#127 – If you’re doing all the talking and none of the listening, you aren’t learning anything.

Everyone likes to talk.  No one likes to listen, or so it seems.  Paying attention to people will set you apart from the herd and help you to become more successful.  I think of listening and paying attention as a kind of gift I can give to people, which benefits everybody, including me.                

The first tomato from our garden was delicious.

#126 – Yawning instantly relaxes you and increases empathy. A perfect thing to do before an important date or in the middle of a fight. From: Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman, PhD.

Two other tricks that have been extensively tested in the lab and have practical applications are: putting on a happy face really does lift your spirits and you can make yourself somewhat angry or afraid just by making those expressions.   So whenever you must face a difficult situation, take a private moment to yawn and smile.  If nothing else, you’ll feel better.  

  

  

 

#125 – “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.” Anne Lamott.

Striving for perfection can be demoralizing. It’s like trying to work with your inner critic looking over your shoulder for mistakes, correcting you every step of the way and berating you for your failings.  Let go of the need to be perfect.   Think: “Progress not Perfection.”

#124 – Psychologists who study human behavior have concluded that we are happiest when we are striving to achieve success. Napoleon Hill Foundation

 It is the daily act of trying to accomplish something meaningful, not the successful completion of a task, that gives us our greatest satisfaction.  So do your best today and let the future take care of itself.

 Time to pick some peas and lettuce.   Happy delicious summer.