Dive into the Dictionary

“The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.”   

- Vince Lombardi 







Vince Lombardi’s quote inspires dictionary play to notice where words might travel. Open the dictionary at FUN. 
Discover that Fun comes after fumble and fumigate and before function. This reveals you need to have fun to function.

Turning another page at random, find grave. Now that word has several meanings. Notice that it comes after gratitude but before gravy train. The dictionary defines gravy train as a situation where someone can make a lot of money for little effort. That goes against Lombardi’s philosophy.

Continue to let your eyes take you on the dictionary wander.

Humerus comes before humorous and could tickle the funny bone of the hummingbird. Perseverance arrives ahead of persimmon with persistence up ahead.

Doofuss and doohickey wait before doorway with doorsteps and doorstops ahead.





Make Gratitude hold more power than gravity as you recall how you grazed your Thanksgiving feast. Hope you did not forget the gravy.

Dive with diversion into the dictionary. Play with words discovered there.

Mine for Miracles

"There's nothing surprising about a miracle. Why, it's a miracle every morning 

that I don't melt in my bath." - Pablo Picasso

A non-religious definition of miracle indicates a highly improbably or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings welcome consequences.

"Miracles come to those who risk defeat in seeking them," writes author Mark Helprin. "They come to those who have exhausted themselves completely in a struggle to accomplish the impossible."

"Risk defeat and be willing to exhaust yourself in the struggle to accomplish the impossible. Do so in a spirit of exuberance motivated by the urge to play," says Bob Brezsny

Consider your life's timeline. Define it by daily miracles. 

Include welcome events, friendships, family 
situations, and happenings-by-chance.

What do you take for granted, like Picasso's bath statement?

If you feel a religious pull, define miracles that support your beliefs.

Explore the magic and mystery of miracles in your life experiences.

Find Your Guest House

Guest House

      - Rumi

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Rumi makes points about life's randomness and how to deal with it.  

Everyone lives in a house with four rooms physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Acceptance, gratitude, and laughter help us achieve balance when challenges arise in our rooms.  

Consider unexpected visitors and how they expand your knowledge of yourself.  As you write, use dialogue and humor to delve into these concerns.