July 2017 is already upon us...that means we're half-way through this year! The month of July is a little sparse when it comes to interesting days to celebrate, unless you're into food. Then this month is one you'll really like; lots of different foods have special days this month. 
JULY 2017
1.  National Postal Worker's Day and National US Postage Stamp Day, National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, Hop-A-Park Day
2.  National Anisette Day (A licorice-flavored liqueur that is popular in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.)
3.  National Eat Your Beans Day, National Chocolate Wafer Day
4.  Independence Day in the US, National BBQ Spareribs Day, National Caesar Salad Day (A great side dish to go along with those spareribs.)
5.  National Apple Turnover Day, National Graham Cracker Day, National Bikini Day
6.  National Fried Chicken Day. This dish is so special, especially in the American South, that it gets its own day!
7.  National Father Daughter Take A Walk Day, National Strawberry Sundae Day, National Macaroni Day
8.  National Chocolate With Almonds Day
9.  National Sugar Cookie Day (These are great fun to make and decorate with the help of your kids or grandkids.)
10. National Clerihew Day
11. National Cheer Up the Lonely Day, National Blueberry Muffin Day, All American Pet Photo Day
12. National Simplicity Day, National Different Colored Eyes Day, National Pecan Pie Day, Paper Bag Day, National Eat Your Jello Day
13. National Beans and Franks Day, National French Fry Day
14. National Tape Measure Day, National Macaroni and Cheese Day, Collector Car Appreciation Day, Bastille Day in France!
15. National Give Something Away Day, National I Love Horses Day, National Pet Fire Safety Day and my personal favorite, Toss Away the Could Haves And Should Haves Day
16. National Corn Fritter Day, National Personal Chef Day, National Ice Cream Day
17. World Emoji Day, National Wrong Way Corrigan Day, National Yellow Pig Day, National Get Out Of The Dog House Day
18. National Sour Candy Day, National Hamiltons Day, National Caviar Day
19. National Hotdog Day
20. National Moon Day, National Lollipop Day, Get To Know Your Customers Day (reoccurring on the Thursday of each quarter)
21. National Junk Food Day. Probably not the best thing to celebrate, but.....
22. National Hammock Day, Rat Catcher's Day, National Day Of The Cowboy
23. National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, National Parent's Day
24. National Thermal Engineer Day, national Drive-Through Day, National Cousins Day
25. Hire A Veteran Day, National Merry-Go-Round-Day, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, National Threading The Needle Day
26. National Aunts and Uncles Day, National Bagelfest Day, National Coffee Milkshake Day
27. National Creme Brulee Day, National Refreshment Day, National Chili Dog Day
28. National Chocolate Milk Day, Buffalo Soldiers Day, National Get Gnarly Day, National Talk In The Elevator Day
29. National Lasagna Day, National Lipstick Day, National Dance Day
30. National Whistleblower Day, national Cheesecake Day, National father-In_law Day
31. National Avocado Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, National Mutt Day (The best dogs ever!)
Whew! That's a lot of food! I think I gained a few pounds just thinking about all the great items I can make this month. Instead of my normal shopping trip to the Lily Pad Party Place I think, this month, requires a trip to Bugs-R-Us...Lily Pad's newest and largest food store! With all these wonderful food items to celebrate this month, the cooks among you will find lots to celebrate. And be sure to come back for the August calendar!
                                               Have a great weekend, everyone!

The fourth Thursday of every June is designated as National Handshake Day. Of all the forms of greeting others, the handshake is probably the oldest.  It's hard to pinpoint the exact origin of the handshake because non-verbal forms of communications existed before the development of language. And the handshake may fall into this category. But whenever it started, we do know that's been around a long time.
Archaeological ruins in ancient Greece supports the theory that the handshake is ancient. An uncovered funerary stele, or monument, from the 5th century BC depicts two soldiers shaking hands. Older records from Egypt suggests that the handshake held a different kind of power...the power of giving. According to Babylonian customs, kings would grasp the hand of the statue of the god Marduk before taking the throne. This act was repeated annually at the festival of Zagmuk to carry his power over into the next year.
Although some version of the handshake is practiced nearly everywhere in the world today, many countries have their own customs regarding this greeting. To celebrate National Handshake Day, I thought it would be fun to look at a few of those customs. First impressions mean a great deal, so knowing how to shake hands appropriately can be a big asset, especially when you are traveling abroad.
China - Age matters here so always greet the oldest people first. (I'm pretty sure that goes for greeting frogs, too!) Lightly grip the hand and bow slightly, avoiding direct eye contact. And hold onto the person's hand for a moment or two after the handshake is completed.
Brazil - Expect a firm handshake and one that lasts longer than you're probably used to. use strong eye contact. And greet women with a light kiss on either cheek. Repeat this process when you leave.
Philippines - Most Asiatic countries follow China's lead; the exception being in the Philippines. Here, you want to look the other person straight in the eye and do not bow. A weak grip is a must, however.
Australia - if you're a woman shaking a man's hand, you must offer your hand first. Typically, women there don't shake hands with other women. Use a firm, fast shake. And don't ever use both hands, as do many politicians.
France - Whether it's the first time you meet  someone...or the 101st time, shake their hand quickly and lightly. If you're close, a kiss on both cheeks is appropriate.
Russia - Never shake hands with the opposite sex unless it's a business situation. Traditionally, men kiss the hand of a woman. If you are shaking hands, make is very, very firm...like bone-crushing firm!
Turkey - Firm handshakes here are considered rude! In Turkey, handshakes are held for a long time. Don't be concerned, though, it's a sign of friendship!
South Korea - The most senior person should start the handshake, and the grip should be soft. Feel free to clench their right arm with your held hand, too.
Morocco - Only shake hands with people of the same gender and be gentle. If a woman wants to shake your hand, she will offer hers, first.
United Arab Emirates - Start by shaking the hand of the oldest, or most senior, person first. Greet them with their title and expect the handshake to linger awhile. Let them be the first one to disengage. 
Kenya - When greeting elders or those of high status, grap the wrist of the left hand and say "Jambo" which means "How are you". Afterwards, ask them about their family or business. Here, that's not considered rude or inappropriate.
Mexico - Expect a lasting handshake. In you're a man, a hug may be in order. Women, generally, kiss each other on the cheek.
Norway - Here, you are expected to shake hands with everyone...no matter how many there are in the group. Address each person with their first and last name. Never ask, "How are you?" To a Norwegian, it's meaningless conversational fluff.
Thailand - Don't shake hands here! The other person will place their palms together, at chest level, and bow. This is called a "wai."  Return the gesture. If you're a man, greet them with "Sawadee-krap." If you're a woman, then say, "Sawadee-kah." Both mean a polite "Hello." You shake hands only is a "wai" is not offered.

The best way to celebrate National Handshake Day is by shaking the hand of at least  one person you would not have, on any other day. And wish them a good day, while you are oing it. Of course, use #NationalHandshakeDay on all your social media.

I can't believe that Wednesday's here already...the last one in June. Knowing that my friend and teacher, the Dharma Frog, would be here first thing in the morning, I went to bed extra early to be sure I'd get up in time.  I never like to disappointment him by not being ready for my weekly lesson when he arrives.
With all this hot weather, I prepared a simple breakfast and brewed a light, fruity tea. And, right on schedule, he hopped onto my lily pad. I greeted him warmly with a "Good morning, Sir, I'm happy to see you!" He smiled and, smelling the delicious breakfast, immediately sat down and began serving him self. "So, what's today's lesson on?" I queried as I poured the tea. He took a sip then replied, "Student, a frog cannot clap with one flipper. Have you ever noticed, my boy, how many things seems to come in twos? Whether it's our eyes, our flippers, or even our ears. And isn't two flies better than one?" I nodded wholeheartedly in agreement. He continued, "Humans are the same way, too. Not only do they have two of many body parts, the same as we frogs, they also like to pair off, as well. And a pair is, of course, two." I hadn't really given it much thought but, upon deeper reflection I did, in fact, see where many good things seem to come in twos.
Dharma reminded me that a human can be compared to a bundle of reeds. One bundle, alone, cannot stand up to heavy wind and rain. Standing alone, it is easily blown over, But if two bundles of reeds lean against one another, they can withstand the elements. They become stronger when they rely on each other. This is true in the animal world, as well. We all need community. I hadn't thought about it that way before but, of course, it's true. "Sir," I said, 'I know it's tough for any of us to go it alone. But why is it that we're better together?"
​My wise friend smiled. "Son, there are many reasons why we're better together than we are alone. But here are a few of the ones that I think are most important."
1. Collective wisdom. No single human, or frog, has all the answers. We learn more, stay safer, and become stronger as a a community than we do when we are alone. We pass on our knowledge from one to the other.
2.  Pushing our individual limits. No matter how resilient we think we are, we all have days when we become overwhelmed. We think we just can't go on...or do any more. Surrounding ourselves with others who love and believe in us, often is the catalyst we need to spur us onward. They will believe in you even when you don't.
3.  New ideas. With such a divergent world, we can see and learn from those who have different views and perspective on things. No two humans, or frogs either, will approach the same problem the same way.  And having different viewpoints can be very helpful, You can't solve the same old problems, the same old way and expect to get different results. just because something or someone is different, doesn't mean isn't good. It's just different from what we know. Vive la difference!
