My wife and I spent a month holidaying in Southern France.
I don't remember ever being as happy as I was during the short time we spent there.
I was truly happy to be alive.
On hot days, we spent out time inside our cool room reading or chatting. Towards the evenings, we often went for walks. During our walks we'd stop to look at the bowers along the road. The road, which was made of red sand, ran along the mountain; lavenders grew on one side of it and olive trees grew on the other.
We enjoyed the scenery as we walked through the village. The beauty around us added to our joy.
The local people all said they were very happy to see us walking hand-in-hand, smiling, serene, poised and open to strangers. I only realized how much our happiness affected them when the farmers gave us a special gift which they usually reserved for a big occasion or some unexpected pleasant surprise: dry sausage and a bottle of anisette.
On each of our walks we made new friends who cemented our friendship with lovely gifts.
We finally returned home. After spending a month in sunny, friendly Provence, our city seemed cold; the days and nights appeared longer than usual, and even clients seemed uninterested in my work.
One evening, as I sat in a cafe, with my head on my hand, thinking of our time in Provence and the lavish welcome of it's people, it hit me. I realized why the villagers back in France treated us as they did: they were giving us back what they had received from us - the gift of joy.
Don't expect anything from others which you don't give yourself: give a smile when you're sad, a warm handshake when your heart is cold, a positive thought when you see nothing but dark things in your life....
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When your happiness radiates out and touches those around you, including strangers, you communicate something to them. Something which makes them want to respond in a positive way to you.
Give joy without expecting anything in return and you will put people in the best possible disposition to give and be open with you.
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"What is good about giving on your part is that you always receive more than you give; the reaction is always stronger than the action."
Orison S. Marden
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
The story of the black balloons
A young black boy saw a balloon seller on a street corner. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at all the different colored balloons - red, blue, white, black, yellow...
The old man selling the balloons saw the boy hesitate, than gather his courage and approach.
"Tell me mister," said the boy, "do the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
The old man felt a tear forming in his eye. He picked the boy up, sat him on his knee and said, "Look."
He let go of all the balloons. They drifted up in a cluster, higher and higher into the blue sky until they were so high they disappeared.
"Did you see that?" the balloon seller asked.
"Yes," said the boy.
"Did the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
"Yes Mister, they did."
"You see my boy, the balloons are like people. The important thing isn't their color, or what they look like on the outside. No, the important thing is WHAT'S INSIDE. And what's inside you makes all the difference in life."
The old man selling the balloons saw the boy hesitate, than gather his courage and approach.
"Tell me mister," said the boy, "do the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
The old man felt a tear forming in his eye. He picked the boy up, sat him on his knee and said, "Look."
He let go of all the balloons. They drifted up in a cluster, higher and higher into the blue sky until they were so high they disappeared.
"Did you see that?" the balloon seller asked.
"Yes," said the boy.
"Did the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
"Yes Mister, they did."
"You see my boy, the balloons are like people. The important thing isn't their color, or what they look like on the outside. No, the important thing is WHAT'S INSIDE. And what's inside you makes all the difference in life."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Miracle of a Brother's Song
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute .But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing to her", he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and
the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line, "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated. Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulses rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away."
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart." "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..."
The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. Life is good. Have a Wonderful Day!
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute .But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing to her", he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and
the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line, "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated. Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulses rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away."
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart." "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..."
The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. Life is good. Have a Wonderful Day!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Window View
Got this email from my friend and it has given me a new perspective in life, as I began to see things differently. I hope that this will do the same for you. Be Happy Always!!!
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Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band -- he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
--------------------
Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter. Do not send money. Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish good luck. You will see that something good happens to you four days from today. People will forget what you said... People will forget what you did... But people will never forget how you made them feel...
Make someone happy, share a kind word today.
==================================================
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
-- James Oppenheim
=========================
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band -- he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
--------------------
Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter. Do not send money. Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish good luck. You will see that something good happens to you four days from today. People will forget what you said... People will forget what you did... But people will never forget how you made them feel...
Make someone happy, share a kind word today.
==================================================
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
-- James Oppenheim
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Success' Secret
During a meeting of top salespeople from around the country, the 'big cheese' himself, a man who'd consistently had the highest sales figures for the last 20 years, and who earned more money than even the owner of his company, got up to speak.
"I am now going to reveal the secret of my success," he said. "I wrote it down on a piece of paper and I put it in this envelope. But success must be earned. So I'm going to sell the envelope to the highest bidder. You have my word that it contains what I said - the Secret of my Success, not only as a salesman, but also in life."
The bidding started slowly... $5, then $10, then $50, $100, $130, $150, $200. Finally one of his colleagues bought the envelope for $1000. The happy buyer took the envelope and kept it to himself until he got home that night. Only then did he open it to learn THE SECRET OF SUCCESS.
What do you think was written on the piece of paper?
Think about it. Make a mental note of whatever comes to mind before reading the answer. Because I am going to tell you what it was later in this e-mail. And in my opinion what was written on that piece of paper is worth much more than $1000.
"I am now going to reveal the secret of my success," he said. "I wrote it down on a piece of paper and I put it in this envelope. But success must be earned. So I'm going to sell the envelope to the highest bidder. You have my word that it contains what I said - the Secret of my Success, not only as a salesman, but also in life."
The bidding started slowly... $5, then $10, then $50, $100, $130, $150, $200. Finally one of his colleagues bought the envelope for $1000. The happy buyer took the envelope and kept it to himself until he got home that night. Only then did he open it to learn THE SECRET OF SUCCESS.
What do you think was written on the piece of paper?
Think about it. Make a mental note of whatever comes to mind before reading the answer. Because I am going to tell you what it was later in this e-mail. And in my opinion what was written on that piece of paper is worth much more than $1000.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Learn to accept
Be grateful to the person that love us that much!! No one is perfect!!
Meaningful ~ Learn 2 accepts him/her way he/she is!!!
A man and his girlfriend were married. It was a large celebration. All of their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony and to partake of the activities and celebrations. A wonderful time was had by all. The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black tuxedo. Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true.
A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal: I read in a magazine, a while ago, about how we can strengthen our marriage." she offered. "Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together and make our lives happier together." The husband agreed. So each of them went to a separate room in the house and thought of the things that annoyed them about the other. They thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down what they came up with.
The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would go over their lists. "I'll start," offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it. Enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husband's eyes.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing" the husband replied, "keeps reading your list." The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands over top of it. "Now, you read your list and then we'll talk about the things on both of our lists." She said happily.
Quietly the husband stated, "I don't have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way that you are. I don't want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn't want to try and change anything about you."
The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept.
In life, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed and annoyed. We don't really have to go looking for them. We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise. Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or annoying when we can look around us, and see the wondrous things before us? I believe that we are happiest when we see and praise the good and try our best to forget the bad.
It's true that we should accept the other party for who they are. Cause isn't who they are in the 1st place that makes us fall in love with them?
