walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

Honesty of Intention 4/22/18

Are you honest about your intentions?

Or do you consciously or subconsciously manipulate situations to achieve your desired outcome?

This is a deep subject.

It’s also an uncomfortable subject.

Honesty is more elusive today than ever before.

Frustration, anger and fear lead to dishonesty all in the name of a successful outcome.

The sad part is that the gains are always short-lived.

The truth of the intention is always exposed.

It may takes moments.

It may take years.

But the truth always rises to the top.

Perhaps employing the technique of honesty of intention would elicit a longer-term, desired and sustainable goal.

I am interested in you because you arouse me sexually.

As opposed to I’d just like to be friends and see where it goes.

I want you to invest in my invention because I need the money to get started.

As opposed to I’m interesting in knowing what you think.

I do not want to sell or be put into situations that require face to face communication.

As opposed to  I’ll do anything to get in the door...just give me a chance.

Dishonesty may bring short term gains but it ruins long term opportunities.

Try being honest about your intentions.

If it’s meant to be it will happen.

If not, accept it and move on.

You’ll do everyone a favor including yourself.

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

Remembering Tom Reynolds

This was my dear friend Tom.

He passed away at the age of 70 in 2011 after a battle with cancer.

There is not a day that goes by where he is not in my heart.

I hear his voice in my head.

I see him in my mind.

I still laugh when I consider all the memories.

I was 19.

Tom was 46.

He hired me to do overnights at the R & B station in Columbus Ohio in 1987.

I wasn’t sure about him from the beginning.

He drove a van.

He had a beard and a mustache.

He looked like a creeper.

I was a judgmental little asshole who thought too highly of himself.

Nonetheless, I gave the friendship a chance.

He helped me hone my production and on air skills.

I will never forget his news lecture about deh-tails versus dee-tails.

He gave me my first morning show.

He gave me my first program director’s job.

He taught me that music knows no color.

He supported everything I was, wanted to be and would hope to do.

Throughout college, he was my surrogate father.

Every weekend, we would get up at the crack of dawn and go to a flea market. That was always followed by a meal and and a movie.

We saw lots of movies together.

He met my family.

He was at my wedding.

And despite not living in the same town any longer, he was able to stay connected to me, meet my oldest daughter and be emotionally available for me whenever I needed him.

I miss my friend.

I cherish his memory.

I am grateful for all the lessons.

The most important of those lessons were not to judge a book by its cover and that age has no place in a true and meaningful relationship.

He was my Socrates.

7 years gone but not forgotten.

RIP my old friend...I’ll be sure to edit the songs the way you taught me.

Love, 

JD

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

Smile and The World Smiles With You 4/3/18

Why so dour?

Everyone is in a crappy mood.

The weather sucks.

The team lost.

Taxes.

Money.

Yuck.

Perhaps a smile might help.

You’ll probably call BS.

I think it works.

Just putting a smile on your face can be infectious and contagious.

Smiling makes people feel good.

Smiling makes you feel good.

Try it.

When you make someone else smile, tell them to pay it forward.

Maybe their smile will help the next person.

It all starts with you.

Turn that frown upside down.

K?

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

HOUSTON: WE HAVE A PROBLEM 3/25/18

Hate? Check

Racism? Check

Intolerance? Check

Loneliness? Wait...what?

Folks, we have a problem in this country and it has grown to epidemic proportions.

The problem is loneliness.

It is a condition that is based on the premise of feeling sad and isolated...lacking social companions, friends and loved ones.

It is exacerbated by the self-imposed isolationism that exists with hand held devices and games that leave us in solitude rather than in a congenial environment with others.

At first it was cool to have all these new gadgets and stave off the boardem.

It’s not cool anymore.

Lives are being lost...senselessly.

Suicide rates are on the rise.

Despondency is at epidemic proportions.

It must stop.

Human beings chemically crave and need other human beings.

For conversation and cerebral stimulation.

For touch and physical stimulation.

For hope and sharing and the feeling of belonging.

For safety.

Think of it like a fish out of water.

Without water...the fish dies.

Companionship is our water...we need it.

So why is it so difficult to achieve it?

The answer lies in our uncanny need to put relationships into definable boxes and keep them in those boxes.

We seem to understand boxes.

You stay in yours.

I’ll stay in mine.

Hence the hate, racism and intolerance mentioned at the beginning.

