HAPPINESS
Do unto others as you would have done unto you. In fact, if you want to be happy, make others happy.
Yes! It works like magic, because nobody is as happy as someone who dedicates himself to making others happy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Direction
DIRECTION
There are times in life that you might wonder which path to take. There are career choices. There are relationship choices. Sometimes there are choices related to safety.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider carefully your option, but there is one element that should be part of all options– your happiness. That is because whatever path you choose, you get to bring happiness along. Happiness comes from within, so you mustnever abandon happiness, for that is when it will abandon you.
But so long as you hold fast to happiness, it will hold fast to you…whatever path you choose.
There are times in life that you might wonder which path to take. There are career choices. There are relationship choices. Sometimes there are choices related to safety.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider carefully your option, but there is one element that should be part of all options– your happiness. That is because whatever path you choose, you get to bring happiness along. Happiness comes from within, so you mustnever abandon happiness, for that is when it will abandon you.
But so long as you hold fast to happiness, it will hold fast to you…whatever path you choose.
Idea
IDEA
An idea is a seed. A good idea is a good seed. But a good idea, like a good seed is really nothing more than a good idea.
Until you plant it in fertile ground.
Until you water it and provide it nourishment.
Until you remove the weeds and tend it its progress.
Maybe you have a good idea; isn’t it about time you planted your seed?
An idea is a seed. A good idea is a good seed. But a good idea, like a good seed is really nothing more than a good idea.
Until you plant it in fertile ground.
Until you water it and provide it nourishment.
Until you remove the weeds and tend it its progress.
Maybe you have a good idea; isn’t it about time you planted your seed?
ANGER
“Your temper might get you into trouble, but it is your pride that will keep you there.”
This quote from an unknown source got me thinking how even anger does not spoil one’s enjoyment of a generally good-natured person. It is not the moment of anger but one’s ongoing nature that might stand between him and the rest of the world.
Let go of anger as soon as possible and make sure everyone knows that you are ready to be a friend.
“Your temper might get you into trouble, but it is your pride that will keep you there.”
This quote from an unknown source got me thinking how even anger does not spoil one’s enjoyment of a generally good-natured person. It is not the moment of anger but one’s ongoing nature that might stand between him and the rest of the world.
Let go of anger as soon as possible and make sure everyone knows that you are ready to be a friend.
Patience
PATIENCE
What does it mean to be impatient? I means to be waiting in a hurry. Really, nothing moves any faster when we are impatient. We still wait just as long. We just do so in a hurry.
Since it is never fun to be in a rush, isn’t it better to relax if we are stuck waiting?
Easier said than done?
Next time you are stuck waiting, ask yourself whether you really feel like being impatient.
What does it mean to be impatient? I means to be waiting in a hurry. Really, nothing moves any faster when we are impatient. We still wait just as long. We just do so in a hurry.
Since it is never fun to be in a rush, isn’t it better to relax if we are stuck waiting?
Easier said than done?
Next time you are stuck waiting, ask yourself whether you really feel like being impatient.
Attitude
ATTITUDE
There was a man celebrating his 100th birthday, quite an accomplishment. He was asked a lot of questions by the local media, about his health, about things he had seen and done, about his mobility. He was asked if he was able to get around and walk very well these days. “I can walk a lot better today than I could 100 years ago,” was his reply.
It’s all about attitude.
There was a man celebrating his 100th birthday, quite an accomplishment. He was asked a lot of questions by the local media, about his health, about things he had seen and done, about his mobility. He was asked if he was able to get around and walk very well these days. “I can walk a lot better today than I could 100 years ago,” was his reply.
It’s all about attitude.
Success
SUCCESS
Do you know what is the one secret of success?
Don’t give up.
It is only when you give up that you fail. Everything else, as long as you don’t give up, is just a temporary set back on your way to success. There is no antidote for giving up; that is the only failure in life.
Do you know what is the one secret of success?
Don’t give up.
It is only when you give up that you fail. Everything else, as long as you don’t give up, is just a temporary set back on your way to success. There is no antidote for giving up; that is the only failure in life.
Fire
FIRE
In our fire pit, we never count on the fire to light itself. We always have to light it.But it in your heart and in your soul, there are fires that can start by themselves, if you just let them.
Fires of enthusiasm.
Fires of creativity.
Fires of joy.
Fires of generosity.
Fires of compassion.
Fires of determination.
Fires it up!
In our fire pit, we never count on the fire to light itself. We always have to light it.But it in your heart and in your soul, there are fires that can start by themselves, if you just let them.
Fires of enthusiasm.
Fires of creativity.
Fires of joy.
Fires of generosity.
Fires of compassion.
Fires of determination.
Fires it up!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Positivity
POSITIVITY
Wake up and get started on the right foot.
Think positive.
Think of something good about your life. Think of something good about your possessions.
Think of something good about your friends and family. Think of something you like doing.
Now visualize the best day you can have, surrounded by the things and people and situations you love.
Start your day thinking positive and the rest of the day will be better than it would be otherwise.
Wake up and get started on the right foot.
Think positive.
Think of something good about your life. Think of something good about your possessions.
Think of something good about your friends and family. Think of something you like doing.
Now visualize the best day you can have, surrounded by the things and people and situations you love.
Start your day thinking positive and the rest of the day will be better than it would be otherwise.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Integrity
INTEGRITY
I can’t say it strongly enough, that one of the foundations of happiness is integrity. But just what is integrity?
Is it being honest? Yes, sort of.
Is it being good? Yes, most of the time.
Is it being spiritual? Yes, in a way.
In fact, integrity is when your values and your actions are the same. Almost everyone has at least some integrity, and almost nobody has complete integrity. The closer our beliefs and actions are aligned, the more integrity we have – and the happier we are.
It’s worth taking a look at your life and seeing where your actions might not quite live up to your ideals. Look for ways to change your actions so that they are better aligned.
I can’t say it strongly enough, that one of the foundations of happiness is integrity. But just what is integrity?
Is it being honest? Yes, sort of.
Is it being good? Yes, most of the time.
Is it being spiritual? Yes, in a way.
In fact, integrity is when your values and your actions are the same. Almost everyone has at least some integrity, and almost nobody has complete integrity. The closer our beliefs and actions are aligned, the more integrity we have – and the happier we are.
It’s worth taking a look at your life and seeing where your actions might not quite live up to your ideals. Look for ways to change your actions so that they are better aligned.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Choose
Think about the word "choose."
It may be the single most important word in your life.
Why?
Let's look at what the dictionary says about the word "choose"
1. to select from a number of possibilities; pick by preference:
Example: She chose Sunday for her departure.
2. to prefer or decide (to do something): Example: He chose to run for election.
3. to want; desire.
4. to make a choice: Example: He chose carefully.
5. to be inclined: Example: You may stay here, if you choose.
Let's look at #3 first, "to want, to desire," we all have wants anddesires, you can "choose" to love or not be loved. You can choose to seek after that which you desire, or simply hope it will magically come to you someday.
Look at #1 "to select from a number of possibilities" WOW, this is powerful. A number of possibilities, I would say this is almost unlimited.
Here are some examples:
1. You could choose to live a sedentary life or an active life.
2. You could choose to imagine your life as successful or believe that success will never come your way.
3. You could choose to believe in something when all those around you say you should not believe in it.
4. You could choose to take "action" or not take action.
5. You could choose to gain knowledge by reading ideas like this one as well as books and magazines that will empower you with life changing information, or you could choose to watch more TV. (here is something to think about when watching TV.....VIRTUALLY EVERYONE YOU ARE WATCHING IS GETTING PAID TO BE ON TELEVISION...how much do you get paid to watch it?)
6. Look at #2 from the dictionary listing above. To prefer ordecide (to do something): Example: He chose to run for election. Every President the United States has ever had first chose to seek and/or accept the job.
You see, it is "YOU" that chooses, YOU have the power to choosethe direction of your life.
* You can choose to seek success.
* You can choose to have a healthy body by choosing what you put init and what you do with it.
* You can choose to use the power of attraction (as discussed inThe Secret) by creating a movie in your mind of you succeeding and believing that the success you are visualizing is already yours!
* You can choose to take that new job in another city.
* You can choose to forgive.
But here is the bottom line.
It is "YOU" who must choose, no one else can choose for you.
Here is an important question......Will you choose? Make no mistake about it, even if you choose NOT to choose you havechosen a direction for your life......that is POWERFUL!So I challenge you today to look at your life and CHOOSE!
* Choose success
* Choose unconditional love
* Choose health
* Choose to take the time to teach your children what you have learned about choosing.
You know there are areas of your life "RIGHT NOW" where you havefailed to make a choice....
...to choose.
Why do I issue this challenge to you?
Because I care about YOU......I "choose" to care about you.
It may be the single most important word in your life.
Why?
Let's look at what the dictionary says about the word "choose"
1. to select from a number of possibilities; pick by preference:
Example: She chose Sunday for her departure.
2. to prefer or decide (to do something): Example: He chose to run for election.
3. to want; desire.
4. to make a choice: Example: He chose carefully.
5. to be inclined: Example: You may stay here, if you choose.
Let's look at #3 first, "to want, to desire," we all have wants anddesires, you can "choose" to love or not be loved. You can choose to seek after that which you desire, or simply hope it will magically come to you someday.
Look at #1 "to select from a number of possibilities" WOW, this is powerful. A number of possibilities, I would say this is almost unlimited.
Here are some examples:
1. You could choose to live a sedentary life or an active life.
2. You could choose to imagine your life as successful or believe that success will never come your way.
3. You could choose to believe in something when all those around you say you should not believe in it.
4. You could choose to take "action" or not take action.
5. You could choose to gain knowledge by reading ideas like this one as well as books and magazines that will empower you with life changing information, or you could choose to watch more TV. (here is something to think about when watching TV.....VIRTUALLY EVERYONE YOU ARE WATCHING IS GETTING PAID TO BE ON TELEVISION...how much do you get paid to watch it?)
6. Look at #2 from the dictionary listing above. To prefer ordecide (to do something): Example: He chose to run for election. Every President the United States has ever had first chose to seek and/or accept the job.
You see, it is "YOU" that chooses, YOU have the power to choosethe direction of your life.
* You can choose to seek success.
* You can choose to have a healthy body by choosing what you put init and what you do with it.
* You can choose to use the power of attraction (as discussed inThe Secret) by creating a movie in your mind of you succeeding and believing that the success you are visualizing is already yours!
* You can choose to take that new job in another city.
* You can choose to forgive.
But here is the bottom line.
It is "YOU" who must choose, no one else can choose for you.
Here is an important question......Will you choose? Make no mistake about it, even if you choose NOT to choose you havechosen a direction for your life......that is POWERFUL!So I challenge you today to look at your life and CHOOSE!
* Choose success
* Choose unconditional love
* Choose health
* Choose to take the time to teach your children what you have learned about choosing.
You know there are areas of your life "RIGHT NOW" where you havefailed to make a choice....
...to choose.
Why do I issue this challenge to you?
Because I care about YOU......I "choose" to care about you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Opening Your Heart
The other night I sat up in bed, suddenly aware of exactly what opening my heart really means. It means working hard on your passion, and investing time, money, and energy in getting it out there. It means doing whatever you have to do to follow your gut instincts on the path of your dreams, and act on them. And it means having the courage to truly share yourself with others. It means putting the focus more on giving than receiving.
‘Open your heart’ is another way to say “Touch someone else, as truly and deeply as you can.” And as you do, prepare to be touched in return. For this is the continuum your creative gifts will always provide. You long to express yourself, so you do. And what you receive in return is not only creative fulfillment, but also the beauty of knowing you have impacted another soul.
So why does such a pure act of goodness require courage? Because ultimately we fear that very power that we crave, just as much as we shy away from the tenderness of our love for our fellow man. Such intimacy brings up all our most ‘uncool’ feelings; it makes us realize the tremendous responsibility that comes with living a life of integrity. Suddenly it is no longer okay to live with mediocrity. Instead, you’ve tasted true depth and meaning … so you have no choice but to open your heart, again and again and again, as you make sharing your gifts a regular part of your life.
This is a perfect plan, one you can even enjoy once you relax into it. I invite you to dig a little deeper and open the piece of your heart that remains hidden. All you will receive in return is love, growth, and a sense that you are just where you are meant to be.
‘Open your heart’ is another way to say “Touch someone else, as truly and deeply as you can.” And as you do, prepare to be touched in return. For this is the continuum your creative gifts will always provide. You long to express yourself, so you do. And what you receive in return is not only creative fulfillment, but also the beauty of knowing you have impacted another soul.
