tracyschruderblogspot

Category: Human interaction

  • Laugh, Love, Laugh

    Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.

    By Tracy Scruder

    “A smile stretched widely across my face with the corners of my mouth dug deeply into my cheeks, when I read the daily prompt today. I relish the opportunity to invent a holiday that everyone should celebrate and explain why?”

    I’m laughing right now because this prompt brings to mind the Jerry Seinfeld episode where George’s dad created the a holiday called Fedtvus 😂. The episode was called “The Strike”. “The Strike”, was the 10th episode of Season 9 of Seinfeld, where Frank Costanza, who played George’s father, introduces the holiday Festivus.

    Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd and involves several unique traditions –

    • The Festivus Pole: An unadorned aluminum pole serves as an alternative to the Christmas tree.
    • The Airing of Grievances: During dinner, each person shares their grievances with others, highlighting ways they’ve been disappointed throughout the year.
    • Feats of Strength: The celebration concludes with a wrestling match between the head of the household and another member, typically George, to determine if the holiday can continue.

    Side note : The episode’s writer, Dan O’Keefe, based Festivus on a similar holiday his father created in the 1960s. While some aspects, like the aluminum pole, were invented for the show, others, such as the airing of grievances, were part of the real-life celebration.

    I will create a holiday called Laughalot Weekend

    Laugh-a-lot weekend is a 3-Day Celebration of Laughter and Togetherness. This holiday weekend will take place on the first Friday in February every year.

    Laughalot weekend

    Day 1: Friday – “Laughter Day”

    1. Outdoor Games:
      • Scavenger hunt with funny challenges
      • Water balloon toss with silly prizes
      • Lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or a giant slip ‘n slide
    2. Board Games:
      • Cards Against Humans or Cards Against Humanity
      • Jenga, Pictionary, or other party games
    3. Round Table Discussions:
      • “What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?”
      • “If you could be any cartoon character for a day, who would you choose and why?”
    😂✨😂

    Day 2: Saturday – “Sitcom Saturday”

    1. Sitcom Binge:
      • Choose a favorite show (e.g., Friends, The Office, Seinfeld) and have a marathon viewing session
      • Provide funny snacks and drinks
    2. Karaoke Contest:
      • Sing your favorite comedy songs or silly lyrics
      • Offer prizes for best performance, worst performance, and most entertaining
    3. Props:
      • Funny hats, wigs, and accessories
      • Inflatable guitars or microphone

    Day 3: Sunday – “Sunny Sunday”

    1. Outdoor Activities:
      • Host a comedy picnic or BBQ
      • Play outdoor games like capture the flag, tag, or frisbee golf
    2. Gratitude Circle:
      • Gather around the table and share things you’re grateful for
      • Discuss how laughter has positively impacted your life
    3. Props:
      • Funny sunglasses or oversized novelty glasses
      • Smiley face balloons or props

    Additional Props:

    • Joke books or comedy scripts
    • Funny masks or costumes
    • Silly string or whoopee cushions
    • Laughter-inducing games like “Would You Rather” or “Two Truths and a Lie.”

    Why Celebrate Laughalot Weekend?

    Laughter is indeed the best medicine! Laughalot Weekend is a chance to:

    • Relax and unwind: Take a break from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
    • Create memories: Share funny moments and make new memories with family and friends.
    • Boost mood: Laughter releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and overall well-being.
    • Foster connection: Laughing together brings people closer and strengthens relationships.
    • Spread love and positivity: Share laughter and joy with others, and watch it spread like wildfire!

    So, mark your calendars for Laughalot Weekend and get ready to LOL, giggle, and guffaw your way through a fun-filled three-day celebration!

    Let’s make Laughalot weekend a national holiday! It’s power will lighten the load on a heavily burdened society. Deep belly laughter is strongly encouraged 😂!

  • Chicken Soup For The Bowl

    Homemade chicken soup

    By Tracy Schruder

    I’m a huge fan of chicken soup, but only if it’s homemade. Store-bought just can’t compare to the rich flavors and nutrients that come from a lovingly prepared pot of homemade goodness. My mom made the best homemade chicken soup I’ve ever tasted. I have tried, on several occasions, to emulate the flavour but a main ingredient is always missing. That ingredient is her. I believe we miss that most, when people pass away. No one can ever cook the same as mom did because they are not her. She, herself, was her own secret ingredient.

    A Hearty and Nourishing Tradition
    Mom’s soup was a staple in our household, always chock-full of fresh vegetables and leftover chicken boiled off the bone. Always boiled off the bone because that broth was essential to the soup. It was a meal in itself, and on cold winter days, it was the perfect comfort food to warm us up on our lunchtime trip home from school. As my grandfather used to say, it “warmed up your inners” like nothing else could.