But let’s eliminate those boxes for a moment and see what happens when we focus on common interests.

Music. Sports. Theater. Arts. Reading. Travel. And so on.

These common interests are the bridge to friendship which is the cure for loneliness.

Notice there was no mention of sex in those interests.

Not all relationships have to end up in bed.

Friends with benefits sometimes creates that blurred line so that when the sex ends so does the friendship. At the beginning the sex was the driver. But, it’s the friendship that is missed in the long run.

I recently listened to an NPR podcast about loneliness and suicide rates among middle aged men 50-60. This is the fastest growing segment of suicide in our country. I was shocked. I had always believed the biggest at risk group was teens. Not so.

Why these men?

It’s because we stigmatize those who find themselves alone.

We make pariahs out of them without taking into consideration the circumstances.

Widow? Maybe

Divorce? Probably

Creeper? Not always

The rush to judgement creates the wall of isolation that prevents the potential for companionship.

So what’s the solution?

Compassion

Empathy

Understanding

And open, honest communication about needs, wants, desires and boundaries.

What do I mean by this?

Let’s say you meet someone and you hit it off.

You’re not interested in sex or marital obligation.

Say so up front.

When we waste other people’s time it ends in disaster.

Too many failures and it is human nature to become cautious...sometimes so cautious that we stop trying.

This stop trying business leads to isolationism which can lead to death.

Now, if you are the one looking for friendship you also need to be honest.

If your behavior is dishonest because you are hoping for more and it doesn’t turn into what you wanted, you have created a problem not just for yourself but for the other person as well.

Group activities are the safest bet.

Start with something that interests you.

Here’s an example from my personal playbook.

I just signed up for a bowling league.

Is my new pal in the league?

Maybe...but maybe not and that’s okay because on Tuesday nights I will be participating in something I enjoy with other people in person.

This is a good thing.

Humans beings were not built to be isolated, solitary creatures.

It is time we employ the “do unto others” concept and apply it toward friendship.

That could be a moment, a month or an eternity but it starts with an open, loving heart and the elimination of hatred, judgement and intolerance from our lives.

It starts with hello.

Give it a try.

#walkwithwacgs

[walkwithwachs]

Goodbye 3/12/18

Why is it so hard for us to accept goodbye?

It seems it is a helluva lot easier when WE say goodbye rather than we someone else says goodbye to us.

Whether goodbye is by choice, through circumstance or beyond the control of the individual as is the case in death, we feel defeated and distraught and sometimes downright angry when someone in our lives says goodbye.

Is it easier for you to hear goodbye and have notice or is it easier to experience disappearance?

The latter is known as ghosting. That’s what the kids call it these days. It’s when someone simply stops talking to you, stops returning calls, texts and doesn’t respond to social media outreach.

I personally think it’s a cop out and it’s rude.

But I’m almost 50 and I have a different perception of manners than those who are half my age or younger.

One thing that helps me to keep my head on straight is this phrase:

Some people come into your life for a season

Some people come into your life for a reason

Some people come into your life and ain’t ever gonna be leavin’

My advice to myself and you is to accept and cherish the time that you have and have had with the people in your lives and accept that when it’s over, there is a reason. Cherish the memories, learn from the lessons and don’t dwell on the loss.

That way “goodbye” isn’t so painful and we focus on all of the “hello” greetings that are coming our way next. 

It’s an adventure. 

I hope you stay tuned...

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

What’s Important 3/5/18

Winter bleeds into spring.

2017 became 2018.

February became March.

Sunday became Monday.

What is the significance?

They are all cycles.

They happen.

Unless there is a profound catastrophe all of the above are givens.

Time simply moves on and the cycle continues.

But what if it didn’t?

What if you were to find out that March was it and that we had 26 days left and that’s all?

Would the same things that are important to you now be important then?

In the grand scheme of things what matters the most is the people in our lives.

Our family and friends.

Not our possessions, bank balance or investment portfolio.

Things that are tangible and have meaning.

My biggest question is why we put those possessions, bank balances and investment portfolios first.

Why don’t we put the people first?

The old adage is you can’t take it with you.

So maybe we should focus more on the people in our lives first and live like our time was limited.

People should be our most important investment: at home, at work and in the community.

That’s what I believe is VERY important.

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

RADIO DAYS 2/22/18

The radio has been a part of my life since I was born in 1968.

