Category Archives: Psychology and human behavior

Hats Off, Hats On

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“Building art is a synthesis of life in materialized form. We should try to bring in under the same hat not a splintered way of thinking, but all in harmony together.” ~ Alvar Aalto

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about hats because it was recently Easter and because I’ve been wearing many different hats lately. When I was growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s no Easter outfit was complete unless it was topped off with a new spring coat and a matching headpiece. It tickles me silly when I think of some of the hats my mother wore to church. She had a yellow one that was shaped like a bees hive, and there was even a little fuzzy bee that was glued to the mesh that surrounded the hat.

hat etiquetteIn my childhood days it was not a rare occurrence  to see men and women as well as boys and girls wearing hats on occasions that called for dressing up like going to church. It was all part of Sunday morning tradition.

Teaching children manners were of utmost importance when I was a kid and that included making sure kids were well versed in the etiquette of hat wearing. It’s been said by writer Alexander McCall Smith that “manners are the basic building blocks of a civil society.”

Do you think we are better off being a more relaxed society or would you like to see a return to some of the niceties that were present several decades ago?

Please take this one second poll on All Things Fulfilling. I’d love to know your response.

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard.

 

 

Old Souls vs Young Souls

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 “Remember our souls are like snowflakes, all different and all beautiful.” ~ Unknown

I volunteer about six hours a week at a local consignment store called  Lift Up run by all the churches here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I love it! It’s so interesting to see what comes in to the donation center. We volunteers often talk about the differences between what people value.

Did you know there is actually a science behind why we like what we do and what gives us feelings of fulfillment? This article is interesting. To sum it up there seems to be a relationship between whether we are old or young souls to many of our preferences -such as the books we read,  perhaps what we writers chose to write about, art, music, fashion, food and maybe even our belief system.

Have you ever read characteristics of what defines an old soul as opposed to what defines a young soul? Personally, I think this concept does play into many of our choices, right down to the things that we chose to share on Facebook.

Old soul, new soul or somewhere in between  I am not sure there is a preferred way of being to navigate this world in which we are living. I’d have to delve much deeper into the research in order to decide that for myself. However, as I read the description of “an old soul” there is a there characteristic that can’t connect with. It has been said that “old souls feel old.” I am on the opposite side of the spectrum of that feeling.

Thank heavens for favors, big and small.

Have a nice day
This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. The author of Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul and Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

 

Childhood & Belief

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“Children see magic because they look for it.” ― Christopher Moore

Little-Boy-movie-poster_1In select theatres across the country, the film Little Boy was released last Friday. This movie is among others that I have put on my list of upcoming movies to see. It is a story about the separation of father and son due to war in 1940. Although this is a fictional story, it is a tale that will ring familiar with families who have been faced with parent and child relationships strained due to military duties.

It has been said of this drama, written and directed by Alejandro Monteverde, a Smithsonian Institute award-winning filmmaker, that the power and value of holding tight to life-affirming belief as seen through the perspective of the little boy, “will warm your heart and lift your spirits.”

A review from Slant Magazine written by Ed Gonzalez  gives the movie what I would call a marginal rating  stating “Little Boy is the filmmaker’s naïve desire to convey life experience to such a sentimentalized degree that the world comes to resemble only the sham of a Norman Rockwell painting.”

In light of Gonzales’ remarks I ask   – Doesn’t having faith and hope get us through life’s most difficult circumstances? And shouldn’t the short, sweet childhood years be like an idealistic or quixotic Norman Rockwell painting?

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. Her publications include Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul.

 

 

Radio Spot On! Mark it Down

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Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.” ~  Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Everyone wants to find long-lasting, meaningful happiness. Right? But, how do we discover or develop that spot in our lives where we find true contentment?

Although we like to paint rosy pictures in our minds of how life should be and what the perfect world would look like, there’s that thing called reality that creeps into the picture and sometimes switches things up.

On May 21st I will be a guest on blog talk radio – Living a Richer Life. Save the date! The theme of the evening will be Finding Your Path to Personal Fulfillment. We will be discussing the journey and the challenges that come with finding that place in your life where a deep sense of harmony exists. Can we ever find it?

I hope you will join in the conversation because listeners will be able to call in with their comments and questions. Here are the details of the broadcast:

ePost Card_Living a Richer Life_Sue Leonard_May 21, 2015 600 x500 pixels

That’s all for today from All Things Fulfilling. I look forward to your return and mine on Monday.

This blog is brought to you by the award-winning author of Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul and Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

Stimulating-Creative-Energy

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If we look for it, there is good news every day of the week, not just on Thirsty Thursday. So the good news for today is – “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ~ Maya Angelou

Back on December 29, 2014 I posted an article on All Things Fulfilling about Jonathan Lehrer’s book called Imagination. If you missed the blog, you can go back and read Spinning Yarns.

The blog was about my decision to take a creative writing course because I had read so much evidence including Jonathan Lehrers book, called Imagination on the importance of seeking out opportunities to use our creativity.

Everyone-Has-A-Creative-GiftIf you are a person who has never explored the creative aspect of your brain, it’s never too late to discover your creative gifts. It’s been said that creativity builds more creativity. To use some popular buzz words, our imagination is a renewable resource. I’ve noticed in myself that once the right side of the brain gets triggered, one thing leads to another as the creative energy is stimulated.

Neurologists say certain conditions are conducive to stirring the imagination. If you are interested in learning more about how creativity works, there is a minute and a half video that explains what scientists have discovered about the array of distinct mental processes that happens in the brain when we fan our flame of creativity. It’s fascinating. Listen in!

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul.

