Emerson and an Update

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” 

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” 

“Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.” 

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” 

“It is not the length of life, but the depth.” 

“It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” 

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

 “The earth laughs in flowers.” 

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” 

“Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you.” 

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am currently reading (and re-reading) Emerson's book "Self-Reliance"  and have been thoroughly moved by his heart and sentiments as they mostly mirror my own heart and  life journey.  I wish I had been born with his intellect, but am grateful that he wrote down what he did and shared his gorgeous mind with the rest of us.

An update on what's happening here health-wise:  Andrew and I go back to Mayo for cardio based testing in a week and a half.  We have decided to wait on the neuro-doctors recommendations until my next MRI, so no brain surgery!!!  Yay--(yet)!!!  ;-) 

This upcoming week our youngest turns 14, so we are busy preparing for those celebrations--sooo fun!!!   Plus we have 3 exciting concerts to attend that week also--Sam's final choral concert and the girls' final school orchestra concert!!!   And, then that same week Yo Yo Ma will be in town  giving a concert in honor of our local orchestra's centennial anniversary.  It's an exciting time for us here in the Quad Cities.

 I hope all is well with you wherever you may be, and that if you are in the northern hemisphere you are enjoying all of the new spring blooms. 

~ xoxo Autumn