My mother told me that she was listening to Mel Torme on the radio when I was born. She also told me I was born in the middle of General Hospital too lol. I have been guilty of watching TV with no sound while listening to the radio. Maybe?

As an old child, I spent a lot of time playing by myself in my room. The radio was my constant companion.

My tastes were all over the board because I was raised on standards, jazz and blues but eventually found my way into rock, pop and soul in my second decade in life.

I loved AM radio back in the 70s because it played everything. Country, rock, pop, soul...you name it. 1220 WGAR in Cleveland was my go to for many years until I discovered FM and a station called G-98.

I liked the personality. I especially took comfort in the voice of a guy named Uncle Vic who I would work with years later as a club disc jockey. He was good company on Sunday nights. I enjoyed the story telling, the interaction with callers and the overall vibe.

I also discovered a show called Mystery Theater which was hosted by EG Marshall that ran on the CBS affiliate. I would frequently get into trouble for staying up too late to listen to the weekly episode which always aired after my bed time.

While disco, pop and rock held my interest through elementary school and junior high, I discovered soul, funk and R & B at a station at the top of the dial. FM 108 WDMT Cleveland would come to define my career and many life choices. The music, the personalities...especially the zany musings of Carol Ford in the morning. It was pure energy.

I would eventually intern at and then work for the station while in high school and the summer after my senior year. The people that I worked with there I still maintain contact with although some more than others. It’s a special bond from a special time and place that will never be duplicated or replaced.

Over the 33 years of my career in radio, I have worked at many stations in many capacities. On air. Programming. Production. Promotions. Sales. Sales Management. General management. Even owner.

I have the same passion for broadcasting today that I did when I walked into the internship interview back in 1985. 

I don’t want to let go of the past. I embrace it. It’s part of who I am. And I feel lucky to be able to continue to broadcast 33 years later across numerous platforms most of which were not even on the horizon back in 1985.

Nothing will ever replace or come close to the early years. But the thrill is still there every time I turn on the mic or camera, every time I play a cool song, every time I interview someone interesting.

Whatever you do, whoever you are I hope you are lucky enough to find the passion for your interest as I have found the passion for mine.

I have never allowed anything to stop me from pursuing my passion. Racism, bullying, classism, hatred for sexual orientation, religious discrimination. I have faced them all and I am still here...still on the air...still doing what I love. I have overcome all the hate. I won’t say it doesn’t hurt. But I will say I am still here and doing what I do on my own terms without apology.

Follow your heart. Be who you are. Don’t let anything prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Never give up.

I’m only a click away...thanks for listening.

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

Putting Things In Perspective 2/10/18

I was in a car accident Sunday.

My daughter and I were driving to brunch and we were stopped at a traffic light and we were rear ended...hard!

Thankfully, she is ok.

The car...well...it needs some TLC.

I THOUGHT I was ok.

Turns out I wasn’t.

I ended up with a moderate concussion and severe whiplash.

For the next 5 days, I felt like my head and my body were detached and operating separately.

I had trouble remembering things.

The simplest tasks were an effort.

I was irritable and at times downright assholish. (New word)

The whole experience was a perspective changer.

Life is short...too short.

My Mom died at age 68.

I will be 50 in a few months.

All of the things that I thought were sooooo important...turns out...really aren’t that important after all.

I took the small things for granted because I expected them to always be there as a given.

There are no givens.

Everything can be taken away at any time for any reason.

What holds the puzzle together is gratitude.

So I am reaffirming my gratitude.

For my health.

For my children.

For my partner.

For my friends.

For my business.

For my acquaintances.

For my home and home town past and present.

For my memories.

And most importantly to God for allowing me to have another day.

It is all about perspective.

And from my perspective I feel damn lucky right now.

Are you grateful for what you have?

Check your perspective and see what you can see...

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

The Beating Of A Lifetime 1/30/18

I grew up as an only child.

One of the ways I would entertain myself was to put on shows for my stuffed animals.

I loved music and singing and had an interest in theater from a very early age.

I was 4.

I put on one of my mother’s wigs.

I sang a song to one of my stuffed cats.

My father witnessed this performance.

He lost his mind.

He screamed at me “what are you doing?”

I replied “my show”

He flipped me across his knee and paddled my ass with his bare hands over and over again screaming “boys don’t wear wigs.”

I never did it again.

He made me feel like I did something horribly wrong.