 

Meet Me at The Movies

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“Healing Art is being born as we speak. The concept is catching fire, is awakening in people’s spirits…Artists, musicians and dancers are realizing their imagery has meaning….that their imagery heals them, others, their neighborhood, or the earth.” ~ Michael Samuels

meet me at the moviesThe Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington is partnering with several organizations to bring back classic movies because of their power to connect seniors with memories. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Western and Central Washington Chapter and the University of Washington School of Nursing along with Artists for Alzheimer’s/I’m Still Here Foundation have sponsored Meet Me at the Movies to celebrate film and it’s ability to stir the human emotions. An interesting partnering isn’t it? It speaks to the power of art to heal.

During the great Depression, people flocked to the movies because the entertainment cinema provided gave them relief from every day stresses. The eldest of the eldest of our country’s population, those in their late “renaissance years” remember the Golden Age of Movies and dancing every Saturday night. Alternatively, family and friends sat huddled together in front of the radio engaged in shows that united people and provided diversions to forget the financially difficult times and as ways to uplift their spirits.

Stories through the decades whether by film, book or through audio listening inspire, influence, entertain and change lives.

Do return on Monday. Next week I’ll have a few announcements! Have a great weekend.

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. Her publications are available in audio, paperback and e-book format.

Thirsty Thursday: Going Dutch

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“Looking at things through the eyes of people who have very different experiences and assumptions than you do can be like food for the brain,” ~ Tom McBride

I happened upon a story that I like a lot. So, on this Thirsty Thursday, a day of the week dedicated to good news, we are going to visit a story from the Netherlands. It is about a creative living arrangement for the elderly and college students.

In short, there is an eldercare facility in the Netherlands who is letting college students live free so long as they agree to one condition – they must do their part in volunteering 30 hours a month to help the elderly. All sorts of unexpected benefits come out of the arrangement for both parties.

The six college students who have entered into the agreement have found the arrangement to be fulfilling. They like being around the seniors cooking for them, doing projects and teaching them about new things to keep the seniors interested and engaged in life.

Dutch retirement humanitas2

“Perhaps,” I think, “this intergenerational partnering will be a testing ground for the college students who are considering whether a career in eldercare is what they’ll want to put their hearts and soul into in the future.”

The senior citizens benefit because they do not feel so isolated, and it keeps them feeling young having the students around.

Other countries in Europe are beginning to look at this example as a viable option to help out both generations – college students and seniors. Read the entire article.

Senior care is changing in many ways to benefit the mind, body and spirit. Thanks to research on aging, many countries are providing a better quality of life for those in the final years. That’s good news!

See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling. This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard.

 

 

A Term I Can Live With

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“Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us…” ~ Dale E Turner

I don’t know about you, baby boomer, but I dislike the thought of becoming a senior citizen. In fact, according to AARP, they’ve determined that I became a senior citizen five or six years ago when I began getting their publications and mailings regularly. I don’t think of myself anywhere near elderly or aged. In fact, I feel as if I am just beginning to hit my stride. Writing and publishing and a side of business that has come with that has given me a new lease on life. I am very committed and passionate about what I am doing.

People are living longer and more actively into their 70s, 80s and 90s. Research shows that staying active and involved is what keeps people healthy.

As I approach the retirement years, I decided that will not use the phrase “retirement years” when I reach that landmark. I don’t much like it. I’d rather say I am in my renaissance years. I discovered that term in an article.

Renaissance denotes vigor, renewal and interest in life than a decline and giving up. It will much better fit the “next act” wheverever that appears in my life.

If you are on the verge of retirement, have you put any thought into whether you are going to retire from life or continue to live life fully? What will you do in your “renaissance years” to keep you young and healthy? Volunteering, involvement in the arts, caretaking grandchildren, activity through sports such as yoga, hiking, walking, or staying interested in our diverse world though travel?

Whatever you chose, I wish you well. I hope your renaissance years are inspiring and they include creativity.

FIND YOUR CREATIVE SPARK

 

 

 

 

 

 

This blog is brought to you by the author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul.

Kids on First Things First

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“Let’s remember that our children’s spirit is more important than any material goods. When we do, self esteem and love blossoms and grows more beautifully than any flowers could.” ~ Jack Canfield

On this Film Friday I share with you a video of precious children. They pretend they are married as they communicate their feelings about their “spouses”, marital relationships and how to get through the rough patches. Much of what they say we adults, whether married or not, can learn something from it.

Watch how these young children come to understand about putting family first, how to compromise and how to show appreciation for their mates strengths in the relationship.

Their insight gives one hope that the institution of marriage might survive in future generations through a program called First Things First.

This blog is brought to you by the award-winning author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul.

 

 

All is Ours Day

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Did you know today is All is Ours Day? Don’t believe me?

“What does this mean?” You say.

The mission behind All is Ours Day is up for individual interpretation. In my opinion, it means we can really celebrate this day any time we want because it is all about good news, following dreams and manifesting happiness! These adages speak well to what All is Ours Day is all about:

“Whatever comes, let it come. Whatever stays, let it stay. Whatever goes, let it go.” ~ Unknown

“Whatever you want to do, do it. There are only so many tomorrows.” ~ Michael Landon

“Chase whatever it is that fills your heart with music and make sure it’s a beat you can dance to.” – Matt Baker

“You can choose to live in the third row or the front row.” -Unknown

“If you talk about it and think about it, it will manifest.”~ Unknown

To my way of thinking we know it’s All is Ours Day when ~

At the end of the day

 What ever you do today, make it an extraordinary one!

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. Her publications are Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul.