Discover DORA and her CONTAGIOUS LAUGH!

Almost 25 years ago, I heard the LAUGH and it affected my life. What I know for sure is that this has happened to just about everyone that Dora Hunter comes in contact with. First you hear the laugh, then you see the giant smile that lights up her face and then you are hooked! Then she was a thirty-something wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend. Over the years, Dora has added many other roles to her always busy life (never giving up the original ones) - a family child care provider, a grandmother, an advisor and counselor, and the best friend many people could ever ask for.
Dora has been a mentor and role model to generations, affecting the lives of the children in her care and their families. She is always ready for advice - when asked - and that is the important piece. Well, she does admit that sometimes, when she sees a situation that is not respectful and nurturing, she won't hesitate to approach a child or a parent and share her thoughts. Her strong family connections and values guide her words and actions.
Over the years, Dora and I have danced in and out of many experiences, trading places as the leader and follower when we knew it was right. We could teach each other so much and she always had several words of advice for me. I want to share those with you:
1. Lighten up!! I even have a big elf hand puppet that she named Lighten Up)
2. Flush it!! Important words for Letting Go!! Thanks Dora!
We talked last week about DARE to AFFIRM and the four levels of nurturing and affirming. We know that we are well versed in the levels of affirming, relationship building and encouraging/empowering others. What we also admit is that we "slip" when it comes to the piece about affirming and nurturing self.
We wondered how many others did just the same.
Additional wise thoughts from Dora:
A. Many people just don't know how to give praise and encouragement -or to receive it
B. Others are really good at praise and encouragement because they try to make up for what they did not get in their lives growing up.
C. So many people are "dying" because they aren't acknowledged.
D. EACH OF US IN OUR SPECIAL WAY CAN DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES. Sometimes it just takes a smile.
E. Every day we wake up and are given so many more opportunities to practice it all - and have gratitude for those in our lives.
THANKS DORA for so many LIFE'S LESSONS.