I like to simplify things to get to the heart of matters. With that in mind, and at the risk of making life sound trivial (I know life is much more complicated), I came up with a simple list of four points that I call my Groovy Guide to Life.

Why such a simple effort? Two reasons. One, I have had some cool experiences and advice that I would like to share and I do not want to make this a long-winded story. Two, there are some good examples to follow. After all, so many of my favorite picture book characters have their own guides and wisdom for living life – Pete the Cat, The Crayons, the Little Engine that Could, Winnie the Pooh, etc., so why not me?! I am in good company with these characters!

Groovy Guide #1. Keep Making Toast. Some days, when your life seems like it is falling apart, making toast may be all that you can do. Sometimes the toast will be burnt. Sometimes it will be darker on one side than the other. Some days one piece of toast will do and other days you may need 2 or more pieces. When life is not going quite right, keep making toast, every day.  One fine day, when you’ve overcome those many obstacles blocking your joy, the toast will come out just right. Then it’s time to celebrate with some cinnamon sugar atop your toast!

Groovy Guide #2. “ ‘Joy Life! ‘Joy Life! Six feet under, you can’t,” said the old Italian man, ‘Gumba,’ every time he left the restaurant. I was a 20-year-old waitress working my way through college and the words did not mean much to me at the time. Oddly enough though, those words stuck with me as well Gumba’s Italian phrasing and mannerism. It has taken me a while to understand and appreciate this little bit of wisdom. Now that I do, I often relate Gumba’s signature phrase to others, complete with the ‘proper’ accent and gestures. By the way, enjoying life is one of my new favorite things to do! So, I invite you to come on, ‘joy life! I guarantee that you will feel a whole lot better.

Groovy Guide #3. To Everything There Is A Season, a Time to Every Purpose Under Heaven. This is a timeless proverb that reminds me to celebrate every part of life – beginnings, middle segments, and endings. It is the realization that, when one thing is done, another will begin. It is an acknowledgement that each season, each time, and everything within that season of time, is valuable and necessary for the process of life. Therefore, take your time. Do not be in a rush. Everything in due time. Appreciate where you are, when you are.

Groovy Guide #4. The Best Is Yet To Come! Each day is a gift, an adventure – Live it! (Refer back to #2).  Let the advent of each day fill you with a new sense of hope, wonder, faith, and love enabling you to have a wonderful day and an even better tomorrow. Live for today and hope for tomorrow – it is all there, waiting for you!  

Good day! Melinda Grohol         3/3/2023