Tim Russert Was No Head of State

by Kelley Taylor, Make Every Day A Holiday

Tim Russert was no head of state. He was never elected into office, he wasn’t a president of a large corporation, founder of an organization, leader of a nation, movie or rock star.
Yet with his passing, he has been mourned by media, politicians, business leaders, and common folk like you and me….for days now.

Shows have been dedicated to him, anchors have teared up over him as I’ve sat with my own box of tissue and bawled over a man I felt so connected to yet never known. The selfish side of me mourns that my son will not grow up learning politics through Meet The Press and more importantly how to ask the tough questions, know how to push when needed, and let it go when appropriate.

You see, I watched Meet The Press every Sunday like many watch a fight: on the edge of my chair, yelling at the TV (for him to ask the question), and when he did make his move (or called someone out using their own quote – because Tim always did his research and was prepared) I would shout and pump my fist because he just knocked. them. out.

Left now to wonder, who will EVER be able to take his place or simply take over the show, I am amazed at the tributes still continuing even today for Tim Russert.

Never before have I seen such an outpouring of love and affection, respect and admiration for someone that was so uncommonly common yet nothing like anyone I’ve known personally. He was powerful yet humble, brilliant yet down to earth, loved yet feared, unrelenting yet giving…this man, this great man, has astounded me with how authentic he really was true in his paradoxical contradictions. And it’s proven with every interview of people who knew him and loved him.

David Gregory, Sunday, on The Today Show said this:
“It is said that someone is wise not if he knows the answer but if he knows how to ask the question. As unfair as it is, this Sunday morning, Tim is silent. So we are left to do the probing, to examine why he was so loved, so loving, so sharp, so uniquely capable of walking with the kings and yet retaining the common touch.

A friend of mine has written that through death we realize that our mortality is always in the background giving vividness and urgency to our days.

Tim would tell us all to ‘go get’em’ and we will do that now with even more purpose because the big guy lead the way as the moderator of all moderators, as a mentor, and as a man.”

For all that we the people say about him, it will never be enough. And so in my weak attempt to be wise, I ask: Do we live our lives the same way Tim Russert did? In the same way?

Do we remain loving, open-hearted, authentic, true, loyal, always learning, always giving, standing for something, professional, unrelenting in the pursuit of fairness and justice and truth for ourselves and for others? Do we do our homework and do it well? Do we look for both sides of the story? Do we remain humble no matter what success comes our way? Do we help others along the way?

If for no other reason, we can look at the life of this man and use it as an example of someone who really got it. He knew how to live. He extracted every bit of life in his short 58 years which will never be enough for all of us, but were mighty packed for him.

Yes, I think Tim Russert would tell us to “go get’em” as in GO GET LIFE. Live for your today’s, tomorrow’s, and honor your past. Live with an open heart, always look for what you CAN do, and love freely, honestly, and magnificently.

In the end, if we’re lucky, we might have half as many people honoring us as he did – or yet, the people who matter most to us.

Go Get’em!

Always in Honor of Tim Russert, 1950 – 2008

(Live the dash! Make Every Day A Holiday.)

List The Things You Love

“The best way to know God is to love many things.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

My son approached me the other day, quite to my surprise, and asked me, “Mom, what do you love?

”My reply of course, was, “YOU!” But he was after something more. He wanted to know what I valued in life. Sure he knew I adored him, but he was looking for something to give me…something that he’d know I’d like. (He’s really in touch with being a good gift giver. Most people just give you what they want you to have.)

How many times has someone asked you what you want for a birthday, holiday, or special event? Sure, we know what we need and wouldn’t that cool PedEgg really get our feet in shape for summer sandals, but, really? How many times have you come up empty headed when asked, “What do you like? What makes you smile?”

Do you know what you love?

Start a folder, a clipping file, a blog, a scrapbook, a journal, use index cards! List the things you love. This isn’t a vision board, or a list of things you’d LIKE to have. No, this is a list of things you love right now or things you’ve loved in the past. Things that stir your heart, make you laugh, feel sentimental, or just plain ol’ feel. Like,

I Love Lucy
Cinnamon
Flowers
Books
Special paper
Fountain pens
Chairs with architectural interest
#2 Pencils
The smell of leather
Grass
Swimming
Postage stamps (I consider them art)

The list can be as random as you’d like, but here’s my challenge: Don’t just list. Devote a page per item. Here’s why.

By giving each item their own fresh white page, you honor the things you love individually. You give them their place in your world. You give yourself time to focus on each item and you can begin to list why you love these things. Don’t worry. Sometimes the words won’t come. And don’t be surprised if you look at an item, and a tear comes to your eye. It may not even be what it is, but what it represents.

Later, when you someone asks you, “What do you love?” You will be able to smile and know that the list is immeasurable, priceless, and is the key to your heart. By knowing what you love, and loving many things, you will become more grateful, beautiful on the inside, and know what you cherish in your life. No greater love.

Tell me some of the things you love…

Forgiveness for Yourself

My wish for you is for you to find forgiveness for yourself.

For once, or the millionth time, be kind to yourself – be compassionate – and really admit where you failed or fell short, missed the mark, or messed up.

Admit it, accept it, forgive yourself, and promise to try to do better.

Find forgiveness somewhere in your heart for all of the things you just plain ol forgot, messed up, or did way in the past.

Often, when you practice forgiveness of yourself, you’ll be able to overcome whatever it is that’s holding you back from being the person you were meant to become.

Because…you were meant to be great.

All my love to you,

Kelley