He then forced me to go outside and engage in sports and other neighborhood activities rather than stay in my room and do my “shows.”

Sometimes I can home in tears from “fights” that I was forced to participate in with the neighborhood kids to see who was the toughest.

It didn’t matter.

I was sent back out.

I buried my feelings.

I toughened my skin.

I “butched” up for my dad.

Saturday night I went out on stage in full drag as a woman and sang to a sold out audience of almost 700 people for the first time in 25 years.

I did not feel shame.

I did not feel guilt.

I do not have regret or remorse.

I was proud.

Proud of who I am and proud of what I can do.

There were no beatings and the show will go on.

RIP Dad.

I forgive you.

#walkwithwachs

[walkwithwachs]

5 Undeniable Facts of Life 1/15/18

1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy so when they grow up they will know the value of things...not the price.

2. Best awarded words in London... "Eat your food as your medicines, otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food."

3. The One who loves you will never leave you for another because even if there are 100 reasons to give up, he or she will find one reason to hold on.

4. There is a big difference between a human being and being human...only a few really understand it.

5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, YOU have to manage!!!

Thank you for sharing Mama Linda!

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

GHOSTING 1/9/18

Folks...we have lost our manners.

There is nothing ruder than ghosting someone.

If you don’t want to be in communication with someone anymore, that is fine, but grow a spine and severe the relationship properly.

It is not only rude but it is cruel to make other people think they have a relationship with you in business, in your personal life or otherwise and then to simply evaporate from their lives without explanation.

It causes mental angst which can lead to a whole host of other problems.

Now, if you are simply busy, have had a tragedy or are in some way incapacitated, having someone post publicly that you are on the outs for whatever reason at least gives the people in your life some reason to hope or believe that they didn’t do anything wrong.

Why am I writing this?

I was accused of ghosting someone.

I didn’t even realize I had done it and it certainly wasn’t intentional.

Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t realize whose lives we affect by our own behavior.

When the reminder comes from your own family, it hits closer to home and makes you wake up real fast.

Stop ghosting people. Stop being rude. Respond to texts, emails, social media communications and phone calls even if it is just to say...hey man, i’m sorry...but i really don’t want you in my life.

Less confusion.

Be upfront.

It’s the NYC way.

And my sincerest apologies to my youngest for making you feel that way. Never not once in a million years if that how I feel about you or our relationship and I pledge to improve in 2018.

NO GHOSTS THIS YEAR

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

TRY HARDER IN 2018

In 2018, I pledge to try harder.

I pledge to not just work on the surface stuff but to truly try to delve deep and do the heavy lifting.

I am an only child.

I am also the child of an only child (my father) and the child of a child who had a seven year distance with her sibling (my mother).

It’s not an excuse but it is the basis for a beginning.

Only children are plagued by a bad reputation, often being characterized as spoiled, selfish, and antisocial.  

I am spoiled in that I like to have things my own way and do things my own way.

I am selfish in that I find it difficult to share people, things, animals and other intangibles with other people. Sharing friends has always been the hardest.

I like to be in social situations but often become overwhelmed by anxiety which makes the socializing a bit more difficult at times.

But there are a few other defining characteristics that I also agree with.

In her NOVEMBER 9, 2016 article 13 Things Everyone Should Know About Only Children, author Locke Hughes shares the following in non-bold italics.

Only Children don’t like conflict.

While researching this article, I read that only children tend to be conflict-averse, which makes total sense. Not that anyone really likes to fight, but arguments among friends, with S.O.s, or at work make me super uncomfortable. Because I never had to deal with daily screaming matches among siblings, I'm not used to confrontation and tend to take it personally.

I find this to be inherently true and will usually do whatever it takes to avoid conflict which is detrimental and often produces a far worse result. Accepting conflict and working on healthy conflict resolution is part of what I’ll be trying harder to accomplish in 2018.

Only Children are highly sensitive.

Only children tend to be very in touch with their ~feelings.~ Having never had siblings to tease me, I can overreact when I perceive people as critical, angry, or distant in personal relationships. And sometimes I perceive them being that way when they’re actually not. On the plus side, my sensitivity also makes me more considerate toward others’ feelings, and I always try to think about how my actions may make others feel.

I get hurt often and easily. Regardless of what the situation is, I take things personally and frequently suffer from the emotional backlash that results. I will be working harder in 2018 to not takes things so personally and to try to truly embrace the serenity prayer on a daily basis.

