Is It Time to Play It?

Today’s inspiration is the message from a treasured family heirloom (pictured above) that continues to give me strength:

PLAY IT WHERE IT LIES

Isn’t that the truth? Aren’t we all trying to play that little white ball that we call life, where it lies?

I love how the ball is jammed tight into the rock, but still shines despite its predicament.

But the instructions are clear. We’re not to stay there, all shiny and stuck.

We are called to, “PLAY IT.”

Accept the circumstance. Rethink the possibilities. Keep moving, and play it!

What helps?

Encouragement, of course.

Some time ago, my sister Rachel sent a card that included this sentence:

I am so proud of all you are doing to stay healthy. —Rachel Miller

Those words lifted my spirits and have continued to warm my heart in a special way. Even now, that sentence feels like a big hug that wraps around me, my circumstance, my choices, and makes me feel acknowledged and affirmed.

Rachel observed me “playing” that little white ball and took the time to tell me, refocusing my mind back to what I could control. She was proud of mefor what I was doing to stay healthy in my circumstance.

Yet, although affirmation from others is important, what may be more important is finding a way to affirm ourselves. We, more than anyone else, know our unique challenges and personal successes. Sometimes we have to give ourselves credit, even for the small things.

For me, it includes:

• Drinking 100 ounces of water per day, beginning with a mug of hot lemon water (before I caffeinate!).

• Taking my medications, vitamins, and supplements at a regular time.

• Sticking to a strict schedule for caring for my paralyzed parts.

• Keeping my medical professionals updated.

Think about your situation. What small actions do you take to keep healthy and strong? Have you given yourself credit? It may be time to say them out loud, give yourself a hug, and take a bow.

I’m sure you deserve it.

It’s okay to acknowledge and celebrate our small successes. And while we’re taking inventory, maybe we all should be a bit more like Rachel and acknowledge others’ successes as well.

After all:

Life is hard. Encouragement can soften the journey. —Becky Galli

As William Arthur Ward, American author, scholar and teacher reminds us:

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. —William Arthur Ward

Maybe we should strive to be “unforgettable” as we look for the best in ourselves and in others, too.

Stay strong. Stay healthy. And keep “playing it” where it lies.

And on we go. . .

P.S.🎙️I recently had the incredible opportunity to chat with Wendy Valentine, the host of The Midlife Makeover, about my memoir, “Rethinking Possible.” Our conversation, Resilience & Renewal: Finding Hope After Life’s Trials, delved deep into my journey through love, loss, and the pursuit of hope that fueled me to just keep going–no matter what.

P.P.S. I also had the privilege of sharing my story with Lucinda Koza of Authority Magazine on how to navigate life with happiness and joy, even during turbulent times.💪 Life has thrown me some curveballs, but what I’ve learned is that every challenge is an opportunity to rethink what’s possible. Click the link to read my interview, Happiness and Joy During Turbulent Times: Rebecca Faye Smith Galli of Morning Fuel On How To Live With Joie De Vivre, Even When It Feels Like The Whole World Is Pulling You Down.