So why does such a pure act of goodness require courage? Because ultimately we fear that very power that we crave, just as much as we shy away from the tenderness of our love for our fellow man. Such intimacy brings up all our most ‘uncool’ feelings; it makes us realize the tremendous responsibility that comes with living a life of integrity. Suddenly it is no longer okay to live with mediocrity. Instead, you’ve tasted true depth and meaning … so you have no choice but to open your heart, again and again and again, as you make sharing your gifts a regular part of your life.
This is a perfect plan, one you can even enjoy once you relax into it. I invite you to dig a little deeper and open the piece of your heart that remains hidden. All you will receive in return is love, growth, and a sense that you are just where you are meant to be.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My point of view...job loss.
...but people who are winning at working understand, some things they can control and some they can't. They focus on the ones they can.
People who are winning at working may not control if they're only working one day a week, or 40 hours a week, but they do control whether that one day of work is exceptional. Exceptional service brings bigger tips, better compliments, and more good feedback to the bosses.
You may not be able to control if your job gets cut, but you can control whether you're a high performer who your boss is fighting to keep. You may not be able to control how quickly you get another job, but you can control the number of daily contacts you make in your search and how you "show up," future-focused, at the interview. You may not be able to control the amount of work you get, but you do control whether you're responding as a victim or taking action toward developing your skills and contacts for a new future.
People who are winning at working ascribed to composer Irving Berlin's philosophy, "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it," he said. This is a pretty good time to be focusing on that ninety percent.
People who are winning at working may not control if they're only working one day a week, or 40 hours a week, but they do control whether that one day of work is exceptional. Exceptional service brings bigger tips, better compliments, and more good feedback to the bosses.
You may not be able to control if your job gets cut, but you can control whether you're a high performer who your boss is fighting to keep. You may not be able to control how quickly you get another job, but you can control the number of daily contacts you make in your search and how you "show up," future-focused, at the interview. You may not be able to control the amount of work you get, but you do control whether you're responding as a victim or taking action toward developing your skills and contacts for a new future.
People who are winning at working ascribed to composer Irving Berlin's philosophy, "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it," he said. This is a pretty good time to be focusing on that ninety percent.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
God's Megaphone
"Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Smile
"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
Thich Nhat Hanh
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
Thich Nhat Hanh
A Pearl
"A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl."
Stephan Hoeller
Stephan Hoeller
Saturday, February 28, 2009
10 Friendship Quotes
1. "What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."
Aristotle
2. "The only way to have a friend is to be one."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
3. "To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life;
to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings."
Anonymous
4. "To a friend’s house, the road is never long."
Danish Proverb
5. "One who looks for a friend without faults will have none."
Hasidic Saying
6. "Who finds a faithful friend finds a treasure."
Apocrypha Ben Sira 6 14
7. "A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
8. "God send me a friend that will tell me of my faults."
Thomas Fuller
9. "The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear."
Maya Angelou
10. "If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do.
Think up something appropriate and do it."
Edgar Watson Howe
Aristotle
2. "The only way to have a friend is to be one."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
3. "To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life;
to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings."
Anonymous
4. "To a friend’s house, the road is never long."
Danish Proverb
5. "One who looks for a friend without faults will have none."
Hasidic Saying
6. "Who finds a faithful friend finds a treasure."
Apocrypha Ben Sira 6 14
7. "A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
8. "God send me a friend that will tell me of my faults."
Thomas Fuller
9. "The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear."
Maya Angelou
10. "If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do.
Think up something appropriate and do it."
Edgar Watson Howe
Defeat
DEFEAT
“Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”
Marilyn vos Savant said these words.
If it matters, don’t give up.
As long as you keep trying, there is no defeat and there are no losers.
“Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”
Marilyn vos Savant said these words.
If it matters, don’t give up.
As long as you keep trying, there is no defeat and there are no losers.
Nature
NATURE
Nature is pretty awesome. Unfortunately, most people are stuck incities. This comes in handy when considering the distance to the office, the school, the grocery store and so many other daily activities. But it sure makes it hard to sit in front of a waterfall or scan the horizon from a cliff, you know, the really important things in life.