I get shy in large groups...

I love chatting with people one-on-one, and sometimes, after enough wine, I can be one of the most outgoing people at a party. But as an only child, I can get super quiet in a huge group, especially if I don’t know the people really well. I prefer hanging out in groups of three or four; more people can cause me to hang back. So on behalf of all only children, please don’t mistake our shyness for snobbiness! We’re just not used to all that noise.

It is hard for people to understand that the guy who hosts the event, DJs the event, emcees the event, can often find himself lost as a guest at the event. In 2018, I will work harder on my large group social skills and try to be less awkward and shy during these events.

Lastly...and most importantly I will remember that I can’t have my cake and eat it to. I have to abide by the same rules I set forth for other people in business, in life, in relationships and in general. If I am truly living by the golden rule, I have to remember that before I act...that act when done to me will make me feel a certain way. If I don’t like that feeling than maybe I should modify my own behavior to receive a more pleasant outcome. Understanding that life is a boomerang is one of my biggest goals in 2018.

That all being said, I will love myself, be kind to myself and forgive myself so that I am treating myself as I want to be treated.

What will you do in 2018?

#Walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

HELP YOURSELF FIRST 12/29/17

It’s true.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

That cup must be full before you can share.

Take care of yourself first so that you are in a position to help others as you desire.

Don’t ever let the cup run dry.

Remember what they say on the airplane.

Put the mask on yourself first and then on your neighbor.

Enjoy the laugh below

[walkwithwachs]

LONELY CHRISTMAS 2017

It’s Christmas eve.

The tree is lit, the stockings are hung and people are gathered around the fireplace enjoying snacks and a cocktail and each other’s company.

That’s the way Christmas is supposed to be.

But for many, sadly this is not the case.

For many, they are alone.

Some are completely alone with no one to call friend or family.

Some are blessed to have one person with them but not a large group.

Some still are lonely even when surrounded by others.

As I have chatted with many people these past few weeks about the issue of holiday loneliness, most people spoke of loss.

Holidays are not the same without loved ones.

Whether it is a grandparent, parent or even a child, the lack of the individual presence weighs heavier at this time of the year.

It is equally difficult for those who have lost a cherished friend or family pet.

The sad reality is that time takes its toll and we experience loss no matter how we may fight it.

But that still leaves the issue of what to do when you are overwhelmed by loneliness during the holidays.

Dr. Carol Ministries offers several pieces of very practical advice for surviving the holidays:

Taking Charge of your Christmas Experience

Wearing yourself out trying to please others or wallowing in self-pity are easy traps to fall into during the holidays. You have other choices! Here are some positive actions to consider as you choose to happen to your Christmas.

Engage your senses.

Your environment has an impact on your emotions. Go ahead and enjoy some Christmas music, holiday decorations, scents of evergreen or fresh-baked goodies, or candlelight. Take a bubble bath. Let the snowflakes (or raindrops) fall on your tongue. Drink some hot chocolate. Drive around and see the Christmas lights. Find things to fill up your senses that you can enjoy.

Watch your favorite Christmas movie.

I’m a sucker for the old classics It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. I want to shout with George as he runs through town yelling “Merry Christmas!” I breathe easier as Ebenezer wakes up on Christmas morning a changed man. You may have other favorites. The truly good Christmas movies help you see that you too have a wonderful life, and you too can be changed.

Spoil yourself in some way.

You are worth taking care of. Sitting in your chair moping in front of the TV won’t help. Do something for you. Get a spa treatment, a manicure, or a makeover. Go to a movie. Take yourself out to dinner. Go through your town’s Christmas celebration. 

Stay rested.

Being mentally, physically, or spiritually tired makes it so much harder to be positive. Get enough sleep. If you’re stressed at work, take some days off even if you don’t have family to be with. If there’s a problem you can’t figure out that can wait, take a week and don’t think about it. Quite trying so hard and just spend an hour – or an afternoon – being in God’s presence.

Get some exercise.

Being physically active helps your mood. If you’re stuck with people you don’t like, excuse yourself and take a walk alone. If you’re alone and tempted to veg in front of the TV, put on your walking shoes and get outside. The oxygen to your brain and the endorphins exercise releases will help you think and feel better in many ways.

Give a gift anonymously.