    More Than Just a Meal
    But mom’s soup was more than just a meal; it had a way of opening hearts and drying away tears. On tough days, her soup came with hugs and gentle, tear-wiping gestures from her apron. It was a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a little comfort and love to get us through. She would serve it not only to us kids but her dad and brother would drop in for a bowl every once in a while. They would come over on their lunch break the odd day. She enjoyed it when this happened because she always got to catch up with them. Oh, and certainly, over a piping hot bowl of her soup, they would confide in her and receive her loving comfort and advice, as well.

    Love and Comfort
    As I grew older, I began to appreciate the love and care that went into every pot of mom’s homemade chicken soup. Each time I make a batch, I’m reminded of her and the comfort she brought to our family. I used to joke that Jack had the “soup for the soul,” but mom had the “better soup for the bowl.” Little did I know, Jack might have been right – chicken soup is indeed for the soul…

    A Tribute to Mom’s Love
    I started writing this blog post with the intention of sharing my many chicken soup recipes, but it morphed into something more. As I reflected on mom’s homemade chicken soup, I couldn’t help but share my feelings and the memories that came flooding back. It’s a testament to the power of food to evoke emotions, create connections, and transcend time. Mom’s homemade chicken soup, a gift of your love and comfort. As my soup brews in the pot, I breathe in the pleasant aroma and enjoy warm memories of my mom’s chicken soup for the bowl.

    Thank you for reading 😊🙏

  • Little Lizzie

    Who is the most confident person you know?

    My Great Niece Elizabeth

    The most confident child that I know is my Great Niece Elizabeth.

    Me and Lizzie October 2012

    I met my great niece in October, 2012. She was only a couple weeks old. She’s my niece Tracy’s second daughter.

    My niece Tracy and I
    Her four daughters

    I loved her from the first moment that I laid eyes on her.

    Me and Lizzie

    She grew quickly and we knew she was growing to be a big girl,fast. She was already eating solid food at this point.

    She’s always smiling
    She loves lollipops
    She’s smart and creative

    Lizzie is never afraid to try something new. She explores every aspect of the process. She has an excellent memory and this helps her teach her sisters and friends how to do or play whatever she learns.

    Curious and brave.

    Beaming with confidence
    Can make something out of nothing

    In this picture she’s placing her fairy house in the backyard so the fairies have some where to stay. Getting older hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for imagination and she always seems to be able to make something out of nothing. She shared her idea with her sisters and they all made fairy houses from my recycled cardboard.

    Fairy house
    Serinah
    Corine
    Lounging in the pool
    Beautiful and Confident Elizabeth 🥰

    In conclusion, my niece, Little Lizzie, is a shining example of confidence and compassion. What sets her apart is her unique approach to learning, driven by a desire to share and teach others. This selfless mindset not only fuels her confidence but also inspires those around her.

    A Natural-Born Leader
    Lizzie’s innate leadership skills are evident in her ability to create her own fun and encourage others to do the same. With a fearless spirit, she’s always ready to take the lead, navigating complex situations with ease and saving others from uncertainty. Her confidence is contagious, and those around her can’t help but be inspired by her courage and compassion.

    A Bright Future Ahead
    As Little Lizzie continues to grow and thrive, it’s clear that her unique blend of confidence, compassion, and leadership skills will serve her well. She’s a reminder that true confidence comes not from within oneself, but from the positive impact one has on others. I have no doubt that Lizzie’s bright future will be filled with joy, success, and the knowledge that she’s making a difference in the lives of those around her.

  • Saying Goodbye to Mom

    How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

    Loosing my mom was the most significant and heartbreaking life event that greatly influenced my perspective on life. On the surface, my mother and I were not close. We often fought about stupid things and there was a lot of hurt feelings and distance between us. Deep down though she was my best friend and my biggest fan.

    She displayed every piece of artwork that I created for her, proudly, on the walls of the family home. She was present for every art show. She always listened intensely to my poetry and short stories. She always encouraged me to do my best and achieve my goals and dreams, in private. Our love was deep and true.

    Mom became really sick during the Covid pandemic. She didn’t have Covid but suffered from COPD and was on oxygen full time.

    She had been through so much in her life having Rheumatic fever at 12 years old.

    Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop when strep throat or scarlet fever isn’t properly treated. Strep throat and scarlet fever are caused by an infection with streptococcus (strep-toe-KOK-us) bacteria. Rheumatic fever most often affects children ages 5 to 15.