Even out here in farm country we have an amazing shortage of waterfalls and cliffs. But we do have magazines and we do have the Internet and we can view the most awesome waterfalls and the most amazing panoramas as often as we wish.
You check your weight daily.
You check the stock market daily.
You check your horoscope daily.
Well, what about nature?
Nature is pretty awesome. Unfortunately, most people are stuck incities. This comes in handy when considering the distance to the office, the school, the grocery store and so many other daily activities. But it sure makes it hard to sit in front of a waterfall or scan the horizon from a cliff, you know, the really important things in life.
Even out here in farm country we have an amazing shortage of waterfalls and cliffs. But we do have magazines and we do have the Internet and we can view the most awesome waterfalls and the most amazing panoramas as often as we wish.
You check your weight daily.
You check the stock market daily.
You check your horoscope daily.
Well, what about nature?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Pygmalion Effect
It’s called the Pygmalion Effect:
you get what you expect, and lucky people expect the best. They are certain that their future is going to be full of good fortune. And these expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ask around and you’ll find that “lucky” and “unlucky” people have astoundingly different expectations.
you get what you expect, and lucky people expect the best. They are certain that their future is going to be full of good fortune. And these expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ask around and you’ll find that “lucky” and “unlucky” people have astoundingly different expectations.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Where is MY Prince Charming?
Why can't love in real life be as simple as meeting at the top of the empire state building, or finding your perfect match through a series of email correspondence and coffee shop meetings?
How come Hollywood places so much emphasis on "true" and "perfect" love that there isn't a single guy out there who is good enough, besides your beloved "Prince Charming?" We play dress-up watching Sleeping Beauty and Snow White find their perfect love; We grow into adulthood idolizing the love and bond shared between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, believing in the innocent passion displayed by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere; Only to be rudely awakened to the fact that we are merely human, and that love is not created equal nor is it even close to being perfect.
Is there really a "perfect match" out there for everyone? That someone, your true "prince charming" to show you the waterfall of never-ending love that you know exists inside your soul, but can never find? Does that person truly exist?
Why do we constantly compare our lives to those of fictional characters portrayed in the movies? No matter how many times I tell myself that mt life is not a movie, every so often I still catch myself wondering "what if I was a bit more like Meg Ryan in that movie..."
So.... to that burning eternal question....
Where is MY "prince charming" who dresses as svelte as the tux clad Richard Gere at the end of 'Runaway Bride'??
How come Hollywood places so much emphasis on "true" and "perfect" love that there isn't a single guy out there who is good enough, besides your beloved "Prince Charming?" We play dress-up watching Sleeping Beauty and Snow White find their perfect love; We grow into adulthood idolizing the love and bond shared between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, believing in the innocent passion displayed by Julia Roberts and Richard Gere; Only to be rudely awakened to the fact that we are merely human, and that love is not created equal nor is it even close to being perfect.
Is there really a "perfect match" out there for everyone? That someone, your true "prince charming" to show you the waterfall of never-ending love that you know exists inside your soul, but can never find? Does that person truly exist?
Why do we constantly compare our lives to those of fictional characters portrayed in the movies? No matter how many times I tell myself that mt life is not a movie, every so often I still catch myself wondering "what if I was a bit more like Meg Ryan in that movie..."
So.... to that burning eternal question....
Where is MY "prince charming" who dresses as svelte as the tux clad Richard Gere at the end of 'Runaway Bride'??
Imagination
IMAGINATION
Sink your toes into those magic slippers.
Now click your heals three times and repeat after me:
"There's no place like…Tahiti!" or
"There's no place like an underground cavern."
Where does your imagination want to take you? Where would you love to be? You don't need a fortune. You don't need special effects. You just need an imagination. Wherever you want to go, it's just as far as your mind can conceive. And no farther than your magic slippers.
Sink your toes into those magic slippers.
Now click your heals three times and repeat after me:
"There's no place like…Tahiti!" or
"There's no place like an underground cavern."
Where does your imagination want to take you? Where would you love to be? You don't need a fortune. You don't need special effects. You just need an imagination. Wherever you want to go, it's just as far as your mind can conceive. And no farther than your magic slippers.
Today
Today is right where you need to be.
It is where you need to be, to get you to where you are going tomorrow,
and tomorrow will be better then any day before.
