Dr. Larry Pittman Goddard Blog

1. Do What You Know Is Right Always be courageous enough to do what your heart knows is right, especially if it concerns someone else’s well-being. When we do things we know are wrong, we also damage ourselves at a fundamental level, and we vibrate on a lower frequency that typically makes others wary of us. Meanwhile, when we act ethically and responsibly, people intuitively know we can be trusted. 2. Cut Out Superficial Gossip If you’re too busy judging others and gossiping about them, you’ll miss so many of the more profound and fulfilling things that life can offer. In addition, you’ll radiate a certain dishonesty. Meanwhile, if you focus on talking about more meaningful subjects and sharing ideas, others will be attracted to your vibrant mind and respectful attitude. 3. Elevate Other People If you help others to see the best in themselves and nurture their talents, you’ll be a radiant and compassionate presence that i instantly attractive. There’s often so much

This much I know is true: Relationships are NOT hostage situations! Don't go chasing people. Ever. Why did we spend so much of our lives chasing people and conforming so that by a small chance, they might possibly sort of like us?.... a little bit. Got someone in your life who bums you out and is crummy and steals your joy? Distance them. Neither you nor them are being held with a gun to your head-- no hostages-- don't even chase them when they leave. Change the locks to your heart. Protect your feelings; don't be a victim-- be the victor! Life is too fragile, too precious, too brief. Those people who fuss, fight, feud? Eh. They are not your hostages and NO one is going to pay a ransom-- you control those in your life . Choose the ones you can depend on; when you ask for privacy, they've already left the room; when you want to talk, they have the Sonic cherry cola and ready to listen. No one says on their death bed, "I wish I'd b

Billie Abernathy Spencer There was a summer, more than a decade ago now I suppose, that was the driest summer on record in Commerce. I truly think there was a rain once in June and then not again until September that particular year.  The trees and grass went dormant and we would run from the air-conditioned cars into air-conditioned houses.  Several days of over 100 degree temperature and just a tough summer with everyone talking about how hot is was and how we would never complain about wet and cold days in the winter again. Everyday I would drive into my little carport across from Otha and Billie about 5:30 p.m. after work.  Billie would be outside, in her house “duster” dress, and watering this same patch of dry dirt to the side of their house.  Day after day, same time, same place, she would water this patch of dirt—no flowers or grass there, just moist dirt. Finally, against my better judgment, I walked over and said, “Billie, why are you watering this same patch of dirt e

Eulogy, Dr. Otha Spencer June 23, 2012 Well, here we are.  To dedicate one of the greatest men many of us have ever met.  He will be always remember as an icon of Commerce, a historical legend, the kindest/sweetest man who ever walked God’s Good Earth—Dr. Otha Spencer.  For almost 45 years, I’ve known Otha Spencer in many roles—as a child, a college student who admired Otha as an outstanding faculty member; an alumnus; a colleague; a landlord; a donor for the Foundation; a friend; a second ‘Dad’; a treasured advisor; a friend, a confidante, and fortunately, a semi-adopted-member of his family by choice. I value him and all he taught all of us; We miss him and am thinking of Will and Gwendolyn the most this morning. We are all better for knowing him.  He was a hero at a young age in World War II—just a kid by today’s standards. He wanted to play football but the coach told him he best get a different job. He excelled in everything professionally, and privately.  To se

‘Twas the night before a scheduled root canal, to correct an idiotic dentist’s nightmare mistake of last year, And not a creature was stirring, since I have to be at the oral surgeon’s office at 8:45 a.m., which is WAY before my June wake up time…. With me, and my theory that your age is the same percentage of time you spend waiting for your pills to kick in....so since I am 57, then 57 percent of my day is spent waiting for a pill to kick in. I'm all tucked in, not binging on old TV series', and waiting for the Ambien to do its stuff.  I want to be asleep before it is dark outside. And the cat with her mosquito-bitten ears snuggling me, grossing me out, and then surprise attacking and biting me…she must be able to read minds—grossed-out scabby eared-privileged rescue cat….I swear I'll change her name from BeBe to Zika...but that might be the Ambien talking.... Visions of my titanium-enriched ankle and the infection preventing antibiotics dance in my he