“Live your life like an open book.” I’m sure you’ve all heard this sage saying. For me, it’s more than great advice, it’s an adage I strive to live by. But, what does it really mean?

Simply put, it means being transparent and honest about who you are and what you believe in. It’s certainly not always easy, but it keeps my life from being unnecessarily complicated. I don’t harbor hidden agendas, and I don’t hide behind any masks. What you see is what you get, period. Love me or hate me, I believe in genuine interactions, and in saying what you

Simply put, it means being transparent and honest about who you are and what you believe in. It’s certainly not always easy, but it keeps my life from being unnecessarily complicated. I don’t harbor hidden agendas, and I don’t hide behind any masks. What you see is what you get, period. Love me or hate me, I believe in genuine interactions, and in saying what you mean, when you mean it.I haven’t always ascribed to this philosophy, but I learned (the hard way), which I don’t recommend, that nothing is to be gained by being false to yourself.

I haven’t always ascribed to this philosophy, but I learned (the hard way), which I don’t recommend, that nothing is to be gained by being false to yourself.Lately, though, I’ve started to believe there’s a deeper meaning behind living your life like an open book. I think it also means to keep your mind

Lately, though, I’ve started to believe there’s a deeper meaning behind living your life like an open book. I think it also means to keep your mind open, and to realize there are yet more words to be written in your personal story.The first rule they teach aspiring writers is that your first draft is just that, only a beginning, a shaky foundation you will eventually replace with a more concrete one as you revise and polish your manuscript. Get your ideas down on the page and, later, you can (and will) fret over whether or not they’re the right words.

The first rule they teach aspiring writers is that your first draft is just that, only a beginning, a shaky foundation you will eventually replace with a more concrete one as you revise and polish your manuscript. Get your ideas down on the page and, later, you can (and will) fret over whether or not they’re the right words. The same can be said for life. Your story can and should evolve over time. As you grow personally, spiritually, and professionally, you change.

The same can be said for life. Your story can and should evolve over time. As you grow personally, spiritually, and professionally, you change.“Live your life like an open book.” Live your life, day by day, and always be open to new experiences and to learning unfamiliar ideas. Be true to yourself and to others, but welcome viewpoints that may cause you to more closely examine the ones you hold dear. Never miss an opportunity to educate yourself and be receptive to change.

“Live your life like an open book.” Live your life, day by day, and always be open to new experiences and to learning unfamiliar ideas. Be true to yourself and to others, but welcome viewpoints that may cause you to more closely examine the ones you hold dear. Never miss an opportunity to educate yourself and be receptive to change.This edition of Pennsylvania Bridges is our annual education issue, meaning we’ve chosen this month to loosely focus on individuals and groups in our region who are learning and developing, as well as those who are advocating for and teaching others.

This edition of Pennsylvania Bridges is our annual education issue, meaning we’ve chosen this month to loosely focus on individuals and groups in our region who are learning and developing, as well as those who are advocating for and teaching others.As usual, this issue contains coverage of local and regional arts and entertainment offerings to help you relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries as you get ready for you and yours to go back to school. Take a break from school supply shopping and take in a play or musical performance.

As usual, this issue contains coverage of local and regional arts and entertainment offerings to help you relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries as you get ready for you and yours to go back to school. Take a break from school supply shopping and take in a play or musical performance. We’ve also got advice on how to best prepare your body and mind for a return to the classroom, with everything from

We’ve also got advice on how to best prepare your body and mind for a return to the classroom, with everything from skin care tips to a newish way of getting organized.

Next month’s edition will feature small and local businesses who are helping to sustain and revitalize our communities. Know of a business we should feature? Drop me a line at carla@pabridges.com. I’d love to hear from you.Until next month,

Until next month, Carla E. Anderton