4.  Borrowed motivation.  Creativity breeds creativity. All we need do is look around our community to get  inspired. With so many new and wonderful and inventive things happening in the world today, it's hard not to t be inspired creatively. Think about all the beautiful art, music, and inventions that we know and love. You can bet those creators drew  inspiration from those around them. You can do the same. Just open your eyes.
5.  Accountability. Being accountable for our actions helps to keep us honest and holds us to our goals, dreams, and aspirations. How easy it would be to slip into laziness rather than get  up every morning and do what we need to do, like go to work, care for our families, and pay the bills. Accountability isn't always pleasant...or even wanted. But most of the time, it's necessary. Very few of us would ever do the things required of us if there was no accountability and community helps with that.
6.  Support and belief. Belonging to a group of like-minded people offers emotional support and camaraderie. When you become part of a group, you know you'll share the same beliefs, or values, or goals. Groups give people a sense of belonging. And that sense of belong, a basic human need like food and shelter, is the most important reason why humans (and frogs, too, of course)are better together.
It doesn't matter what species you are, belonging to a community isn't just a good idea....it's vital for the species to continue. And just as a frog cannot clap with just one flipper, humans cannot thrive if they are alone.
After Dharma left this morning, I decided it was time for me to get together with my friends. I've been spending way too much time alone. So I called up a couple that live near by and this afternoon we;re going to go for a swim, Then maybe catch a few bugs, if we have the time. I'm looking forward to spending time with friends....one is, indeed, a lonely number.

 Do you ever have flashbacks? You'll be doing something, your mind completely occupied with the task at hand when, out of the blue, you're flooded with a flashback of something terrible that happened. Maybe it was was years and years ago, but the wound still feels fresh, like it's just happening. Every time it happens, it's always like it was the first time; painful and often scary.  The worst part is that you can't control it. And you never know when it'll happen next. This is what it's like for millions of people all over the world. 
PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) was once considered a problem only for soldiers who returned from war. It was a bi-product of living under terrifying and life-threatening conditions for an extended period of time. But doctors and psychologists have learned that anyone who has been a victim of a traumatic event can suffer from PTSD. So why am I taking about this today? Because July 27th each year has been designated at National PTSD Awareness Day.
PTSD has a profound effect on those who suffer from it. The vast number of humans suffering from this illness only tells half the story, though. The trauma and anxiety associated with Post Traumatic Stress is a constant burden for those who suffer from it. As many as 20% of all adult Americans who have suffered a traumatic event, have PTSD. And that is only one country. Just imagine those who live in countries that are constantly ravaged by war and violence!
There are many causes of PTSD that are non-military or war-related. Things like natural disasters, violent crimes, traffic accidents, abuse, and neglect. PTSD can happen to anyone at at any age. You don't necessarily have to be the victim of a traumatic event either; just witnessing one can be enough to set the PTSD wheels in motion. It has been discovered recently that people who have spent significant time in a hospital intensive care unit can also suffer from this illness. And the likelihood of PTSD symptoms occurring after a non-military traumatic event is even greater than it is for those who are combat veterans!
Today there are many great treatments available for those who suffer the debilitating effects of PTSD; Cognitive Processing Therapy, (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy are two common ones that are used in both veterans hospitals and in private practice. But other treatments do exist and are gaining in popularity. One is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR. This is a relatively new technique that is particularly helpful in treating PTSD. Another of the newer approaches is neurofeedback (NFB), also called EEG Biofeedback. It's a proven way to help the brain function better through brain-training exercises. Neurofeedback can specifically target those areas of the brain that aren't functioning properly  in PTSD patients; the amygdala, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the hippocampus. With all these wonderful options available to therapists, those suffering from these terrible flashbacks can finally find relief. The problem, however, stems from getting a correct diagnosis.
I have several friends, both human and frog, who suffer from PTSD so I know, first-flipper (first-hand) how devastating this illness can be. What's interesting to me is that animals, too, can suffer from their own version of PTSD. Dogs, especially, seems to have very similar episodes to those of humans, if they have been the victim of repeated neglect and abuse.
The Unites States Senate established PTSD Awareness Day, in 2010 as a way to bring attention to this far-reaching illness. And, unfortunately, the number of people suffering from this terrible problem will continue to grow as our society continues to experience more and more traumatic events. If you know of someone who suffers from PTSD, reach out to them today. Let them know there is help and hope.
​And don't forget to use #NationalPTSDAwarenessDay on all your social media.

Not everyone is a Picasso or an Adele...but did you know that everyone is creative just the same? The human body is, by nature, creative. It knows just what to do in every situation. It can respond to physical and psychological changes in a flash. Creativity is inherent in all of us. Humans. and frogs too I suspect, were meant to live a creative life. Living creatively enhances our sense of well-being.
Doing research for this piece, I learned a new word, actually a new phrase; it's eudaimonic well-being. Simply put, this means living life  in a full and satisfying way. Living creatively is associated with two of the six dimensions of eudaimonic well-being (e w-b). One of those dimensions is personal growth. Humans who engage in creative activity every day, such as taking photographs, creating a new recipe, doing a little scrapbooking (etc) were significantly more likely to experience personal growth than those who did not engage in creative activities. Another dimension that e w-b and creative living share is intrinsic motivation; a love of creating just for the sake of creating and not for any external rewards. And the third dimension that e w-b and creative living have in common is environmental mastery; the ability to manage the many responsibilities of daily living. This includes budgeting in time for creative thinking and play. Those individuals who include a little time each day to be creative tend to have a larger capacity for creativity; that is, the more you create, the more creative you become.
So what about those folks who don't see themselves as creative? How do they live a creative life and develop a greater sense of well-being? Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about your own creativity in a more creative way.
A.  Do what you do well. Maybe you're not an artist or a writer or a composer. Maybe you are an organizer...or  you excel at making others laugh. These can be your creative outlet. You may not think of them as gifts because they come naturally to you. But they are. Realizing these gifts is a first step in finding your natural creativity.
B.  What makes you different?  Once you begin to think about your own talents, think about how you make them individual to you. Ask someone you love, trust...even like...to write down what they admire about you or what they think makes you unique. It may be hard for you to look objectively at their list, but try to sit with it and soak it all in. Allow yourself to feel it...because these beautiful, wonderful things are all YOU! 
C.  What makes you feel alive? Think about all the times when you've felt at peace, encouraged, or simply "at home"...those things that bring you satisfaction and true enjoyment. it can be anything from volunteering at a children's shelter, to petting your dog, or watching classic films. Make a list of the things that give you real satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
D.  Use all of these things to evolve your own life...or someone else's.  When we see and use those things that come easy for us and bring a smile to our face and peace to our brain, we are tapping into our own unique and brilliant creativity. here are a couple of examples of what I'm talking about:  If your gift is organizational skills, for instance, use that talent as a way to bring people together for a cause you believe in. Perhaps try organizing a fundraiser for your favorite nonprofit or, maybe, organize the office at the local animal shelter or food bank. There are a million ways you can use your organizational skills that are both creative and useful! If your gift is making people laugh, don't be afraid to use more humor in your workplace.  Help to brighten up the hum-drum routine of your co-worker's day. You get the idea, right? So find creative ways of using your natural talents and watch yourself (not to mention others) flourish and thrive!
​E.  Try new stuff. Once you know and feel and live what makes you unique and see how it affects the people around you, don't be afraid to broaden it. Introduce yourself to new people, new ideas, new places...and other things that you once might have thought you wouldn't like. When you let yourself do and be what you naturally enjoy and are good at, new ideas will be drawn to you...and you to them. The best part about all this is that you are having a positive effect on those around you. When you are doing what you find fun, you make it fun for everyone else. And the chain reaction is that you will inspire others to find their own innate  creativity, as well. How wonderful (and creative) is that!
While the creative life isn't always directly associated associated with our ideas on happiness, living a creative life does seem to be associated with having a more meaningful and fulfilled life. And who wouldn't want to achieve that? We are all creative, in one way or another, and can find amazing ways to sprinkle our own brand of creativity on nearly everything we do! So go out there and creative your own beautiful, fulfilling and meaningful life. The world will thank you.

With summer now officially in full swing, I thought this might be a good time to post some travel safety tips. Whether you're traveling by car, train, or plane, it's always good to keep safety in mind. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than having something go wrong...especially when that something might have been avoided with careful and thoughtful planning.
Here are some safety tips if you're planning a road trip this summer:
Before you leave:
1.  Get your car serviced and the fluids checked. Be sure to have the tires checked, too. No only do you want to be certain that the tires have good tread, but that they are also inflated to their proper pressure. Low tire pressure can result in poor fuel mileage.
2.  Check for recalls. This isn't something most folks think to do but be sure your vehicle isn't on any recall list. You'd hate to get half-way to your destination and have your breaks go out, only to find out later that there was a recall for the issue.
3.  As soon as you begin planning your trip, start making a list of the things you'll need to take with you. These might include things like; extra food and water, pillows, a first-aid kit, games or videos for the kiddos, sunscreen, flashlights with extra batteries, cell phone charger, etc.
On the road:
1. Be sure everyone is buckled up...every time they get in the car.
2. Keep the kids safe. This means never leaving them unattended. Be sure the little ones are in the proper-size car seat. And be sure to keep the car doors locked after exiting so active kids can't get back inside or become trapped.