Be someone’s Secret Santa. A lonely coworker, a single parent, a child, a neighbor, a family your church suggests – give them a Christmas gift anonymously. There’s something especially satisfying about giving without making it about you. Just the creativity that may be needed to carry it out can engage your mind and lift your spirits.

Help someone else.

There’s always someone more lonely than you are. Reach beyond yourself. Stretch yourself. God put something inside you that someone else needs. I promise you it’s there! Find it, and give it. That may be a phone call, a letter, or volunteering at your church, an animal shelter, a program feeding the homeless, a nursing home or hospital, etc. Get over yourself already! Your mood will lift.

Read a good book.

A book can inspire, educate, and stretch your mind. It can transport you to another world and leave you permanently better than before. Reading engages a part of your mind that watching entertainment does not. If you can’t think of what book to read, search Amazon for a book about someone who overcame the same struggle you’re having. Read their story and choose to move forward.

Forgive someone.

Sometimes (not always) your loneliness is of your own making. If you have family or friends that you could be with but hard feelings keep you away, decide to let it go. Let God handle any “punishment” they may need. Consciously choose how much time you may want to spend with them, but just do it. You be the one to make the first move.

Go to church.

Almost every church has a special Christmas service. Don’t stay away. Christmas is about the birth of a Baby, about the proclamation of peace into a world at war, about God coming to be With Us even when we don’t deserve it. Let those truths about the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart with the peace the angels proclaimed. And you might even be surprised by joy! Even if you are not Christian, it’s a fabulous experience...

For me, I wake up Christmas morning and honor the tradition of singing Handel’s Messiah with my mother all those year’s ago by listening to the piece as I enjoy my morning coffee. I find the music of those days to be very therapeutic.

I also try to reach out to at least 5 people whom I have not spoken in awhile just to catch up.

And I spend a lot of time with my cats.

You can celebrate the holidays even if you’re lonely. Make the choice to survive and thrive these next 10 days by putting some of these decisions in place today.

Merry Christmas from me to you.

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

AGEISM IN AMERICA 12/22/17

I am turning 50 in 2018.

I will get an AARP card.

I will move into the 50+ demographic.

I will no longer be considered as “employable” as I was when I was 40 or 30.

Younger people no longer perceive me as young.

Older people still don’t perceive me as old.

I’m kind of in an age no man’s land.

I have never been an age-ist.

I find discrimination of any nature appalling.

I am on the receiving end sometimes because I am Jewish and other times because I am gay.

I never thought I would be on the receiving end for being 50.

My heart and mind and to a lesser degree are not 50.

But because my chronological age will be 50, I find myself being excluded from social events and activities.

To the young people out there, I respectfully remind you that I was once one of you and that you will become me in time.

To the older people out there, I respectfully remind you that I am not a child any longer and ask that you remember how it felt when older people were dismissive toward you.

The simple fact is that we should not be dismissive of anyone.

Not for age.

Not for race.

Not for creed.

Not for color.

Not for religion.

Not for sexually orientation.

Remember the golden rule: do unto others as YOU would have THEM do unto YOU.

Consider this the next time you turn your back on someone because they “aren’t one of you.”

Embrace diversity and find love in your hearts...especially at this time of year.

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

CONTROL 12/15/17

I am so proud of myself.

Last night at a holiday event filled with warm, wonderful people sat a very angry older woman.

She was in the back of the room with a friend, drinking a cocktail and being very negative.

She was given a prize for attending.

She wadded it up, through it away and flipped off the person who gave her the gift.

Many people witnessed this behavior.

I felt sorry for her.

I know that this is a difficult time of the year for many people.

It sure is for me.

I am the oldest living member of my family and I am estranged from my children this year as they are all spending it with other members of our family.

Rather than being angry and behaving in an abominable fashion in public, I choose to re-direct that energy into being positive and loving and giving.

It may be the spirit of the season but it should be the spirit of the day...every day.

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com

[walkwithwachs]

LISTEN 12/6/17

When you open your ears, you open your heart.

Take the time to listen.

Now is the time of the year when many people need to express their thoughts, feeling and emotions but don’t have anyone who will take the time to pay attention.

You could be that person.

You can listen.

You can empathize.

You don’t have to enable or sympathize.

But you can make a big difference by just being a sounding board for someone else.

Loneliness is our silent killer.

When you open your ears, you open your heart.

#walkwithwachs

www.walkwithwachs.com