    Unfortunately this lead mom to suffer a heart condition called Mitral stenosis (narrowing of the mitral valve).

    Ultimately in her late fifties, she had to have heart surgery to replace her Mitral valve with a mechanical one.

    The surgery was a success and she was able to recover quickly. However, she would have to take medication like warfarin for the rest of her life.

    From time to time she would be rushed to the emergency department at the hospital to get shocked with the paddles to bring her back to life. I could never get a straight answer from my father as to why this continued to happen to her.

    I never trusted my father with her care but that is another story.

    In 2015 she was diagnosed with COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by chronic inflammation, airway obstruction, and breathing difficulties.

    Mom was a lifelong smoker and it caught up to her. She was given a new list of prescription medications to take for this condition along with the medication for her pre existing condition.

    For her heart murmur the medications were:

    Diuretics To reduce fluid buildup and swelling.

    Beta blockers To slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure.

    ACE inhibitors to  lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.

    Anticoagulants To prevent blood clots and stroke.

    Anti-arrhythmics To regulate abnormal heart rhythms.

    For the COPD her medications were:

    Bronchodilators To open airways and improve breathing.

        – Short-acting: albuterol, ipratropium

        – Long-acting: salmeterol, tiotropium

    Corticosteroids To reduce inflammation and swelling.

        – Inhaled: fluticasone, budesonide

        – Oral: prednisone

    Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors To reduce inflammation and improve lung function.

        – Roflumilast

    Combination inhalers To combine bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

        – Fluticasone-salmeterol, budesonide-formoterol

    Regardless my mom lived the best life that she could.

    During her last months of life, she swallowed her pride and asked me to come help take care of her.

    On my days off from work, I went out to the homestead and helped her with tiny tasks like doing her hair and getting her wash basin ready for her to clean up. Mom was very proud and right up until three days before her death she washed herself. I would get her a fresh set of jammies out while she was doing that, I would clean the house so she could rest.

    I would sit with her and talk about life and my goals and plans for the future. I told her about some of my hurts and she told me about hers. Eventually she would fall asleep and I would tip toe out of the room and head home for the night.

    Three days before she passed away we had a long conversation during which she said that she was a miserable mother to me. This brought tears to my eyes and I had a mix of emotions including sadness for her thinking that, relief for the recognition and grief because I knew that she would never admit to that unless the end was near. I responded with a firm no. I then responded by telling her that I knew that I wasn’t the most loving or compassionate daughter that I wish I had been. The final thing she said to me that day and would be the final words I heard from my mom was “ You my girl, are a ray of sunshine. You bring light and joy to everyone and everything you do. I’m so glad that you’re becoming a Reiki healer, no one is better suited for the job. Keep on bringing the light and shine it in dark places to bring light to difficult situations and heal the wounds of others especially and including those who might not otherwise deserve it.”

    I weeped silently to myself as I bid her farewell “See you in a couple days.” I said and I kissed her on her cheek and left for the day.

    The following Saturday morning started with a phone call from my sister was frantically screaming “Dad can’t wake mom up!”

    I responded by telling her “It’s okay, it’s time, prepare yourself and tell dad to leave her alone until I get there. I’m on my way.”

    A twenty minute drive seemed like five minutes. I arrived at my parents house to find my mother in a coma. I knew the time was near and I tried to comfort my father to no avail. He had already called an ambulance to take mom to the hospital which she did not want as she wanted to pass away at home with family but I didn’t have any control over him. It was obvious he wasn’t going to honour he final wishes however, it wasn’t the time to argue.

    I stayed by her side over the night into the next day. I held her hand and spoke softly about my love for her and how important and loved she was towards anyone who ever had the luxury of knowing her. She opened her eyes a couple of times when my emotions overwhelmed me as if to let me know she could hear me and to comfort me. Mom passed away at Brockville General Hospital at six o’clock in the early morning of September 13, 2021. I was devastated and broken. Nothing was the same and life as I knew it changed forever.

    I was completely lost without her. I felt completely severed from my only true connection that I ever had. This forced me into a major awakening period in my life that continues to this day. I took my mother’s advice and I keep bringing the light to everyone and everything that needs it. I often think about my mom in good days and bad. I know that I wouldn’t change a thing about our relationship because it was the best relationship of my life.

    Me and my mom

  • Creating A Thought Filter

    Creating A Thought Filter
    The Power of Pause
    By Tracy Schruder

    Have you ever spoken words in the heat of the moment, only to regret them later? Or maybe you’ve struggled to express yourself respectfully, in stressful situations. The good news is that there’s a simple yet profound technique to help you create a filter between your thoughts and words, it’s the breath.