Live life for yourself, be true to yourself, and everything you deserve will fall into place.
It is where you need to be, to get you to where you are going tomorrow,
and tomorrow will be better then any day before.
Live life for yourself, be true to yourself, and everything you deserve will fall into place.
Doing
DOING
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
This is not the first time I quote Confucius. His wisdom is undeniable. He compels us here to take action, not just to listen or to watch. If you want to learn new information, make changes in your personality or change something in your life, nothing beats action.
So get off that chair…
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
This is not the first time I quote Confucius. His wisdom is undeniable. He compels us here to take action, not just to listen or to watch. If you want to learn new information, make changes in your personality or change something in your life, nothing beats action.
So get off that chair…
You
YOU
What makes you you? How do you know you are not someone else, or even several other people. Each of us is different, but our identity is how we see ourselves. It is a unique combination of values and characteristics that is very similar to many other people, but not the same.
For instance, I am a sister, a nature lover, a citizen of the world, a blogger and stubborn.
There might be several others out there who share all these attributes, but my unique identity also includes hundreds or thousands of other attributes, and in most cases those attributes are not identical anyway. For instance, I love to hike and I like to camp, but another nature lover might prefer bird-watching.
Our identity is not just in what characteristics we have but also in how we value each one.
Our self-identity involves what we see as important and as key to whowe are. For instance, my self-identity does not include being stubborn. I know I am, but that's just not part of my vision of whoI am and who I want to be.What is your self-identity.
If you are challenged with self-esteem issues, it is important to define your self-image and self-identity so that you can revisit that identity in moments of weakness.
Be who you are and know who you are.
What makes you you? How do you know you are not someone else, or even several other people. Each of us is different, but our identity is how we see ourselves. It is a unique combination of values and characteristics that is very similar to many other people, but not the same.
For instance, I am a sister, a nature lover, a citizen of the world, a blogger and stubborn.
There might be several others out there who share all these attributes, but my unique identity also includes hundreds or thousands of other attributes, and in most cases those attributes are not identical anyway. For instance, I love to hike and I like to camp, but another nature lover might prefer bird-watching.
Our identity is not just in what characteristics we have but also in how we value each one.
Our self-identity involves what we see as important and as key to whowe are. For instance, my self-identity does not include being stubborn. I know I am, but that's just not part of my vision of whoI am and who I want to be.What is your self-identity.
If you are challenged with self-esteem issues, it is important to define your self-image and self-identity so that you can revisit that identity in moments of weakness.
Be who you are and know who you are.
Attitude
ATTITUDE
"Attitude determines altitude."
I am not quite sure who is the original author of this, but I know I have heard it from plenty of different motivational gurus. It isusually used to convey the message that if you want to get ahead, to become successful, you have to have a positive I-can-do-it attitude.
But I read so much more into it. After all "success" is not the only altitude there is. If you want to rise up and be the best person you can be, someone others can admire for truly worthy reason, a person you yourself can admire, adopt a sharing and caring attitude.
When we share with other people and care for other people, were rise above the daily din.
We personify the highest ideals. And no amount of "success" as measured by dollars or titles can equal suchreal-life stature.
So let's all check our attitude for sharing and caring.
"Attitude determines altitude."
I am not quite sure who is the original author of this, but I know I have heard it from plenty of different motivational gurus. It isusually used to convey the message that if you want to get ahead, to become successful, you have to have a positive I-can-do-it attitude.
But I read so much more into it. After all "success" is not the only altitude there is. If you want to rise up and be the best person you can be, someone others can admire for truly worthy reason, a person you yourself can admire, adopt a sharing and caring attitude.
When we share with other people and care for other people, were rise above the daily din.
We personify the highest ideals. And no amount of "success" as measured by dollars or titles can equal suchreal-life stature.
So let's all check our attitude for sharing and caring.
Responsibility
RESPONSIBILITY
What does this word mean, anyway?
Response ability. When we ask, "Just who is responsible for thismess?" The question is really "Who is response able for thismess?"
When you are asked to assume responsibility for something, it mightsome like a completely different thing than being expected to take responsibility for something. But the bottom line is that the question is all about who is able to respond.
Try taking responsibility as often as possible.
Responsibility is not about blame (That is a whole different matter, so separate all notion
of blame from taking responsibility).
Responsibility is about empowerment.
What does this word mean, anyway?
Response ability. When we ask, "Just who is responsible for thismess?" The question is really "Who is response able for thismess?"
When you are asked to assume responsibility for something, it mightsome like a completely different thing than being expected to take responsibility for something. But the bottom line is that the question is all about who is able to respond.
Try taking responsibility as often as possible.
Responsibility is not about blame (That is a whole different matter, so separate all notion
of blame from taking responsibility).
Responsibility is about empowerment.
Celebration
CELEBRATION
Happiness is…a parade.
A parade is a celebration. Everyone is marching along, displayingtheir happiness and their joy. It's a great feeling forparticipants. It's a great feeling for spectators.
We all need some celebration, the chance to turn ordinary lives intothe extraordinary. Ordinary is good. I think we all need to begrounded in the security of the ordinary. Extraordinary is good, too. We all need to know that this is a wonderful life, that we havesomething worth celebrating.
Any even the ordinary is very worth celebrating.
Happiness is…a parade.
A parade is a celebration. Everyone is marching along, displayingtheir happiness and their joy. It's a great feeling forparticipants. It's a great feeling for spectators.
We all need some celebration, the chance to turn ordinary lives intothe extraordinary. Ordinary is good. I think we all need to begrounded in the security of the ordinary. Extraordinary is good, too. We all need to know that this is a wonderful life, that we havesomething worth celebrating.
Any even the ordinary is very worth celebrating.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A definition I live by...
sparkle (spar' kel) 1. to glitter 2. to throw off sparks of fire 3. to effervesce 4. brilliance
How you ask do you live by the definition 'Sparkle' ??
Well,
I try to "effervesce" patience, understanding, and happiness wherever I am, no matter what I'm feeling. If I can demonstrate patience while waiting in a long frustrating line, maybe it will rub off on the person behind me. If I can spread understanding through trying and difficult situations, maybe it will show someone else that they can too. If I can constance spill my happiness wherever I go, maybe, just maybe someone else will step in it and take it with them.
I try to "throw" around friendship and catch as many people as possible. There are lots of different types of friends, some are friends only once while waiting at a bus stop, some are friends who see each other and chat regularly at work, some are friends who become "best friends" and are there for each other through everything. There are even friends who don't see each other for years at a time, but fall right back into place each time they meet. Everyone needs a friend, or lots and lots of friends. You won't ever know who really needs one until you try to be one.
I try to "glitter" smiles as though they are confetti. Smiles are something intangible that someone might hold onto in their heart forever. Smiles don't cost anything to give, yet they might mean the world to someone who is having a terrible day.
"Brilliance" is what you feel when you take the time and make the little effort to truly share your sparkle. It's not a smart type of brilliant, but it's the radiant glow you emit from having a warm happiness bottled inside you.
Try it, it's definitely worth the work.
Live
Live each day as you would climb a mountain...
Climb slowly, steadily;
Enjoy each passing moment...
and the view from the summit
will serve as a fitting
climax for the journey.
Harold V. Melchert
Silliness
SILLINESS
Stick out your tongue. Make a funny face. Now make a silly sound. Bend down at look at the word upside down.
It's OK to act silly. No, that's not right. It is required to be silly, especially if you are an overly serious person. Silliness and playfulness helps us round ourselves out. It helps us control our stress. It helps us avoid letting little things get us down in a big way. And most adults don't get silly or playful often enough. Thank God for kids.
But not everybody has kids, and those people still need to get silly. So find a way to create your own silliness.
Stick out your tongue. Make a funny face. Now make a silly sound. Bend down at look at the word upside down.
It's OK to act silly. No, that's not right. It is required to be silly, especially if you are an overly serious person. Silliness and playfulness helps us round ourselves out. It helps us control our stress. It helps us avoid letting little things get us down in a big way. And most adults don't get silly or playful often enough. Thank God for kids.
But not everybody has kids, and those people still need to get silly. So find a way to create your own silliness.
Smile
SMILE
How do you answer the phone. Honestly, do you drone some dull routine without thinking whether the caller can understand what you are mumbling? Or do you answer like it was an old friend calling (because it could be an old friend calling, you know).
If you smile into the phone, people will hear your smile. If you drone into the phone, people will hear your disinterest.
Want to spread a little joy?
Smile when you answer the phone.
How do you answer the phone. Honestly, do you drone some dull routine without thinking whether the caller can understand what you are mumbling? Or do you answer like it was an old friend calling (because it could be an old friend calling, you know).
If you smile into the phone, people will hear your smile. If you drone into the phone, people will hear your disinterest.
Want to spread a little joy?
Smile when you answer the phone.
Song
SONG
"I hope that something better comes along."
I can hear the song playing in the living room, and I can't help but thinking that for many people, this is theme song. They go through life, or through part of their life, hoping that something better comes along. But people who spend their time hoping for something better to come along rarely recognize that something when it does happen buy; they are too busy hoping.
So what's your theme song?
Peace of mind?
Man in motion?
Swing on a star?
La Bamba?
Living out loud?
"I hope that something better comes along."
I can hear the song playing in the living room, and I can't help but thinking that for many people, this is theme song. They go through life, or through part of their life, hoping that something better comes along. But people who spend their time hoping for something better to come along rarely recognize that something when it does happen buy; they are too busy hoping.
So what's your theme song?
Peace of mind?
Man in motion?
Swing on a star?
La Bamba?
Living out loud?
Relationships
RELATIONSHIPS
Fragile. Handle with care.
Yes, that's the sign on every one of our relationships. Our friends. Our partners. Our colleagues.
Relationships are fragile, as misunderstandings and bruised egos can easily break them. The just the lack of handling with care can signal to somebody that you do not care (no surprise there!) and call into question the value of the relationship.
Show you care. That's the top job in any relationship. Say it. Show it. Do it.
Fragile. Handle with care.
Yes, that's the sign on every one of our relationships. Our friends. Our partners. Our colleagues.
Relationships are fragile, as misunderstandings and bruised egos can easily break them. The just the lack of handling with care can signal to somebody that you do not care (no surprise there!) and call into question the value of the relationship.
Show you care. That's the top job in any relationship. Say it. Show it. Do it.
Appreciation
APPRECIATION
I read this in front of church recently:
"Having trouble sleeping? Try counting your blessings."
It's true. If you count your blessings, suddenly everything is a little easier to bear. Suddenly everything is a little less stressful. Suddenly you have a little more strength to face your challenges. And, of course, we all sleep best when our joys are many and our worries are few.
I read this in front of church recently:
"Having trouble sleeping? Try counting your blessings."
It's true. If you count your blessings, suddenly everything is a little easier to bear. Suddenly everything is a little less stressful. Suddenly you have a little more strength to face your challenges. And, of course, we all sleep best when our joys are many and our worries are few.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Politeness
POLITENESS
Please think "sandwich".
Like every good sandwich, our interactions with others are often best begun with the word "please", then once they are completed, they should end with the word "thank you".
Politeness is about showing people you respect them, even if you disagree with them or are not fond of them.
But we are adults. We don't need reminding to say "please" and "thank you", do we? You bet we do.
Thank you.
Please think "sandwich".
Like every good sandwich, our interactions with others are often best begun with the word "please", then once they are completed, they should end with the word "thank you".
Politeness is about showing people you respect them, even if you disagree with them or are not fond of them.
But we are adults. We don't need reminding to say "please" and "thank you", do we? You bet we do.
Thank you.
Confidence
CONFIDENCE
Who's putting you down?
If it's someone else, it really doesn't matter. Your own self-confidence will ride it out. Anything others send your way will just roll off your back.
But if it's you who's putting you down...you have immense power. You can make yourself feel incredibly small.
And you don't even need any help. But there is no reason. Like everybody else, you have both strengths and weaknesses and you should have confidence to follow both, eager for success, aware of failure and ready to face both, knowing that they are both steps on any journey.
Don't let the person closest to you hold you back.
Who's putting you down?
If it's someone else, it really doesn't matter. Your own self-confidence will ride it out. Anything others send your way will just roll off your back.
But if it's you who's putting you down...you have immense power. You can make yourself feel incredibly small.
And you don't even need any help. But there is no reason. Like everybody else, you have both strengths and weaknesses and you should have confidence to follow both, eager for success, aware of failure and ready to face both, knowing that they are both steps on any journey.
Don't let the person closest to you hold you back.
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