Graduation is a Time to Celebrate!

Graduation season is in full swing at this time of year. When we think of graduation, we usually think of high school or college commencement ceremonies. We think of students going out into the "real world" and commencing, or beginning, the next stage in their lives.

Graduation doesn't only have to be about school. Think about it. We all have many grduations in our lives. Sure, we have school graduations, but what about when a person gets married? Isn't that a sort of graduation, from single life to married life? And how about when a couple has children and they graduate into parenthood? We graduate from raising children, to becoming empty nesters and then perhaps graduate to becoming grandparents. We can graduate from one job or career to another and then completely graduate from the working world into retirement.

Perhaps you don't know anyone graduating from school this season, but you may know someone graduating to a new stage in their lives. They may not be happy about their commencement (think about reluctant empty nesters or people forced to graduate from a job too soon due to layoffs, forced retirement, etc). Try to help them see that even though their commencement might be challenging, it might also open new doors for them and a world of endless possibilities. If you are one of the reluctant graduates, take time to do some soul searching. You may just find that in the end your graduation is a time for celebrating.

To all the graduates out there, commence the celebration!

The Beauty of Spring

Spring is in full bloom with beautiful flowers sprouting up all over. Many stores have an ample supply of bedding plants, hanging baskets and patio containers. Colorful petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and pansies are a delight to the eyes.

Nurturing flowers is good for the heart and soul. Digging in the dirt to plant some bedding plants can actually be quite relaxing and calming. It makes you feel like you are "one with the earth". When you're done you'll feel a sense of accomplishment and have something beautiful to look at for the next several months.

If digging in the dirt isn't your thing, pick up a couple of finished hanging baskets or patio containers. You'll add some color and beauty to your life without getting your hands dirty.

Either way, don't forget to add water!

Blue Skies Are Back!

The past week has been gloomy, cloudy, and somewhat rainy in Loveland, Colorado. We can alway use the moisture in this semi-arid climate, but we're just not used to so many gloomy days in a row. Today, the clouds are gone and the sun is shining! After all the moisture we've had, the grass looks greener and the air seems cleaner. The sky is amazingly blue. It seems bluer than normal - must be my imagination, or perhaps after a week of cloudy weather, it's a deep appreciation for such a beautiful morning.

On that note, I'm going to go have a cup of tea outside and enjoy this beautiful day.

Take a Hike

Walking is something most of us take for granted. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and you're on your way. It sounds easy, but unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to walk. Some people can't walk at all. Others have to use walkers or canes to help them walk. Still others can walk, but they have a lot of pain in their feet or knee and hip joints when they do a lot of walking.

Think about that as you go about your day. If you can walk, be grateful. If you can walk without assistance or without pain, be doubly grateful. You might find yourself walking with an extra spring in your step. You might also complain less if you have to park at the far end of a parking lot and walk further to your destination. Or you might find yourself thinking about taking up walking as excercise.

Walking for excercise has a lot of advantages. It's inexpensive. The only equipment you need is a good pair of walking shoes and perhaps a pedometer if you want to keep track of your steps.

Also, walking gets you outside in the fresh air and sunshine. A daily dose of Vitamin D is good for you. If you walk with a friend, the time will fly by. It's better for your health than meeting for coffee and doughnuts. Walking alone may help nourish your soul. You can use the time to daydream and think about your hopes and dreams.

All in all, walking is good for your physical and mental health. So, get out there and take a hike!

Welcome To Karen's Kitchen Chat

As you can see from the description of my blog, I will be writing about everyday types of things. I want to put a positive spin on the things that I chat about, in the hope that it will put people in a good mood. I believe that a positive attitude can help you get through life much easier. I’m also a firm believer in finding something each day that makes you feel grateful. It doesn’t have to be anything big or earth shattering.

I’m always grateful for my wonderful family and the fact that I have a roof over my head and food on my table, but sometimes being grateful for the little things in life can help you have a better and more positive outlook on life in general. Sometimes just taking time to “smell the roses” can make you feel better.

Normally, I plan to find gratefulness and joy in the little things, but today is Memorial Day. It is a day to remember the brave men and women who died serving our country. This is not a little thing to be grateful for – it is a huge thing. Be sure to take some time today to be grateful for the ones who gave their lives, so that the rest of us could live in freedom in the good old USA.

Enjoy and be grateful!