Good morning, all. Cheryl here. 

Answer this question: Where is the grass greener?

Is it greener on the other side of the fence? Is it greener in your neighbors lush yard right next door? Or is it greener right there at your own two feet?

Relationships are sometimes complicated whether they be friendships, family relationships, a romantic relationship or work relationships. They take work and they take commitment. Others are not always going to cooperate with you and sometimes their needs are going to take precedence over your own.

What about the relationship you have with yourself? Do you take care of yourself physically, emotionally and financially? Do you respect and value yourself?  

I heard the following statement on the radio one morning as I was driving to work:

The grass is greener where you water it.

I don't know why but that statement has stuck with me these last couple of years and I try to live my life by that little saying. When things get tough in my corner of the world I say to myself, "The grass is greener where I water it." Everyone has their own problems. Everyone has their own doubts and insecurities. But you can't give up on yourself and you can't give up on others. Your life will be greener if you take care of it. Your relationships will be greener if you commit to them. When life gets tough and your grass is starting to turn brown, pick yourself up, take a deep breath, think a happy thought, and break out the water hose. Do it for your neighbors when you see they are in need. Do it for your friends and your family when they need your support. But most of all, do it for yourself.

Repeat after me: the grass is greener where I water it.

Today, my sister and I are embarking on the Susan G. Komen 3 Day journey of walking 20 miles a day for the next 3 days, hoping our efforts along with thousands of others will find a cure for breast cancer. My sister and I will be watering the grass of our 41 year relationship together. My sister is the best. Our siblings- they are the longest relationships we have in our lives- they are relationships worth taking care of, don't you think?

As I walk the next 3 days, I will surely reflect on my life. Have I lived my life well? Have I made my corner shine? Have I made respectable decisions? Have I treated my friends and family with the respect they deserve? Have I given forgiveness? To others and to myself. Have I valued the good fortune in my life? I know I have disappointed people throughout my lifetime and I have been disappointed but all and all my life has been a good one.  

I am 41 years old. I have walked through half of my life. I am committed to walking through the next half loving those near and dear to me, doing my best to raise happy, healthy, independent young men, and trying to spread as much positivity and shine as possible while watering the grass at my own feet. Respecting myself and valuing the many good fortunes I have in my life. That good fortune includes you.

Karlie and Rosie- you are in my thoughts this weekend. To all of you that donated to this cause for me- I am overwhelmed by your generosity. Your support is incredible and appreciated and there are not enough words to express that appreciation.

Don't forget, every Saturday at House of Shine we celebrate a new nominee for the Yellow Envelope Project. Be sure to tune in tomorrow to see who the newest nominee is and commit to sending them a note in a yellow envelope. It's an easy way for you to Shine!

Shining off until tomorrow....