“There is no need to reach high for the stars. They are already within you. Just reach deep into yourself!” ~Unknown
I saw the above quote at http://tinybuddha.com/blog/the-message-your-higher-self-wants-you-to-hear/
That concept, combined with the others below have freed me to live the life I’ve always needed to live. I’m grateful to have discovered them in time to make a major positive difference in my life. My wish for you is that you too have already discovered and benefitted from them, but if not, I recommend that you consider incorporating them into your life. Ideally, you have or will have learned them at a much younger age than I so that you will hopefully have much longer than I to enjoy the delicious fruits of them:
Surrounding myself with supportive, kind, loving people by focusing on being supportive, kind, and loving.
Finding my own creative voice and sharing it.
Understanding that no matter how good or bad something is there will always be people who like it and those who don’t.
Knowing that if it’s from one’s heart it is beautiful.
Realizing that if I’m having fun I’ve already won.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Thanks always for sharing wisdom
It is my pleasure, Boomie. Thank you for sharing your thought- and feeling-provoking
poetry!
Russ
I think there’s a song in there just waiting to be found!
I think you are right, Blll! Thank you for your suggestion! I’ve added to my song ideas file.
Russ
thank you for your constantly upbeat view of life. We all need that!
It’s my pleasure, Bill. I appreciate your humorous and interesting posts. I just spent some time at your site enjoying life and laughing. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
thanks for stopping by.
Blogging has really been helpful for me, and reading what others have to say has been both inspiring and uplifting.
Yes, this is a wonderfully supportive community. We’re truly blessed. I’ve never felt so creatively supported as I do with readers of my blog.
Yes Russ, surrounding ourselves with the supportive, positive, influences we’ve been blessed to encounter…is everything. Thank you for being such an influence. Truly.
Thank you for your kind comment, Rhonda!
I think it takes most of us a while….usually when we get a bit older…to learn the value of what you mentioned…Diane
I think you are right, Diane. But if there is a way that I can help someone get there sooner than I did, then I’d love to do so. If you could see the “Before” and “After” glimpses of my life you’d know why its important to me to try.
Thank you for being in my life.
Russ
Wonderful and wise words, Russ. I so love your perspective.
Cathy
Thank you, Cathy. I love your spirit. There is a gentleness and kindness about you that transcends distance. I feel your spirit near me, a calming, warm, glowing, peaceful presence. The feeling is wonderful and I’m grateful for it.
Russ
You are so kind, Russ. Thank YOU!