I just had dinner with my crazy friend, Bobby, and this is one of his ideas to spice up your life and get you out of some work. These are his suggestions for attending a Pot Luck, especially if you are in a time crunch, broke, or do not like to cook:

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a “Pot Luck” is when everyone brings some kind of food dish to share with everyone else. All the dishes are put out on a long table, and people bring their plates and help themselves to whatever looks good to them. Some of you may think of it as a common man’s smorgasbord. Churches, offices, and associations have them to socialize, save money, and most of all, to share the work.

Anyway, Bobby says that when he is invited to a pot luck, he brings in his dish, ALWAYS covered, and conspicuously sets it on the table that way. There is usually lots of activity around the table, so no one really notices who brings what, just that you came in with a bowl.

Most people bring their “specialty” and take great pride in sharing their cooking skills with others. Bobby, on the other hand, brings a completely EMPTY dish! His reasoning is that there is always too much food, he is way too busy to make anything, and this way he never even has to wash the dish afterwards. He says that everyone going through the line sees the empty dish and thinks, “Wow! Whatever that was must have been really good because it is already gone!” Because he was seen coming in with a bowl, everyone thinks he has made a contribution, and so he is free to eat to his heart’s content.

At the end of the night, he proudly picks up his”popular” bowl and cover, leaving with a full tummy and a completely clean dish. What could be better than that????

(When he told me this, I laughed for ten minutes….not a bad idea, eh? 😉

My friend, Goofy Bobby!

To learn more about Barbara’s life and work, go to www.barbaraglanz.com.

I am writing a new book on ideas of things we can give to one another that cost little or no money. Here are some of the easy, no-cost gifts you can give to others every day. Always remember that the most valuable gifts do not cost money, but come from the heart:

The gift of listening
—One of the greatest things we can do for another person is to just listen without interrupting, daydreaming or thinking about our next leap into the conversation.

The gift of a compliment
—A simple and sincere,”You look wonderful in blue,” “That was such a beautiful note,” “What a fantastic meal!” or “You always brighten my day whenever I see your smile” can make someone’s day.

The gift of showing affection
—Demonstrate how much you care for others with hugs, kisses, a gentle squeeze of the hand, a pat on the back, smiles.

The gift of laughter
—Everyone loves to laugh. Try to see the humor in day-to-day living and share it with others. Also develop the ability to laugh at oneself.

The gift of cheerfulness
—This means no complaining, no feeling sorry for ourselves, no nasty comments, no screaming. Our gift of cheerfulness will
be precious for everyone including ourselves.

The gift of doing a favor
—Help with the dishes, type a letter, run an errand. Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.

The gift of contact
—Write notes as simple as “thinking of you today”. Make phone calls, reach out with support.

The Gift of solitude
—There are times when we want nothing more than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The gift of acceptance
—Accept with fortitude the things we can’t change. This gift makes a difference in the lives of your friends and family.

The gift of prayer
—The hidden gift. Let your friends and loved ones know you pray for them—and then do it!

Sometimes we give out of necessity, social custom, or habit. But at other times our giving is out of pure generosity and love, and the feeling that comes from this kind of giving fills the heart and soul with the utmost joy. May you all find special ways YOU can give to others this week.

Blessings,
Barbara

To learn more about Barbara’s books, go to www.barbaraglanz.com/products/books/

Someone just sent me this, and it especially touched me in this beginning of a new year. Please take some time on your own to answer the last set of questions, and even better, call or write and let those people know you thought of them today. You will be giving them a priceless gift!

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer these questions. Just ponder on them:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies…. Awards tarnish…. Achievements are forgotten…Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Jeff and Re on their boat.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..the most money…or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most. How very blessed we are to have people in our lives who care for us! Now, think about those people for whom you care. Are you impacting their lives in meaningful ways? Start now by appreciating them.

Blessings,

To learn more about Barbara’s work and life, go to www.barbaraglanz.com