Breathing is to draw air into the lungs and expel it; to take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide through natural processes. To brrreeaatthe is to be perceptible; to have a personality that breathes an expression of one's work; to feel free of restraint, and to instill new life into a movement (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary).

Said Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): "Sin cannot be undone, only forgiven." He had a message, and he presented it very well. Chiming in on the topic was American author and philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906-1975): "Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." One's relative happiness, or lack thereof, is predicated on being able and willing to forgive for perceived offenses.

American comedian Henny Youngman (1906-1998) reportedly wrote: "I once wanted to become an atheist but I gave up because they have no holidays." The gentleman's breathing capacity certainly made certain of God's presence. Youngman's response to the lack of holidays relative to being an atheist was for him to brreeaatthe well.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Four Points by Sheraton brands will ban smoking at more than 300 hotels and resorts in the U.S., Caribbean and Canada by December 31. Smoking also will be banned in public areas in the hotels, but there will be a designated outdoor smoking area at each property. Customer satisfaction surveys will probably applaud this corporate move.

In South Carolina, an anticipated end is near for the statewide Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). Will students and educators breathe easier because of its demise? Knowledgeable people in the state predict breath-taking moments will emerge when it happens.

Individuals with the capacity to breathe beyond air intake and its release are easily ide.jpgiable. Here are seven traits and characteristics that generally define them since they:

1. Embrace commitments that resonate with a goodly segment of humankind.

2. Convey an undeniable swagger; a swagger that exudes confidence and benevolence in all they do.

3. Carry a countenance about themselves that is picked up by those around them on the basis of their sincere and radiant demeanor.

4. Set solid examples for others to witness and emulate, particularly the young.

5. Are kind and generous to relatives, friends, charitable organizations and so forth.

6. Relate well to humankind to the degree of assisting those in need, regardless of their stations in life.

7. Proceed with gusto to help better the lives and conditions of families and children.

Said Lisa Brown, columnist with The Post and Courier in Charleston: "My 18-year-old son received his first piece of adult junk mail informing him he was pre-approved for a MasterCard. Based on what? The fact that he is 18 and breathing."

A quote whose author is unknown to this columnist stated: "Life is not about the breaths we take, but about the moments that take our breath away." Therefore, brrreeaatthe!

Reach T&D Columnist Howard D. Hill, Ph.D., via educationconsultant@sc.rr.com.

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