ritual to address this issue.  You have heard the phrase, ‘wash your hands of it.’  Do this literally and intentionally.  Stand over the sink, use soap and water, create friction by rubbing our hands together, and visualize washing off all of the stress, exhaustion, responsibilities and negative energy you have absorbed. Choose your own theme or fight song to hum or sing if that helps. Create your own ritual.

When you come home stressed from work create a habit of washing your hands.  Add this to your routine of changing from your work clothes to your comfy home clothes.  James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, calls this habit stacking.  His idea is that by adding a new task to something you already do it is easier for it to become a habit.  What ever your after work routine is add washing your hands to it. Wash your hands of it!  Clean your hands and your mind of your work responsibilities before you engage with your family, friends and home life.

After grocery shopping or being in large groups, if you feel exhausted from picking up all the negative energy from other people --Wash your hands of it! While you are humming your personal fight song, visualize all that dirty negative energy going down the drain. 
When you arrive to work in the morning, if your mental backpack is overflowing with family issues and home responsibilities -- Wash your hands of it! Suds up those hands and intentionally allow the soap to cleanse and temporarily distance yourself from all of it, before you sit down to your desk or workstation.
There are so many times and situations you can use this technique to wash away negative energy.  You may be surprised how such a simple ritual can clear your mind and energize your body.  Remember – Wash your hands of it!
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~~ 
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
           “Wash your hands of it!
           Visualize stress, fear, anger, and
​              hurt going down the drain!” 
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to take control of the negative energy you pick up.  You can 'wash your hands of it!'
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments

The Charlie Hunt 3 Strike Rule

6/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
My Dad had a rule of giving businesses and people three chances. 

He felt that anyone can have a day when things just don’t go right and shouldn’t be judged on one interaction or experience.  So he would allow three times to get it right. 

He wouldn’t discount a restaurant if he had a bad meal the first time he visited, or complain if a sales clerk didn’t treat him kindly, or judge a person by on misguided choice. 

He would give them a second chance. 

And a third. 

But, if on the third chance they were still inadequate or unkind he would feel confident that he gave them enough of his time to show their potential before he decided they would not be a part of his life.

My Dad passed away in 2005.  Now when I have an unpleasant experience I try to remember the Charlie Hunt 3 Strikes Rule before I immediately form an opinion. 

The second or third pitch just might be a home run!    

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
      "Don't judge on the first experience
                          or the second  
  - the third pitch just might be a home run." 
​YOUR TURN...                  
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to   remember that everyone can have a bad day, an off moment, a slip in judgment.  What if you gave them three changes, before you judged them?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2019 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.​
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    There is a certain magic about where I live both physically and spiritually – on the crossroads of Spirit and Brave. 

    It seems appropriate that my writings be found under the sign that locates my life.  I wish for all of you the ability to live in your Spirit to experience a life filled with love and gratitude and be Brave in the learning of your life lessons. 

    Enjoy!
            Pennie

     

    Archives

    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Addiction
    Beginnings Endings
    Beginnings & Endings
    Beginnings & Endings
    Change
    Failure
    Father
    Father's Day
    Fear
    Forgive
    Forgiveness
    Gratitude
    Grief
    Happiness
    Healing
    Hope And Cope
    Hope And Cope
    Judgment
    Kindness
    Life Lessons
    Life Lessons
    LOVE
    Meditation
    Mindfulness
    Opioid Epidemic
    Risk
    Success
    Trust

    RSS Feed

PLEASE NOTE: This page does not provide medical or legal advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, Pennie Hunt provides general information for inspiration, encouragement and educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for legal, medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call or the advice of your lawyer, physician or other healthcare provider.                              
Picture
Picture
Copyright © 2012- 2019 Pennie Hunt -  All Rights Reserved
Photographs by Pennie Hunt and Materpiecebysarah.com