3. Plan enough time for rest stops. Driving, while fun, can also be tiring. And if you're traveling with children, they need to get out often for rest stops and to stretch their legs. Save your phone calls and texts for these breaks!
4. Obey the speed limits! It's never fun to get pulled over for speeding, but it's even worse when you're on vacation. If you're traveling to an unfamiliar area, research their driving regulations. Stay safe and always obey local laws!
5. Share the road. Warmer weather brings out more vehicles...including cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and even bicycles. Share the road with them. They want to enjoy their holiday, too!
6.  Be mindful of pedestrians. Almost everywhere, pedestrians have the right-of-way. They don't always pay attention, so it's up to you drivers to watch out!
7. Avoid distracted driving. Calling, texting, looking at maps and GPS, enjoying the scenery, even eating and drinking can all be included in distracted driving. Distracted driving leads to accidents.
8. Impaired driving. Alcohol and drug use, while driving, are BIG no-nos. But of course you already know that!
Safety tips if your traveling by air:
1. Fly nonstop if you can. There are few problems with lost luggage and delayed flights if you don't have to make several stops. 
2. Choose a larger aircraft, if you have a choice. Aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats are were all designed and certified under the strictest regulations. In other words, use caution when flying shuttle or puddle-jumper planes.
3. Pay attention to pre-flight briefing. Yep, I know it's boring to listen to but these instructions (no matter how many times you've heard them before) can they can save your life. So pay attention...they only last a few minutes. And there may come a time, you'll be very glad you did!
4.  Help keep the overhead storage bins free of heavy boxes or luggage. A heavy box or suitcase falling out of the overhead can really do some damage if it hits you, or another passenger, on the head. Check you heaviest bags when you arrive at the airport.
5. Let the flight attendants pour your hot drinks. They're used to serving food and beverages in the often-shaky skies. You, on the other hand, are not. So please let them do their job and avoid getting yourself, or others, burned.
6. Do not bring, or attempt to bring, any hazardous or restricted materials.
7. Keep your alcohol consumption down. The pressure in the cabin of the aircraft will intensify the effects of the alcohol you drink. Obviously, less is more.
8. Keep your wits about you. It's a sad but true fact, trouble can happen in "friendly" skies. Follow any instructions given to you by the pilot or crew and and keep your eyes open for any signs of impending danger. Notify the crew immediately if you suspect something's not right. Better safe than sorry!
9. If you're traveling out of your native country, do check ahead of time for local customs and regulations. No one wants to get stopped by the police, or risk going to jail over an incident that could have been avoided. Just like with driving, always obey the local laws and customs. It's good to remember that you are guest in their country.
10. Keep your money, passport, and valuables well-hidden, or in the hotel safe.

If you have travel plans this summer, I want you to have fun and takes lots of photos. But above all, I want you to stay safe!
            Have a great weekend everyone and I hope to see you back here on Monday!

A lot has been written lately about being authentic. Everyone, including children, are encourage to "just be themselves." I think frogs are more apt to be "real" than, say, humans, but even we have moments when we struggle to find our true identity. I have been wondering what it means to be "authentic." Does this give everyone free reign to be obnoxious and self-centered...under the guise of being true to themselves? Sometimes it sure seems that way. Kids, and adults, run amok with little regard for how their behavior affects others...all in the name of being authentically themselves. Is this what being authentic means? I had to know. So I did some research and here's what I found out. It may surprise you.
In theory, being your authentic self means discovering, accepting, and loving the person you were created to be. That does not mean, however, that your behavior can be boorish, rude, and obnoxious, so says best-selling author and top-rated professor at Wharton College, Adam Grant, who claims that being your authentic self is bad advice for most humans. But Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, and one of my favorite self-help authors, thinks that authenticity "is the choice to let our true selves be seen." So, is it okay to be "real" or not? This is a difficult question to answer and one that, ultimately, we must discover for ourselves.
It is currently believed that 40-60 percent of personality is biologically-based and the remainder is determined by  other cultural and experiential elements. There are, however, a few tips on being more authentic that don't include saying, without any filters, everything that pops into your head...or behaving rudely to others because you're having a bad day.
1.  Don't lie, but don't always speak the truth. Even white lies meant to spare another's feelings is a form of lying...which, technically, isn't being true to ourselves. Do I believe this? Yes, but only to a certain degree. If I receive a gift that I think is terrible, I won't lie and tell the person it's lovely just to spare their feelings. Instead, I might ask why they like it or why they thought it was perfect for me. This is especially true for close friends and family...those that I love and care about. Small lies, I think, are inconsequential. It's the big lies that hurt us and prevent us from being our true self. Big things like lying to ourselves: these lies might include working for years at a job we don't like or allowing others to abuse us because we don't like confrontation. For me, lying comes down to picking the issues that are important to my well-being. The ugly Christmas sweater from Grandma isn't one of them. I mean, why hurt her feelings? After all she probably truly thought it was lovely.....
Don't lie about the things that are really important. The small stuff? Use your best judgement. Remember, though, that being kind is always a part of who we are.
2.  Let your body point you towards what true for you. Our bodies can tell us a great deal if we stop and listen to what they're saying. For example; think about your life the way it is now. Notice how your body is feeling. Is there stress and tension, pain in your gut, a shortness of breath? These are signs that something is wrong and you're not being true to your inner self. Now, think about the life you'd truly like to have. Look again to your body. Where is your pain and anxiety felt? It's probably gone. See the difference? As Christine Carter, senior fellow at the University of California at  Berkeley and author of several books tells us, "What is true for us tends to make us feel stronger and more free. And lies tend to feel like constraints and constriction."
3.  Stay in your own truth and out of other people's business. Most stress comes from living outside of our own business. When you think you know what's best for everyone else...you're in their business. Stick to taking care of yourself and quit worrying about what others are doing and thinking. For that is their own business. The exception to this is, of course, when it comes to your children. Then, it's your duty as a parent to watch over and guide them until they're old enough to take care of their own business. Taking care of and loving yourself is being authentically you. 
And, lastly,
4.  Accept the ugly bits of yourself, including your difficult emotions. Being you is hugely different from being perfect. Humans (and a few of us frogs) are messy. That's just a fact of life. Humans can often be raw...and even wrong! Yes, I said it, WRONG! When we love only the parts of us that we deem worthy, we reject the vulnerable parts of ourselves that make us real. Beauty, intelligence, strength...these are all well and good. But what about those little unpleasant things about ourselves that we  choose to ignore? Accepting and loving them makes us real...and authentic. That is being true. 
When we come to love ourselves completely, even the flaws, anger, fear, pettiness, and sadness, then we can truly be authentic. Being authentic doesn't mean behaving badly or saying hurtful things. It does means loving ourselves...every single part. This makes us happier and healthier. And isn't that the the greatest gift we can give to ourselves...and to others?
To thine own self be true...this includes love, kindness, and compassion. Not only for all the other sentient beings we share the planet with, but for ourselves, too. 

I received a text the other day from Dharma Frog, telling me that he'd be arriving very early on Wednesday morning. It seems that my esteemed teacher wanted to leave early on Wednesday for a few days of vacation. Quite honestly, I had no clue that my wonderful teacher and life coach EVER took time off from his duties. But I certainly can't begrudge him one; he does work very hard. So I set my alarm extra early and had breakfast made and the tea brewed when he arrived well before sunrise.
"Thank you, Irwin, for accommodating my early schedule," he said as he sat down and poured the tea. "Your quite welcome," I replied. "I'm always happy to accommodate your schedule, Sir" And with that short repartee, he immediately began my lesson.
"My boy, sometimes you remind me of the movie, Secret Life of Walter Mitty."  For those of you not familiar with this film, the original (and best) version was made in 1939 and was based on a short story by James Thurber. Walter Mitty, the main character, is a mild-mannered and vague man who accompanies his wife on her weekly trips to the grocery store and beauty salon. While he waits for her, he lets his imagination run wild...dreaming of himself as heroic characters who have far different and more exciting lives than his own.
I had to wonder why he thought of me as a Walter-like frog, so I asked, "How so, Master?" "Well," Dharma continued, "just like Walter Mitty, some frogs dream of great achievements while others stay away and do them. Sometimes, Irwin, you think about doing all these wonderful and exciting things in your life, but I rarely see any action on them. It's fine to have intentions, Tadpole, but intentions require attention to make them reality." I know that to be true, so I couldn't argue with him. "Teacher, what can I do to help make my dreams come true? I'm sure you must have a few ideas and tips that I can follow." And, of course, he did.
Here are some of the ways that my by beloved friend and mentor said would help me on the road to achieving success.
1.  Decide, then believe. First, we must set our intention. What exactly do we want to have happen? Make your intention statement clear and detailed. Write it down so you can refer to it often. All too often, we have these magnificent dreams for ourselves then, immediately, start chipping away at them...listing all the reasons these dreams won't work. Start believing in them! If you don't, then who will? Decide what it is you want have happen, then believe in it with all your heart.
​2.  Release fear.  Easier said than done, I know. Humans, and frogs too, I think, often disguise fear under logistics; "I don't have time to pursue my dream, I have to earn a living after all," Sure we all need to make money to live, but the answer is to get up earlier, or develop better time management skills.  You can come up with a zillion ways of disguising fear, but it all boils down to fear of failure. Choose the right attitude. Release fear. Repeat as often as necessary.
