Michelle Van Loon-episode 257

Happy New Year, Faith Conversations family! Michelle Van Loon joins me as we kick off a new season of podcasts. We take a look back and a look forward as well as talk about our favorite books of 2020 that might become favorites of yours in 2021. We tease next week’s podcast that will center on Michelle’s book, If Only, which is all about regret.

Hafiz Poem:

I am

A hole in a flute

That the Christ’s breath move through–

Listen to this

Music.

Elderly friend’s pieces of wisdom:

I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:
1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5 I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7 I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You.”
8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9 I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.
11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12 I have learned that it’s better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13 I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last.
14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
Michelle’s favorite books:

• Moments and Days
• The Preacher’s Wife
• Jesus and John Wayne
• The Seven Storey Mountain

Anita’s favorite books:

• Rumi’s Reflection Journal
• Hafiz book of poems, The Gift
• Evvie Drake Starts Over
• The Island of Sea Women

Find Michelle Van Loon in these places:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

 

 

Note: When clicking through on links to products on Amazon, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Help support the Faith Conversations Podcast: