The YouTube sensation of her day, Erma Bombeck wrote what she knew. She inspired millions as an ordinary suburban housewife.

She produced a humorous column that met women where they were .

Where are you?

That is the most critical observation in determining where you want your life to go.

Some of my favorite sayings are, “Wherever you go, there you are.” and “Bloom where you’re planted.”

The first saying is sarcastically obvious – you can’t run away from you.

But what does it mean to “bloom where you are planted”?

In a society so bombarded by negative media links and rushed, irritable people how is it even possible to think positively, much less blossom?

Is it any wonder that over 70% of today’s teens are reporting that they experience moderate to severe stress?

How are you?

In a counter cultural revolution, the 1960’s gave birth to “flower children”, synonymous with spreading love, peace and kindness.

(Not to mention the flowers that adorned their hair, clothing and that they passed out as symbols of general good will to the masses.)

I can’t say that I agree with everything they stood for politically or socially, but like today, they faced news of riots and war.

And they chose to bloom!

Too many times we just complain about our circumstances, our society; where we were born, what we’ve been through or what obstacles we have to overcome.

Blooming means taking advantage of the opportunities we DO have in our life.

Rising above those circumstances, and setting goals to achieve our dreams.

Being grateful for what we have, and for being born in the USA.

Giving thanks for our freedom and becoming the catalyst for change we want to see in the world!

When WE choose to spread love, peace and kindness we just might be amazed at the wonderful people we do find, when we take the time to seek them out!

Erma Bombeck taught me not to save my good china for only special occasions, to laugh in the midst of adversity, and to use everyday to the fullest in inspiring others to see the best in every situation.

I want to be a “Flower Mom” like her and use my gifts and talents to  inspire a new generation of “flower children” to spread love and peace and kindness in a stress-filled, fast paced world.

What about you?

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.”     Erma Bombeck

Let’s bloom where we’re planted!

Love,

Pazazdance