​3.  Take action.  Figure out what needs to be done to make your dream reality, then do it. You may first need to do some research or even talk to experts...those who've have already accomplished  what you want to do. But then, after all your research is complete, you must take action. Start off small, if you must, but do something every day toward making your dream come true. If you're a list-maker, like me, make a to-do list and check off each item as you get it done.
4.  Love yourself. Slow down a little bit every day and take some time for yourself; to rest and recharge. Give yourself the gift of time and space to reflect and organize your thoughts. Doing so will allow you to stay in tune with your needs and desires.
5.  Use the success of others as your inspiration. Say you want to be a chef. Find others who started off as home cooks and made it big. Use their success to inspire you. If someone else can accomplish the same goal as you, there's no reason to think you can't do it, too!
6.  View mistakes as lessons and don't give up. I personally know many frogs...and a few humans...who give up after one failed attempt at making a go of their dream. When you hit a detour on your driving vacation, do you turn your car around and go back home? Or do do figure out another route to your destination? I bet you look at a map and find an alternative road. It's the same thing when working to make dreams come true. There's always more than one way to accomplish anything. FIND IT!
7. Value tiny decisions.  The decision to get up earlier every morning is a tiny, but important decision. So is forgoing your morning espresso at the pricey coffee shop and, instead, putting that money in a savings account to fund your dream. These may seem like small steps. But they're not. Every single thing we do, every decision, matters. Because what you do determines who you become. So make your choices wisely.
8.  Don't let bad habits win. When you get home work, and you're tired, it's tempting to sit down and turn on the TV. But will watching TV help to make your dream come true? Probably not. Wouldn't it be better, then, to use that time doing something constructive? Bad habits are hard to get out of. But you can do it. Start today. And watch how your dreams become reality sooner than could have imagined!
9.  Believe that the Universe is friendly. Believe it or not, the Universe is NOT conspiring to make your life miserable. In reality, it wants to help. You simply have to be open to success and be willing to trust that everything will end as it should.  Once you start taking action to make your dream...whatever it may be...come true, the Universe will kick into overdrive to help you achieve it. You just have to BELIEVE.
The Dharma Frog had given me lots to think about. He always does. After he left me this morning to go on his long-overdue holiday, I decided to spend some time today thinking about what I really want to achieve in my life. As I cleaned up the breakfast dishes and finished off my tea, I knew it was time for me to start an action plan. Today is the Summer Solstice...the longest day of the year. With all this extra daylight, why not dust off your dreams and start taking action? You know you want to. So give yourself permission to be amazing!

As we transition officially from spring into summer, many young people are transitioning from college into the workforce. Humans, and frogs too, really, transition many times during our lives. We transition from being single to being married, then to becoming parents. Perhaps you are transitioning back into the workplace after your children become more independent. We transition into retirement. Many adults transition into becoming caretakers for their elderly parents. Then, if we're lucky enough, we transition into old age ourselves. Life is, indeed, filled with many wonderful changes. Some, however, can seem scary at first.
Most humans facing transitional times will ask the two big questions; Who am I and what do I want? For butterflies and even us frogs, we transition effortlessly from one life stage to another. We trust in our DNA to take us where we need to go. Humans? Not-so-much. People have a habit of trying to plan for every stage of their life. They examine all the details, ask a bunch of questions, worry about this and that and, despite all their best efforts to control the situation, the transition will happen anyway... in the manner it was meant to. 
What are some of the best ways to approach any transition? The first thing to do is try to get over your need to control every aspect of the impending transition. Learn to let your evolution take over. Try not to overthink it. When you hit the crossroads, when you're no longer the tadpole but not quite yet the frog, try these few tips to make the move forward easier and do it with more certainty.
1.  Don't rush. Trying to move frantically from one stage to another can be stressful and leave you feeling very tired. The tadpole never hurries to become a frog.
2.  Celebrate where you've been.  Take time to look back on the last chapter of your life. Savor the pleasurable moments and celebrate all your accomplishments. Learn from your past. For example, if you enjoyed helping your children with their homework and they're now in college, try volunteering at your local school as a tutor or mentor. This can help make the transition from busy mom or dad to empty nester much easier. You'll continue to feel useful and needed.
3.  Go outside. As a frog, I spend 99% of my time outdoors. But humans tend to forget the healing powers of Mother Nature.  Turning to nature and the stillness you find there, can help you rediscover your deeper connection to your true self. Spend as much time as you can in the quiet of nature, You'll be surprised at the peace and clarity it can bring you.
4.  Get curious.  Opening your mind to new experiences can be a wonderful thing. Play with the perspective of a curious child. When you look at life through a child-like lens, you can see things you never thought were possible before.
5. Don't ask the experts! Of course you can ask the opinion of others. Just remember that this is your life and your transition. Only you can know what's truly right for you.
6. Meditate. Spending time in quiet solitude each day can connect you to your body, mind and spirit.  You connect with endless possibilities. Meditation can help alleviate your fears and make transitioning feel, and become, a much more positive experience. 
​7.  Seek direction, not a destination. Having a clear goal of what you want to accomplish or have happen, can leave you paralyzed. Sometimes, just letting go of the need to know what's coming next can free you up. It makes room for all the possibilities you never thought of. The best things in life can happen when you don't plan for them. "Once you get to the top of the mountain, it rarely matters what path you took." ~ Tamara Lechner.
​For all of life is about the journey...not the destination.
8.  Decide and then get on with it. Once you have a clear idea of what it is you want to do, then just do it. You want to get your degree? Then register for school. You want to go back to work? Send out your resume.  If your transition includes caring for elderly parent, take classes on care-giving. Then join a support group. You get the idea! Intention requires action to come to fruition.
9.  Always remember that you are still you. No matter what changes are occurring in your life, you will always be you. It can be easy to forget this when your role in life changes. But at the heart of every change, you remain the constant. "Stay present and remember that who you are is exactly who you need to be right now," says Tamara Lecher, meditation instructor and happiness expert. And you know she's right.
"The times they are a changing," wrote Bob Dylan. But we are always in motion, too! Some changes are small and barely noticeable, while others are major and alter the course of our lives. Learning to be OK with these changes; to go with the flow and allow evolution to kick in, can be freeing and help make any transition better and less scary.

I was pretty tired when I arrived home last evening. I'd just spent two days camping with my little brother and then we joined the rest of the Wart family for our annual Father's Day BBQ. Both were tons of fun! But it was very nice to get home to the peace and quiet of my own lily pad. I started reading a book by Albert Einstein and found that there was way more to him than his famous mathematical formula. Humans and frogs alike recognize E=MC2, even when they don't have a clue as to what mass-energy equivalence is. But he was also passionate about correcting social injustices and wrote extensively on this topic.
Having lived through two world wars, Einstein had seen humanity at its worst, yet remained hopeful and buoyed by "his fundamental belief in the nobility of spirit." He spent a great deal of his life 'widening our circles of compassion' and advocating for the conditions that nurture this nobility. He wrote letters on this subject to African-American socialist and civil-rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, as well as letters to Gandhi "about peace and the antidote to violence."  He encouraged women to pursue science at a time women were predominately home-bound. "Einstein suggests that the power to speak out against injustice need not be reserved for those professionally devoted to human rights work, nor manifested in grand deeds of activism." He believed it was everyone's duty...not just for a select few.
Here are a few other interesting and fun facts about Albert Einstein that you might enjoy knowing, whether you're a science geek, or not.
1.  Einstein was only an average student in math.
2.  He failed his university entrance exam.
3.  He aided in the development of nuclear weapons, but not in the way you might think. He wrote a letter to President Roosevelt encouraging him to create the atomic bomb. Although Einstein was a dedicated pacifist, he was convinced that America needed this weapon before the Nazis.
​4. He was a great musician. He started playing the violin at age 5 and became accomplished enough to have worked as a musician.
5.  Einstein was offered the job as President of Israel, but declined.
6.  He married his cousin.
7.  He promised his Nobel Prize money to his wife in their divorce...before he'd actually won it.
8.  He had a daughter out of wedlock. He rarely mentioned her and her fate is unknown.
9.  One of his two sons was institutionalized for schizophrenia.
10. He loved to sail.
11. Einstein didn't like socks and rarely wore them.
12. He was born with an alarming large head - His mother feared he was deformed.
13. His speech development, during childhood, was significantly delayed.
14. His brain was actually physically different than the rest of humans.
15. The weight of his brain, however, was the same as an average person's.
16. After his death, his brain was stolen. It was removed after his autopsy and taken without permission. It was returned to the family 40 years later  in 1998.
17. His eyeballs were also taken and remain in a safe deposit box in New York to this day.
18. Einstein rarely visited a lab.
19. He developed his most important discoveries while working a tedious "day job."
20. He was under FBI surveillance for a long time, fearing that this left-wing pacifist could be some kind of threat to the establishment...or even a Soviet spy! 
If you'd like to know more about Albert Einstein and his counterforce against injustice, I suggest you pick up a copy of Ideas and Opinions by Albert Einstein. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm finding it very enlightening!
After staying up too late reading, it's time for me to hop off and take a quick snooze.
                                         See you all back here tomorrow!​