    The breath is a gateway to Mindfulness. The breath is more than just a physical function; it’s a gateway to mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

    When you harness the power of the breath, you can learn to pause between your thoughts and words. In turn, this allows you to; reflect on your emotions and intentions, allowing you time to choose your words more carefully and respond with tact.

    If you want to communicate more effectively and with empathy, you could try a simple breathing technique called 4-7-8 breathing, also known as the relaxation breath. You start by inhaling through your nose for a count of 4 seconds, next,hold your breath for 7 seconds and finally exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds. This should help to calm your nervous system and in turn create space for reflection.

    Another simple breathing technique is box breathing. This technique involves inhaling for a count of 4 seconds then holding your breath for 4 seconds, next exhale for 4 seconds and then finally holding your breath again for 4 seconds. This creates a ‘box’ shape with your breath, helping you stay focused and present.

    Throughout your day, take brief pauses to breathe and reflect on your thoughts and emotions. This technique is called mindfulness pausing. During your time pausing, simply ask yourself, Is this thought,word or action aligned with my core values and best intentions? The answer will arise from your level of awareness and you will act accordingly.

    Another great alternative technique to use is physical grounding or anchoring. With this technique you feel all the physical sensations in your body. You then use these sensations as anchors to bring you back to the present moment. For example, focus on the sensation of your feet on the ground or the feel the air on your skin. Ask yourself do I feel sturdy right now or is the temperature cool or warm? Get right into it.

    Finally, this is my absolute favourite technique, journaling. Writing down your thoughts and reflecting on them, can help you process your emotions and gain more clarity about values and intentions. I like to make a gratitude list each day in my journal.

    You may be wondering how to put all these techniques into a practice? It’s been proven that by
    Incorporating these techniques into your daily life, they can make a profound impact on your relationships, communication style, and overall well-being. To get started you should consider starting small with short pauses throughout your day, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
    Make mindfulness and breathwork a regular part of your routine, ideally at the same time each day.
    Share your goals with a friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable.

    In conclusion, creating a filter between your thoughts and words takes practice, patience, and self-awareness. By harnessing the power of the breath and incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily life, you can develop greater emotional intelligence, communicate more effectively, and live a more authentic life. Remember, the breath is a powerful tool, use it to open doors to new possibilities and to close doors to old patterns that no longer serve you.

  • Manifesting a Field of Forgiveness for the World

    Manifesting a Field of Forgiveness for the World
    By Tracy Schruder

    As we navigate the complexities of our collective human experience, it’s becoming increasingly clear that forgiveness is a crucial step towards healing and growth. The weight of past mistakes and trauma can be overwhelming, making it challenging for individuals and societies to move forward. However, by manifesting a field of forgiveness, we can create a powerful energetic framework that supports the healing and liberation of humanity.

    The Power of Forgiveness
    Forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning past wrongs; it’s about releasing the emotional charge associated with those experiences. When we forgive, we create space for new energies to emerge, allowing us to approach life with greater clarity, compassion, and understanding. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal transformation, and when applied collectively, it can have a profound impact on the world.

    Healing the Past
    To manifest a field of forgiveness, we must first acknowledge the past mistakes and trauma that have shaped our individual and collective experiences. This requires empathy and understanding, recognizing that every person has their own unique story and struggles. By acknowledging the pain and suffering that have occurred, we can begin to release the energetic residue that continues to affect us.

    Steps to Manifest a Field of Forgiveness
    First we need to set a clear intention to manifest a field of forgiveness whilst recognizing its potential to heal and transform humanity.
    Acknowledgment
    We must , collectively , acknowledge the past mistakes and trauma that have shaped our collective experience, as a whole race of beings. We have to cultivate empathy and understanding for all individuals involved.
    Release
    We must release the emotional charge associated with past experiences. By doing this, we allow forgiveness to flow into the energetic framework of our collective consciousness.
    Visualization
    A simple visualization exercise, anyone can do is to visualize a brilliant, pulsing light infusing the world, that represents the field of forgiveness. Let go of resistance with the breath and Imagine this light penetrating every aspect of our reality. Know undoubtedly that it is healing and liberating humanity from the burdens of the past.
    Gratitude
    Express gratitude for the opportunity to manifest a field of forgiveness, recognizing its potential to create a brighter, more compassionate future for all. Thank you 🙏

    The Next Step in Collective

    Ascension-

    As we manifest a field of forgiveness, we create a powerful foundation for collective ascension. By releasing the energetic residue of our past mistakes and traumas, we can more easily access the higher frequencies of the 5D earth. This, alternatively will enable us to embody greater compassion and empathy as a whole. As we forgive and release the past, we become more compassionate and empathetic towards ourselves and others. Next we will be able to
    access higher states of consciousness. By releasing the burdens of the past, we can then more easily move forward in accessing higher states of consciousness, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the 5D earth with greater ease and clarity.
    We ultimately, co-create a brighter future. As we ascend collectively, we can co-create a brighter, more compassionate future, one that reflects the highest aspects of our human potential.
    My conclusion is that by manifesting a field of forgiveness, we take a powerful step towards healing and liberating humanity. One small step for humanity is a giant leap for the entire species. By acknowledging the past, releasing emotional charge, and visualizing a brilliant, pulsing light, we can create a foundation for collective ascension. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that forgiveness is not a destination, but a process – one that requires ongoing commitment towards compassion, and understanding. Together, we can manifest a brighter, more compassionate future, one that reflects the highest aspects of our human potential.
    Light and Love
    Tracy 💖

  • The Middle Child: A Unique Blend of Roles and Responsibilities. 

    By Tracy Schruder

    As a middle child in a blended family, I’ve often found myself navigating a complex web of relationships and roles. But what does it mean to be a middle child, and how does it shape our experiences and perspectives?

    According to statistics, middle children make up approximately 52% of the population (Katrin, 2019). Research suggests that middle children often possess unique traits, such as being more diplomatic, adaptable, and creative (Kluger, 2011).

    In my own family, I’m both the middle child to my mother, who had two daughters from a previous marriage before meeting and marrying my father, and the oldest child to my dad. This unique dynamic has taught me valuable skills, such as adaptability, creativity, and responsibility.

    As the middle child, I’ve often been the risk-taker, the blame-taker, and the sibling collector, responsible for ensuring everyone gets home safely, when the street lights came on. This role has also brought me a sense of pride and responsibility.

    My oldest sister once told me that I was the glue that held our family together. She explained that my birth helped cement her and our other sister’s relationship with my father, making him a true father figure in their lives. Her words meant the world to me and I accepted them as a duty call. 

    This realization has made me appreciate the significance of my position in our family. As the middle child, I’ve learned to navigate complex relationships, negotiate conflicts, and adapt to changing circumstances.

    While being a middle child can present its challenges, it’s also given me a unique perspective on life. I’ve learned to be flexible, to listen, and to mediate. And I’ve come to realize that being the middle child isn’t just about my position in the family – it’s about the skills and traits that have helped me thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

    *References:*

    Katrin, A. (2019). The Middle Child Syndrome. Verywell Family.

    Kluger, J. (2011). The Power of the Middle Child. Time Magazine.

  • Where Love is Concerned, Too Much Isn’t Even Enough

    Where Love is Concerned, Too Much Is not Even Enough

  • Where Love is Concerned, Too Much Is not Even Enough

    By Tracy Schruder 

    As we chase our goal of human happiness, one concept stands tall above the rest: unconditional love. This profound  acceptance of others, without judgment or expectation, is the highest and most intentional goal for achieving true fulfillment. When we embody unconditional love, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. In this essay, we will explore the transformative power of unconditional love and the importance of remaining present in our interactions with others.

    Unconditional love is not just a feeling, but a conscious choice. It requires us to release our ego’s need to judge, criticize, and control. When we love people unconditionally, we accept them for who they are, without trying to change or manipulate them. This radical acceptance creates a safe space for individuals to express themselves freely, without fear of rejection or condemnation. As a result, they feel seen, heard, and valued, which fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging.

    However, unconditional love is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing process. It demands that we remain present in our conversations and situations while fully engaging with others. We must pay attention when listening to their needs with both our minds and our hearts. When we are present, we are able to respond with empathy, compassion, and gentle understanding. We are not distracted by our own thoughts, biases, or agendas, but rather focused on the person in front of us. This presence is the key to achieving success in giving genuine support, as it allows us to mould our response to the unique needs of the individual.

    In a world where judgment, criticism, and division are rampant, unconditional love is a revolutionary act. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions, let go of our need for control, and embrace the beauty of diversity. When we choose to love unconditionally, we create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and understanding that can transform our lives and our communities.

    In conclusion, where love is concerned, too much isn’t even enough. Is a strong statement that makes us take notice to our scarceness of knowledge on the subject of love. Unconditional love and nonjudgmental acceptance of one another, is the highest and most intentional goal for human happiness. By remaining present in our conversations and diverse situations, we can create a safe space for others to thrive. As we embody unconditional love, we become instruments of transformation, spreading love, kindness, and compassion to all those around us.

    Where love is concerned, too much is not even enough.