Even if u want to change. Change it for yourself, dun feel that you're changing for others cause one day u would feel annoyed n wonder why are u doing all this n this will strain your relationship.
Meaningful ~ Learn 2 accepts him/her way he/she is!!!
A man and his girlfriend were married. It was a large celebration. All of their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony and to partake of the activities and celebrations. A wonderful time was had by all. The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black tuxedo. Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true.
A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal: I read in a magazine, a while ago, about how we can strengthen our marriage." she offered. "Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together and make our lives happier together." The husband agreed. So each of them went to a separate room in the house and thought of the things that annoyed them about the other. They thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down what they came up with.
The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would go over their lists. "I'll start," offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it. Enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husband's eyes.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing" the husband replied, "keeps reading your list." The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands over top of it. "Now, you read your list and then we'll talk about the things on both of our lists." She said happily.
Quietly the husband stated, "I don't have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way that you are. I don't want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn't want to try and change anything about you."
The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept.
In life, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed and annoyed. We don't really have to go looking for them. We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise. Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or annoying when we can look around us, and see the wondrous things before us? I believe that we are happiest when we see and praise the good and try our best to forget the bad.
It's true that we should accept the other party for who they are. Cause isn't who they are in the 1st place that makes us fall in love with them?
Even if u want to change. Change it for yourself, dun feel that you're changing for others cause one day u would feel annoyed n wonder why are u doing all this n this will strain your relationship.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Parable of the Hare and the Hedgehog
One day the hedgehog challenged the hare to have race with him.
The hare, being sure of his victory, accepted the challenge without hesitation.
The race started at the entrance to the vineyard. After they started, the hare ran fast, while the hedgehog, snouting in the air, took his time and loitered along the boundaries.
Surprise!When the hare, totally exhausted, appeared at the end of the vineyard, the hedgehog was already there. "I was waiting for you. You have taken lot of time."
The hare, too proud to concede victory, proposed a return match. Again, when he crossed the finish line at the end of the field, the hedgehog, not at all breathless, waited.
The score never changed. The hedgehog was always at the finish line before the hare.
The hare, exhausted by these races, couldn't understood why his competitor did not seem to be affected by the races. The solution to the mystery was obvious; the hedgehog had a twin who waited at the other end of the vineyard.
The hare, however, was not a fool. He asked the tricky hedgehog whether, during the race, he had seen the vine stocks heavy with fruits, the shining dews on the leaves, the rays of evening light across the rows, the warm smell coming out of the perspiring earth, the patient climbing of the snell on the vine plant.
The hedgehog, a little embarrassed, replied, "What really matters is that I reached the finish line before you. Is that not true?"
The hare retorted, "What matters to me is having made a fine journey, full of discoveries and benefiting from the experience. You cheated, and you deprived yourself of the scenery of nature.
I am not convinced whether, in the end, you really won."
.................................................................
This small tale could be nothing but a joke, but every parable has its moral: it is not the question of becoming first and knowing everything in advance.
It is also necessary to be actually on the route. The theoretical knowledge is not always the best; one should also face the reality, pass through the fire of the things.
Nothing can replace personal experience.
.................................................................
"One of the finest experiences of life is walking with somebody in nature, participating in everything and at the same time in nothing".
- Christian Bobin.
The hare, being sure of his victory, accepted the challenge without hesitation.
The race started at the entrance to the vineyard. After they started, the hare ran fast, while the hedgehog, snouting in the air, took his time and loitered along the boundaries.
Surprise!When the hare, totally exhausted, appeared at the end of the vineyard, the hedgehog was already there. "I was waiting for you. You have taken lot of time."
The hare, too proud to concede victory, proposed a return match. Again, when he crossed the finish line at the end of the field, the hedgehog, not at all breathless, waited.
The score never changed. The hedgehog was always at the finish line before the hare.
The hare, exhausted by these races, couldn't understood why his competitor did not seem to be affected by the races. The solution to the mystery was obvious; the hedgehog had a twin who waited at the other end of the vineyard.
The hare, however, was not a fool. He asked the tricky hedgehog whether, during the race, he had seen the vine stocks heavy with fruits, the shining dews on the leaves, the rays of evening light across the rows, the warm smell coming out of the perspiring earth, the patient climbing of the snell on the vine plant.
The hedgehog, a little embarrassed, replied, "What really matters is that I reached the finish line before you. Is that not true?"
The hare retorted, "What matters to me is having made a fine journey, full of discoveries and benefiting from the experience. You cheated, and you deprived yourself of the scenery of nature.
I am not convinced whether, in the end, you really won."
.................................................................
This small tale could be nothing but a joke, but every parable has its moral: it is not the question of becoming first and knowing everything in advance.
It is also necessary to be actually on the route. The theoretical knowledge is not always the best; one should also face the reality, pass through the fire of the things.
Nothing can replace personal experience.
.................................................................
"One of the finest experiences of life is walking with somebody in nature, participating in everything and at the same time in nothing".
- Christian Bobin.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Power of Shifting Focus
One day Dr Milton Erickson's young son, Robert, fell on the sidewalk out side their home. He cut his mouth and was bleeding heavily when his parents arrived on the scene, alerted by his cries of pain and fear.
Erickson immediately said, "Robert, it hurts. It hurts real bad. Real bad. I wonder when it's going to stop hurting. Right now it hurts; it just hurts. When is it going to stop hurting?" This caught Robert's attention.
At first, he was only attending to the pain, but now he also began wondering when the pain would stop. He stopped crying as he wondered about that. By that time, his parents had gotten him to the bathroom, where they were washing his mouth so Erickson could determine whether or not stitches would be required. As the blood ran from Robert's mouth into the sink, Erickson said to his wife. "Look at that blood, Mother. That's good red healthy blood! That'll clean that wound out really well. Look at the color of that blood."
Of course, Robert was also looking at the blood. Instead of being captured by his pain and fear, he was fascinated attending to his "good red healthy blood." After the wound was washed out, it became clear that Robert would need stitches.
So Erickson began to tell Robert that he needed stitches and reminded him that his brother had gotten stitches last year when he had been hurt. "I wonder whether you are going to win the stitches contest, Robert, and get more than your brother got. He had six stitches. All you would need is seven to win the contest."
When they arrived at the emergency room, the attending physician was amazed at how quietly this young boy sat while he was being cleaned and stitched up. All Robert said through his stitched-up mouth at the end of the procedure was "How many stitches did I get?" "Nine," he was told. And he gave a lopsided smile through the wound.
That is the power of changing your attention.
-- Bill O'hanlon, from his wonderful book Do One Thing Different
Erickson immediately said, "Robert, it hurts. It hurts real bad. Real bad. I wonder when it's going to stop hurting. Right now it hurts; it just hurts. When is it going to stop hurting?" This caught Robert's attention.
At first, he was only attending to the pain, but now he also began wondering when the pain would stop. He stopped crying as he wondered about that. By that time, his parents had gotten him to the bathroom, where they were washing his mouth so Erickson could determine whether or not stitches would be required. As the blood ran from Robert's mouth into the sink, Erickson said to his wife. "Look at that blood, Mother. That's good red healthy blood! That'll clean that wound out really well. Look at the color of that blood."
Of course, Robert was also looking at the blood. Instead of being captured by his pain and fear, he was fascinated attending to his "good red healthy blood." After the wound was washed out, it became clear that Robert would need stitches.
So Erickson began to tell Robert that he needed stitches and reminded him that his brother had gotten stitches last year when he had been hurt. "I wonder whether you are going to win the stitches contest, Robert, and get more than your brother got. He had six stitches. All you would need is seven to win the contest."
When they arrived at the emergency room, the attending physician was amazed at how quietly this young boy sat while he was being cleaned and stitched up. All Robert said through his stitched-up mouth at the end of the procedure was "How many stitches did I get?" "Nine," he was told. And he gave a lopsided smile through the wound.
That is the power of changing your attention.
-- Bill O'hanlon, from his wonderful book Do One Thing Different
Monday, December 1, 2008
Be Contented
Must read!! A very meaningful story.
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We do not know when are we going to cry, ...so smile now! I hope everybody will feel more contented and fortunate in life after reading this story.
I wonder if any of you ever have the feeling that life is bad, real bad, and you wish you were in another situation. I admit I did pretty often. I find life make things difficult for me, work sucks, life sucks, everything seem to go wrong...it was not until yesterday that I totally changed my views about life.
After a conversation with one of my friends, he told me despite taking 2 jobs, he brings back barely above 1K per month, he is happy as he is. I wonder how he can be as happy as he is considering he has to skimp his life with the low pay to support a pair of old parents, in-laws, a wife, 2 daughters and the many bills of a household.
He explained that it was through one incident that he saw in India... that happened a few years ago when he was really feeling low and touring India after a major setback. He said that right in front of his very eyes, he saw an Indian mother chop off her child's right hand with a chopper. The helplessness in the mother's eyes, the scream of pain! from the innocent 4 year old child haunted him until today. You may ask why did the mother do so, has the child been naughty, has the child's hand been infected?? No, it was done for two simple words - - - TO BEG! The desperate mother deliberately caused the child to be handicapped so that the child can go out to the streets to beg. I cannot accept how this could happen, but it really did, just in another part of the world which I don't see.
Taken aback by the scene, he dropped a piece of bread he was eating half-way. And almost instantly, a flock 5 or 6 children swamped towards this small piece of bread which was covered with sand, robbing bits from one another. The natural reaction of hunger.
Stricken by the happenings, he instructed his guide to drive him to the nearest bakery. He arrived at two bakeries and bought every single loaf of bread he found in the bakeries. The owner was dumbfounded but willingly sold everything. He spent less than $100 to obtain about 400 loaves of bread (this is less than $0.25 per loaf) and spent another $100 to get daily necessities. Off he went in the truck full of bread into the streets. As he distributed the bread and necessities to the children (mostly handicapped) and a few adults, he received cheers and bows from these unfortunate. For the first time in his life he wondered how people can give up their dignity for a loaf of bread which cost less than $0.25.
He began to ask himself how fortunate he is. How fortunate he is to be able to have a complete body, have a job, have a family, have the chance to complain what food is nice and what isn't, have the chance to be clothed, have the many things that these people in front of him are deprived of...
Now I begin to think and feel it, too! Was my life really that bad? Perhaps...no I should not feel bad at all...What about you? Maybe the next time you think you are, think about the child who lost one hand to beg on the streets.
"Contentment is not the fulfilment of what you want, it is the realization of how much you already have."
=============================
We do not know when are we going to cry, ...so smile now! I hope everybody will feel more contented and fortunate in life after reading this story.
I wonder if any of you ever have the feeling that life is bad, real bad, and you wish you were in another situation. I admit I did pretty often. I find life make things difficult for me, work sucks, life sucks, everything seem to go wrong...it was not until yesterday that I totally changed my views about life.
After a conversation with one of my friends, he told me despite taking 2 jobs, he brings back barely above 1K per month, he is happy as he is. I wonder how he can be as happy as he is considering he has to skimp his life with the low pay to support a pair of old parents, in-laws, a wife, 2 daughters and the many bills of a household.
He explained that it was through one incident that he saw in India... that happened a few years ago when he was really feeling low and touring India after a major setback. He said that right in front of his very eyes, he saw an Indian mother chop off her child's right hand with a chopper. The helplessness in the mother's eyes, the scream of pain! from the innocent 4 year old child haunted him until today. You may ask why did the mother do so, has the child been naughty, has the child's hand been infected?? No, it was done for two simple words - - - TO BEG! The desperate mother deliberately caused the child to be handicapped so that the child can go out to the streets to beg. I cannot accept how this could happen, but it really did, just in another part of the world which I don't see.
Taken aback by the scene, he dropped a piece of bread he was eating half-way. And almost instantly, a flock 5 or 6 children swamped towards this small piece of bread which was covered with sand, robbing bits from one another. The natural reaction of hunger.
Stricken by the happenings, he instructed his guide to drive him to the nearest bakery. He arrived at two bakeries and bought every single loaf of bread he found in the bakeries. The owner was dumbfounded but willingly sold everything. He spent less than $100 to obtain about 400 loaves of bread (this is less than $0.25 per loaf) and spent another $100 to get daily necessities. Off he went in the truck full of bread into the streets. As he distributed the bread and necessities to the children (mostly handicapped) and a few adults, he received cheers and bows from these unfortunate. For the first time in his life he wondered how people can give up their dignity for a loaf of bread which cost less than $0.25.
He began to ask himself how fortunate he is. How fortunate he is to be able to have a complete body, have a job, have a family, have the chance to complain what food is nice and what isn't, have the chance to be clothed, have the many things that these people in front of him are deprived of...
Now I begin to think and feel it, too! Was my life really that bad? Perhaps...no I should not feel bad at all...What about you? Maybe the next time you think you are, think about the child who lost one hand to beg on the streets.
"Contentment is not the fulfilment of what you want, it is the realization of how much you already have."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
How To Recognize A Good Woman
A good woman is proud.
She respects herself and others.
She is aware of who she is.
She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind.
She is quite capable of articulating her needs.
A good woman is hopeful.
She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.
She knows love, therefore she gives love.
She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.
If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.
A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance.
She knows that she will at times have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.
A good woman knows her past, understands her present and forges toward the future.
A good woman knows God.
She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played with.
A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.
Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge an unconditional self-love...
She respects herself and others.
She is aware of who she is.
She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind.
She is quite capable of articulating her needs.
A good woman is hopeful.
She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.
She knows love, therefore she gives love.
She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.
If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.
A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance.
She knows that she will at times have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.
A good woman knows her past, understands her present and forges toward the future.
A good woman knows God.
She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played with.
A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.
Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge an unconditional self-love...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Beauty of a Woman
Did you know that it's Beautiful Women Month? Well, it is and that means you and me.
Did you know that if shop mannequins were real women they'd be too thin to menstruate? There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and only eight who do. Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14. If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.
The average woman weighs 144 lb, and wears between a 12-14. One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder. The models in the magazines are airbrushed-not perfect! A psychological study in 1995 found that three minutes spent looking at a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful. Models twenty years ago weighed 8% less then the average woman. Today they weigh 23% less.
Please send this to five phenomenal women today in celebration of Women's History Month. If you do, something good will happen - You will boost another woman's self-esteem.
Did you know that if shop mannequins were real women they'd be too thin to menstruate? There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and only eight who do. Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14. If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.
The average woman weighs 144 lb, and wears between a 12-14. One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder. The models in the magazines are airbrushed-not perfect! A psychological study in 1995 found that three minutes spent looking at a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful. Models twenty years ago weighed 8% less then the average woman. Today they weigh 23% less.
Beauty of a Woman
The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears
The figure she carries
Or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman
Must be seen from her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman,
Is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman
Is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
The beauty of a woman
With passing years-only grows.
The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears
The figure she carries
Or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman
Must be seen from her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman,
Is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman
Is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
The beauty of a woman
With passing years-only grows.
Please send this to five phenomenal women today in celebration of Women's History Month. If you do, something good will happen - You will boost another woman's self-esteem.
Friday, November 28, 2008
The Greatest Asset of Life
I am the vital principle of life -- the greatest of all success and happiness assets.
I am that which gives the plus quality to human beings. I put pep, ginger, vim, into human effort.
I am the source of physical and mental power. I give the body vigor and buoyancy, the brain vital energy and originality.
I am your best friend... the friend of the high and lowly, the rich and the poor alike but, be he king or beggar, who violates my laws must pay the penalty.
I am often sought in vain by the man who rides in his limousine, but am generally found in the company of the man who walks to his work and takes plenty of exercise.
I am the great multiplier of ability, the buttress of initiative, of courage, of self-confidence, the backbone of enthusiasm, without which nothing worth while was ever accomplished.
I am the greatest constructive power in the life of man. Without me his faith weakens, his ambition sags, his ardor oozes out, his courage faints, his self-confidence departs, his accomplishment is nil.
Without me wealth is a mockery, a palatial home a bitter disappointment.
Next to life itself, I am the greatest gift ever given to man: the millionaire who has lost me in piling up his fortune would give all his millions to get me back again.
I am that which gives buoyancy to life, which makes you magnetic, joyous, forceful, which brings out your resourcefulness and inventiveness, that which raises efficiency to its maximum and enables you to make the most of your ability.
I increase every one of your 40 or 50 mental faculties a hundredfold. I am the leader of them all. When I am present they are up, at their best; when I am absent, they are down, at their worst.
I am the friend of progress, the stimulator of ambition, the encourager of effort, the great essential to efficiency, to success, the promoter of long life and happiness.
I am a joy bringer. Where I go, good cheer goes. Where I am not, depression, discouragement, the "blues," are present. My absence means declining powers, often thwarted ambition, blighted hopes, mediocrity, failure, a shortened life.
The wise man guards me as the apple of his eye; the fool often abuses and loses me through ignorance, indifference or neglect.
by www.positive-club.com
I am that which gives the plus quality to human beings. I put pep, ginger, vim, into human effort.
I am the source of physical and mental power. I give the body vigor and buoyancy, the brain vital energy and originality.
I am your best friend... the friend of the high and lowly, the rich and the poor alike but, be he king or beggar, who violates my laws must pay the penalty.
I am often sought in vain by the man who rides in his limousine, but am generally found in the company of the man who walks to his work and takes plenty of exercise.
I am the great multiplier of ability, the buttress of initiative, of courage, of self-confidence, the backbone of enthusiasm, without which nothing worth while was ever accomplished.
I am the greatest constructive power in the life of man. Without me his faith weakens, his ambition sags, his ardor oozes out, his courage faints, his self-confidence departs, his accomplishment is nil.
Without me wealth is a mockery, a palatial home a bitter disappointment.
Next to life itself, I am the greatest gift ever given to man: the millionaire who has lost me in piling up his fortune would give all his millions to get me back again.
I am that which gives buoyancy to life, which makes you magnetic, joyous, forceful, which brings out your resourcefulness and inventiveness, that which raises efficiency to its maximum and enables you to make the most of your ability.
I increase every one of your 40 or 50 mental faculties a hundredfold. I am the leader of them all. When I am present they are up, at their best; when I am absent, they are down, at their worst.
I am the friend of progress, the stimulator of ambition, the encourager of effort, the great essential to efficiency, to success, the promoter of long life and happiness.
I am a joy bringer. Where I go, good cheer goes. Where I am not, depression, discouragement, the "blues," are present. My absence means declining powers, often thwarted ambition, blighted hopes, mediocrity, failure, a shortened life.
The wise man guards me as the apple of his eye; the fool often abuses and loses me through ignorance, indifference or neglect.
by www.positive-club.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Phoenix and the cucumber tree
Once upon a time there were two brothers, Tham and Hien. They had scarcely reached adolescence when their parents died leaving the two brothers the ancestral home - a large but simple house, a few fields and also a small parcel of forest land with a small hut.
Tham was greedy, miserly and proud. Hien was good, obliging and generous. When the two brothers thought of marrying, Tham looked for the richest possible bride whereas Hien followed his heart and looked for a sweet and loving partner. Immediately following the marriages Tham came to see his brother and told him:
"Now that we are both married, the house is too small for all of us. Since I am the eldest, it is only natural that the house should come to me. But I am not ungenerous, I don't expect you to leave empty-handed. You can have the small hut and the patch of forest land surrounding it. You are a worker, you can easily repair the hut and cultivate your land". Hien bowed his head in agreement and went to tell his wife.
The small hut was in a pitiable condition and the tiny plot of land was hard and rocky.
The only redeeming feature was a majestic cucumber-tree at one end of the field, still full of vigour despite its age. Its leaves provided shade for the hut, and seeing this Hien thought that perhaps the Gods had not completely abandoned him.
Hien and his wife worked very hard but what they were able to earn from the land was not sufficient to support them. On top of this, the young lady was expecting their first child.
One day when Hien was in a sad mood his wife calmed him. She led him outside the hut.
"Look at the cucumber tree", she said, "It is bending with the burden of its fruits. Soon I'll be able to pick them and sell them in the village. Don't give up hope".
But the next day when Hien started out for the forest he saw a very large bird with feathers of fire sitting in the tree and eating the cucumbers.
"Good bird, please have pity on us. The cucumbers are all that we have. If you eat them all, there will be nothing left for us!"
Hien did not know that the beautiful bird was the legendary Phoenix, so he was very much surprised when the bird turned and replied:
"I shall not be ungrateful and you will be greatly compensated for allowing me to taste these cucumbers. Ask your wife to sew a sack and come and see me tomorrow morning under the cucumber-tree".
The next day Hien waited under the cucumber-tree with the sack in his hand. He heard a fluttering of feathers over head and saw that the Phoenix was once again feasting on the cucumbers. Eventually the bird saw him:
"Open your sack and put it under the tree". Hien did so. As the bird ate the fruits, it dropped the equivalent weight of precious stones, diamonds and nuggets of gold into the sack.
Even before the sack was full Hien cautioned the Phoenix:
"Stop beautiful bird! I've already got more than enough to give us a good living. I thank you. You have been very good to us.”
The Phoenix understood the wisdom of the young farmer and told him:
"If misery again strikes at your door, look at this cucumber-tree and remember that you need not despair, that there will always be a solution; and if you are in need of me I shall not be far away".
............................................
This popular story hides a great truth: wealth is not just about having lots of money - it is also about the potential and possibilities of finding our own strengths: our imagination, our intelligence and creativity. Certainly the cucumber-tree and the Phoenix are proverbial, but the good bird didn't consider it worthwhile to speak to the wicked brother.
He spoke to Hien. This signifies that luck smiles on those who are enterprising, courageous, who have perseverance and confidence in their capacity to succeed and who do not give up the responsibility of their life by blaming it on fate or destiny.
............................................
"There are two types of people on earth: those who look for ways of succeeding and those who look for excuses for their failures".
M. de Cornouardt
"To have the courage of undertaking something is one of the principal factors of success".
James A. Worsham
Tham was greedy, miserly and proud. Hien was good, obliging and generous. When the two brothers thought of marrying, Tham looked for the richest possible bride whereas Hien followed his heart and looked for a sweet and loving partner. Immediately following the marriages Tham came to see his brother and told him:
"Now that we are both married, the house is too small for all of us. Since I am the eldest, it is only natural that the house should come to me. But I am not ungenerous, I don't expect you to leave empty-handed. You can have the small hut and the patch of forest land surrounding it. You are a worker, you can easily repair the hut and cultivate your land". Hien bowed his head in agreement and went to tell his wife.
The small hut was in a pitiable condition and the tiny plot of land was hard and rocky.
The only redeeming feature was a majestic cucumber-tree at one end of the field, still full of vigour despite its age. Its leaves provided shade for the hut, and seeing this Hien thought that perhaps the Gods had not completely abandoned him.
Hien and his wife worked very hard but what they were able to earn from the land was not sufficient to support them. On top of this, the young lady was expecting their first child.
One day when Hien was in a sad mood his wife calmed him. She led him outside the hut.
"Look at the cucumber tree", she said, "It is bending with the burden of its fruits. Soon I'll be able to pick them and sell them in the village. Don't give up hope".
But the next day when Hien started out for the forest he saw a very large bird with feathers of fire sitting in the tree and eating the cucumbers.
"Good bird, please have pity on us. The cucumbers are all that we have. If you eat them all, there will be nothing left for us!"
Hien did not know that the beautiful bird was the legendary Phoenix, so he was very much surprised when the bird turned and replied:
"I shall not be ungrateful and you will be greatly compensated for allowing me to taste these cucumbers. Ask your wife to sew a sack and come and see me tomorrow morning under the cucumber-tree".
The next day Hien waited under the cucumber-tree with the sack in his hand. He heard a fluttering of feathers over head and saw that the Phoenix was once again feasting on the cucumbers. Eventually the bird saw him:
"Open your sack and put it under the tree". Hien did so. As the bird ate the fruits, it dropped the equivalent weight of precious stones, diamonds and nuggets of gold into the sack.
Even before the sack was full Hien cautioned the Phoenix:
"Stop beautiful bird! I've already got more than enough to give us a good living. I thank you. You have been very good to us.”
The Phoenix understood the wisdom of the young farmer and told him:
"If misery again strikes at your door, look at this cucumber-tree and remember that you need not despair, that there will always be a solution; and if you are in need of me I shall not be far away".
............................................
This popular story hides a great truth: wealth is not just about having lots of money - it is also about the potential and possibilities of finding our own strengths: our imagination, our intelligence and creativity. Certainly the cucumber-tree and the Phoenix are proverbial, but the good bird didn't consider it worthwhile to speak to the wicked brother.
He spoke to Hien. This signifies that luck smiles on those who are enterprising, courageous, who have perseverance and confidence in their capacity to succeed and who do not give up the responsibility of their life by blaming it on fate or destiny.
............................................
"There are two types of people on earth: those who look for ways of succeeding and those who look for excuses for their failures".
M. de Cornouardt
"To have the courage of undertaking something is one of the principal factors of success".
James A. Worsham
Time Out
He was the president of a major advertising firm and I was a very young management consultant. I had been recommended to him by one of his employees who had seen my work and thought I had something to offer. I was nervous. At that stage in my career, it wasn’t very often that I got to talk to the president of a company.
The appointment was at 10:00 a.m., for one hour. I arrived early.
Promptly at 10, I was ushered into a large and airy room, with furniture upholstered in bright yellow.
He had his shirtsleeves rolled up and a mean look on his face.
"You’ve only got 20 minutes," he barked.
I sat there, not saying a word.
"I said, you’ve only got 20 minutes."
Again, not a word.
"Your time’s ticking away. Why aren’t you saying anything?"
"They’re my 20 minutes," I replied. "I can do whatever I want with them."
He burst into laughter.
We then spoke for an hour and a half. I got the job.
By Martin Rutte
from Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work
Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Maida Rogerson, Martin Rutte & Tim Clauss
The appointment was at 10:00 a.m., for one hour. I arrived early.
Promptly at 10, I was ushered into a large and airy room, with furniture upholstered in bright yellow.
He had his shirtsleeves rolled up and a mean look on his face.
"You’ve only got 20 minutes," he barked.
I sat there, not saying a word.
"I said, you’ve only got 20 minutes."
Again, not a word.
"Your time’s ticking away. Why aren’t you saying anything?"
"They’re my 20 minutes," I replied. "I can do whatever I want with them."
He burst into laughter.
We then spoke for an hour and a half. I got the job.
By Martin Rutte
from Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work
Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Maida Rogerson, Martin Rutte & Tim Clauss
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wealth is All in One's Point of View
One day...a wealthy family man took his son on a trip to the country so he could have his son see how poor country people were..
They stayed one day and one night in the farm of a very humble farm house. At the end of the trip and back home the father asked the son:
What did you think of the trip?
The son replied: Very nice Dad
Father: Did you noticed how poor they were?
Son: Yes
Father: What did you learn?
Son: I learned that we have one dog in the house...and they have four. We have a fountain in the garden and they have a stream that has no end.
We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our garden goes to the edge of our property, they have the entire horizon as their back yard.
At the end of the son's reply the father was speechless and his son added: "Thank you dad for showing me how poor we really are."
Isn't it true that all depends on the crystal you use to see life?
They stayed one day and one night in the farm of a very humble farm house. At the end of the trip and back home the father asked the son:
What did you think of the trip?
The son replied: Very nice Dad
Father: Did you noticed how poor they were?
Son: Yes
Father: What did you learn?
Son: I learned that we have one dog in the house...and they have four. We have a fountain in the garden and they have a stream that has no end.
We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our garden goes to the edge of our property, they have the entire horizon as their back yard.
At the end of the son's reply the father was speechless and his son added: "Thank you dad for showing me how poor we really are."
Isn't it true that all depends on the crystal you use to see life?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Because it's... LOVE
In front of the person you love your heart beats faster
But in front of the person you like you get happy.
In front of the person you love winter seems like spring
But in front of the person you like winter is just beautiful winter.
If you look into the eyes of the one you love you blush
But if you look into the eyes of the one you like you smile.
In front of the person you love you can't say everything on your mind.
But in front of the person you like you can.
In front of the person you love you tend to get shy
But in front of the person you like you can show your own self.
The person you love comes into your mind every 2 minutes
You can't look straight into the eyes of the one you love
But you can always smile into the eyes of the one you like.
When the one you love is crying you cry with them
But when the one you like is crying you end up comforting.
he feeling of love starts from the eye
And the feeling of like starts from the ear.
So if you stop liking a person you used to like
All you need to do is cover your ears,
But if you try to close your eyes
Love turns into a drop of tear and remains in your heart forever after.
Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing
And is your voice caught within your chest?
It isn't love, it's like.
You can't keep your eyes or hands off of them, am I right?
It isn't love, it's lust.
Are you proud, and eager to show them off?
It isn't love, it's luck.
Do you want them because you know they're there?
It isn't love, it's loneliness.
Are you there because it's what everyone wants?
It isn't love, it's loyalty.
Does your heart ache and break when they're sad?
Then it's love.
Do you cry for their pain, even when they're strong?
Then it's love.
Do their eyes see your true heart, and touch your soul so deeply it hurts?
Then it's love.
Do you stay for their confessions of love, because you don't want to hurt them?
It isn't love, it's pity.
Are you there because they kissed you, or held your hand?
It isn't love, it's unconfidence.
Do you belong to them because their sight makes your heart skip beat?
It isn't love, it's infatuation.
But do you stay because a blinding, incomprehensible mix of pain and elation pulls you close and holds you?
Then it's love.
Do you pardon their faults because you care about them?
It isn't love, it's friendship
Do you accept their faults because they're a part of who they are?
Then it's love.
Do you tell them every day they are the only one you think of?
It isn't love, it's a lie.
Are you attracted to others, but stay with them faithfully without regret?
Then it's love.
Are you willing to give all of your favorite things for their sake?
It isn't love, it's charity.
Would you give them your heart, your life, your death?
Then it's love.
Now, if love is painful, and tortures us so, why do we love?
Why is it all we search for in life?
This pain, this agony?
Why is it all we long for?
This torture, this powerful death of self?
Why?
Because it's...
LOVE.
But in front of the person you like you get happy.
In front of the person you love winter seems like spring
But in front of the person you like winter is just beautiful winter.
If you look into the eyes of the one you love you blush
But if you look into the eyes of the one you like you smile.
In front of the person you love you can't say everything on your mind.
But in front of the person you like you can.
In front of the person you love you tend to get shy
But in front of the person you like you can show your own self.
The person you love comes into your mind every 2 minutes
You can't look straight into the eyes of the one you love
But you can always smile into the eyes of the one you like.
When the one you love is crying you cry with them
But when the one you like is crying you end up comforting.
he feeling of love starts from the eye
And the feeling of like starts from the ear.
So if you stop liking a person you used to like
All you need to do is cover your ears,
But if you try to close your eyes
Love turns into a drop of tear and remains in your heart forever after.
Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing
And is your voice caught within your chest?
It isn't love, it's like.
You can't keep your eyes or hands off of them, am I right?
It isn't love, it's lust.
Are you proud, and eager to show them off?
It isn't love, it's luck.
Do you want them because you know they're there?
It isn't love, it's loneliness.
Are you there because it's what everyone wants?
It isn't love, it's loyalty.
Does your heart ache and break when they're sad?
Then it's love.
Do you cry for their pain, even when they're strong?
Then it's love.
Do their eyes see your true heart, and touch your soul so deeply it hurts?
Then it's love.
Do you stay for their confessions of love, because you don't want to hurt them?
It isn't love, it's pity.
Are you there because they kissed you, or held your hand?
It isn't love, it's unconfidence.
Do you belong to them because their sight makes your heart skip beat?
It isn't love, it's infatuation.
But do you stay because a blinding, incomprehensible mix of pain and elation pulls you close and holds you?
Then it's love.
Do you pardon their faults because you care about them?
It isn't love, it's friendship
Do you accept their faults because they're a part of who they are?
Then it's love.
Do you tell them every day they are the only one you think of?
It isn't love, it's a lie.
Are you attracted to others, but stay with them faithfully without regret?
Then it's love.
Are you willing to give all of your favorite things for their sake?
It isn't love, it's charity.
Would you give them your heart, your life, your death?
Then it's love.
Now, if love is painful, and tortures us so, why do we love?
Why is it all we search for in life?
This pain, this agony?
Why is it all we long for?
This torture, this powerful death of self?
Why?
Because it's...
LOVE.
Monday, November 24, 2008
As a man Soweth
When I was in junior high, the eighth-grade bully punched me in the stomach. Not only did it hurt and make me angry, but the embarrassment and humiliation were almost intolerable. I wanted desperately to even the score! I planned to meet him by the bike racks the next day and let him have it.
For some reason, I told my plan to Nana, my grandmother - big mistake. She gave me one of her hour-long lectures (that woman could really talk). The lecture was a total drag, but among other things, I vaguely remember her telling me that I didn’t need to worry about him. She said, "Good deeds beget good results, and evil deeds beget bad results." I told her, in a nice way, of course, that I thought she was full of it. I told her that I did good things all the time, and all I got in return was "baloney!" (I didn’t use that word.) She stuck to her guns, though. She said, "Every good deed will come back to you someday, and every bad thing you do will also come back to you."
It took me 30 years to understand the wisdom of her words. Nana was living in a board-and-care home in Laguna Hills, California. Each Tuesday, I came by and took her out to dinner. I would always find her neatly dressed and sitting in a chair right by the front door. I vividly remember our very last dinner together before she went into the convalescent hospital. We drove to a nearby simple little family-owned restaurant. I ordered pot roast for Nana and a hamburger for myself. The food arrived and as I dug in, I noticed that Nana wasn’t eating. She was just staring at the food on her plate. Moving my plate aside, I took Nana’s plate, placed it in front of me, and cut her meat into small pieces. I then placed the plate back in front of her. As she very weakly, and with great difficulty, forked the meat into her mouth, I was struck with a memory that brought instant tears to my eyes. Forty years previously, as a little boy sitting at the table. Nana had always taken the meat on my plate and cut it into small pieces so I could eat it.
It had taken 40 years, but the good deed had been repaid. Nana was right. We reap exactly what we sow. "Every good deed you do will someday come back to you."
What about the eighth-grade bully?
He ran into the ninth-grade bully.
By Mike Buetelle
from A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1995 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
For some reason, I told my plan to Nana, my grandmother - big mistake. She gave me one of her hour-long lectures (that woman could really talk). The lecture was a total drag, but among other things, I vaguely remember her telling me that I didn’t need to worry about him. She said, "Good deeds beget good results, and evil deeds beget bad results." I told her, in a nice way, of course, that I thought she was full of it. I told her that I did good things all the time, and all I got in return was "baloney!" (I didn’t use that word.) She stuck to her guns, though. She said, "Every good deed will come back to you someday, and every bad thing you do will also come back to you."
It took me 30 years to understand the wisdom of her words. Nana was living in a board-and-care home in Laguna Hills, California. Each Tuesday, I came by and took her out to dinner. I would always find her neatly dressed and sitting in a chair right by the front door. I vividly remember our very last dinner together before she went into the convalescent hospital. We drove to a nearby simple little family-owned restaurant. I ordered pot roast for Nana and a hamburger for myself. The food arrived and as I dug in, I noticed that Nana wasn’t eating. She was just staring at the food on her plate. Moving my plate aside, I took Nana’s plate, placed it in front of me, and cut her meat into small pieces. I then placed the plate back in front of her. As she very weakly, and with great difficulty, forked the meat into her mouth, I was struck with a memory that brought instant tears to my eyes. Forty years previously, as a little boy sitting at the table. Nana had always taken the meat on my plate and cut it into small pieces so I could eat it.
It had taken 40 years, but the good deed had been repaid. Nana was right. We reap exactly what we sow. "Every good deed you do will someday come back to you."
What about the eighth-grade bully?
He ran into the ninth-grade bully.
By Mike Buetelle
from A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1995 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What is the Difference
A young black boy saw a balloon seller on a street corner. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at all the different colored balloons - red, blue, white, black, yellow...
The old man selling the balloons saw the boy hesitate, then gather his courage and approach.
"Tell me mister," said the boy, "Do the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
The old man felt a tear forming in his eye. He picked the boy up, sat him on his knee and said, "Look."
He let go of all the balloons. They drifted up in a cluster, higher and higher into the blue sky, until they were so high they disappeared.
"Did you see that?" the balloon seller asked.
"Yes," said the boy.
"Did the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
"Yes, Mister, they did."
"You see my boy, the balloons are like people. The important thing isn't their color, or what they look like on the outside. No, the important thing is WHAT'S INSIDE.
And what's inside you makes all the difference in life."
...............................................................
"When someone's character seems impossible to fathom, observe his friends."
Japanese proverb
The old man selling the balloons saw the boy hesitate, then gather his courage and approach.
"Tell me mister," said the boy, "Do the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
The old man felt a tear forming in his eye. He picked the boy up, sat him on his knee and said, "Look."
He let go of all the balloons. They drifted up in a cluster, higher and higher into the blue sky, until they were so high they disappeared.
"Did you see that?" the balloon seller asked.
"Yes," said the boy.
"Did the black balloons fly as high as the others?"
"Yes, Mister, they did."
"You see my boy, the balloons are like people. The important thing isn't their color, or what they look like on the outside. No, the important thing is WHAT'S INSIDE.
And what's inside you makes all the difference in life."
...............................................................
"When someone's character seems impossible to fathom, observe his friends."
Japanese proverb
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What goes round, comes around
He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so ... was he going to hurt her?
He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan."
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just
passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "... and think of me."
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out-of-work actor—it didn't ring much.
Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.
The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door.
She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which was four $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote : You don't owe me anything, I have been there too.
Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.
That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it?
With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right; I love you, Bryan."
There is an old saying "What goes around comes around." Today, I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on ... Let this light shine. Don't put it under a basket. Please pass this on to a friend. "Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country."
He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan."
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just
passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "... and think of me."
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out-of-work actor—it didn't ring much.
Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.
The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door.
She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which was four $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote : You don't owe me anything, I have been there too.
Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.
That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it?
With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right; I love you, Bryan."
There is an old saying "What goes around comes around." Today, I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on ... Let this light shine. Don't put it under a basket. Please pass this on to a friend. "Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Take time to appreciate what you have now
A good reminder: take time to appreciate what you have now.
On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to go to the supermarket to buy the gifts I didn't manage to buy earlier. When I saw all the people there, I started to complain to myself: 'It is going to take forever here and I still have so many other places to go...'
Christmas really is getting more and more annoying every year. How I wish I could just lie down, go to sleep and only wake up after it was over. I started to curse the prices, wondering if kids really play with such expensive toys. While looking in the toy section, I noticed a small boy of about 5 years old pressing a doll against his chest. He kept on touching the hair of the doll and looked so sad. I wondered who this doll was for. Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: 'Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?' The old lady replied: 'You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.' Then she
asked him to stay here for 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.
The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I started to walk towards him and asked who he wanted to give this doll to. 'It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her, after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can not bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy say that Mummy will also go to see God very soon, so I thought that she could bring the doll with her to give it to my sister'. My heart nearly stopped.
The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the supermarket' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me: 'I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me.' 'I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and took a few bills and said to the boy. What if we checked again, just in case if u have enough money?' 'Ok' he said. 'I hope that I have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll, and even some spare money. The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money' then he looked at me and added: 'I asked yesterday before I slept for God to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mummy can give it to my sister. He heard me' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose.' 'You know, my mummy loves white roses. A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I left with my trolley. I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article 2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck who hit a car where there was one young lady and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to get out of the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy in mind, I read in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.I couldn't stop myself and went to buy a bunch of white roses and I went to the mortuary where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wish before burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place crying, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to that day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk man had taken all this away from him.
On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to go to the supermarket to buy the gifts I didn't manage to buy earlier. When I saw all the people there, I started to complain to myself: 'It is going to take forever here and I still have so many other places to go...'
Christmas really is getting more and more annoying every year. How I wish I could just lie down, go to sleep and only wake up after it was over. I started to curse the prices, wondering if kids really play with such expensive toys. While looking in the toy section, I noticed a small boy of about 5 years old pressing a doll against his chest. He kept on touching the hair of the doll and looked so sad. I wondered who this doll was for. Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: 'Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?' The old lady replied: 'You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.' Then she
asked him to stay here for 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.
The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I started to walk towards him and asked who he wanted to give this doll to. 'It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her, after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can not bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy say that Mummy will also go to see God very soon, so I thought that she could bring the doll with her to give it to my sister'. My heart nearly stopped.
The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the supermarket' Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me: 'I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me.' 'I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.
I quickly reached for my wallet and took a few bills and said to the boy. What if we checked again, just in case if u have enough money?' 'Ok' he said. 'I hope that I have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll, and even some spare money. The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money' then he looked at me and added: 'I asked yesterday before I slept for God to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mummy can give it to my sister. He heard me' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose.' 'You know, my mummy loves white roses. A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I left with my trolley. I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article 2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck who hit a car where there was one young lady and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to get out of the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy in mind, I read in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.I couldn't stop myself and went to buy a bunch of white roses and I went to the mortuary where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wish before burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place crying, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to that day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk man had taken all this away from him.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Room for improvement
Although life is far from perfect, it is completely abundant and very much worth every moment of living. Yes, there are always things that could be improved, and that is a blessing in itself. For it means that you are alive and able to make things happen. It means that there is always the option of reaching ever higher.
There is always room for improvement, and that means there is always room to grow. Weaknesses can be transformed into strengths, and liabilities can be changed into assets.
Where there is room for improvement, there are also the seeds of opportunity and accomplishment. Businesses, careers and entire industries are built on the need and desire for continuing, expanding improvement.
When there is something that needs to be improved, learn to see it not as a deficiency. See it for what it is, which is a magnificent opportunity. If there is room for improvement, there is the real possibility of greatness.
-- Ralph Marston
There is always room for improvement, and that means there is always room to grow. Weaknesses can be transformed into strengths, and liabilities can be changed into assets.
Where there is room for improvement, there are also the seeds of opportunity and accomplishment. Businesses, careers and entire industries are built on the need and desire for continuing, expanding improvement.
When there is something that needs to be improved, learn to see it not as a deficiency. See it for what it is, which is a magnificent opportunity. If there is room for improvement, there is the real possibility of greatness.
-- Ralph Marston
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Choose How You Start Your Day Tomorrow
Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!" He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to.
Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.
Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Michael said.
"Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life." I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when
I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied. "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon to be born daughter, "Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or ...I could choose to die. I chose to live. "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Michael continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read "he's a dead man. I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. "Yes, I replied." The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, "Gravity." Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.
Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested. "Yes, it is," Michael said.
"Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life." I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when
I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied. "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon to be born daughter, "Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or ...I could choose to die. I chose to live. "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Michael continued, "...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read "he's a dead man. I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. "Yes, I replied." The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, "Gravity." Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I wish you enough
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter's departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough."
The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"
"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.
When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them".
Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough helloes to get you through the final good-bye.
She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
An hour to appreciate them,
A day to love them,
And an entire life to forget them.
Send this to the people you will never forget.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE!
To all my friends and loved ones,
I WISH YOU ENOUGH!
The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"
"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.
When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them".
Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough helloes to get you through the final good-bye.
She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
An hour to appreciate them,
A day to love them,
And an entire life to forget them.
Send this to the people you will never forget.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE!
To all my friends and loved ones,
I WISH YOU ENOUGH!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thoughts to Keep
* Falling in love with the Lord is the greatest romance; searching Him, the greatest adventure; finding him, the greatest achievement; and being with Him, the greatest source of happiness.
* Five Rules to be happy:
1) Free your heart from hatred,
2) Free your mind from worry,
3) Live simply,
4) Expect less and
5) Give more
* The real test of true love is having all the things go wrong but still having a special way to love despite of all the wrong things that may happen.
* Always take a CHANCE. The end result may not always be what you hoped for but that's fine... At least, you will never go through life wondering "What if... and "If only...."
* Hold a friend's hand through times of trial, let him/her find love through a hug and a smile... But also know when it is time to let go, for each and everyone of us must learn to grow.
* Love is not a word to say when we feel guilty nor the right word to say when we like a person... But LOVE really matters when we share our thoughts, our minds and our hearts.
* A soul mate is someone who brings out the best in you... They are not perfect but is always perfect for you.
* Never whisper words of love if the feeling is not true...Never share your feeling if you mean to break a heart... Never look into my eyes if all you have to do is lie... and never say hello if you really mean goodbye...
* Genuine friendship is not measured by time... but it is measured by acceptance... A friend is one where even though you reflect the silver, he/she sees the GOLD.
* It takes 3 sec. to say "I love you", 3 mins. to explain it, 3 hrs. to demonstrate it, 3 days to appreciate it, 3 trimester to produce it... but a LIFETIME to prove it.
* Five Rules to be happy:
1) Free your heart from hatred,
2) Free your mind from worry,
3) Live simply,
4) Expect less and
5) Give more
* The real test of true love is having all the things go wrong but still having a special way to love despite of all the wrong things that may happen.
* Always take a CHANCE. The end result may not always be what you hoped for but that's fine... At least, you will never go through life wondering "What if... and "If only...."
* Hold a friend's hand through times of trial, let him/her find love through a hug and a smile... But also know when it is time to let go, for each and everyone of us must learn to grow.
* Love is not a word to say when we feel guilty nor the right word to say when we like a person... But LOVE really matters when we share our thoughts, our minds and our hearts.
* A soul mate is someone who brings out the best in you... They are not perfect but is always perfect for you.
* Never whisper words of love if the feeling is not true...Never share your feeling if you mean to break a heart... Never look into my eyes if all you have to do is lie... and never say hello if you really mean goodbye...
* Genuine friendship is not measured by time... but it is measured by acceptance... A friend is one where even though you reflect the silver, he/she sees the GOLD.
* It takes 3 sec. to say "I love you", 3 mins. to explain it, 3 hrs. to demonstrate it, 3 days to appreciate it, 3 trimester to produce it... but a LIFETIME to prove it.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wealth, Success & Love
A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!"
MY WISH FOR YOU...
-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she replied. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.
"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"
The woman went out and invited the men in"
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she asked.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!"
MY WISH FOR YOU...
-Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.
-Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it.
-Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.
-Where there is fear, I wish you love, and courage.
You are
You are strong when you take your grief and teach it to smile.
You are brave when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.
You are happy when you see a flower and give it your blessing.
You are loving when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.
You are wise when you know the limits of your wisdom.
You are true when you admit there are times you fool yourself.
You are alive when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.
You are growing when you know what you are but not what you will become.
You are free when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others.
You are honorable when you find your honor is to honor others.
You are generous when you can take as sweetly as you can give.
You are humble when you do not know how humble you are.
You are thoughtful when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.
You are merciful when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.
You are beautiful when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich when you never need more than what you have.
You are you when you see beyond who you are not.
You are brave when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.
You are happy when you see a flower and give it your blessing.
You are loving when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.
You are wise when you know the limits of your wisdom.
You are true when you admit there are times you fool yourself.
You are alive when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.
You are growing when you know what you are but not what you will become.
You are free when you are in control of yourself and do not wish to control others.
You are honorable when you find your honor is to honor others.
You are generous when you can take as sweetly as you can give.
You are humble when you do not know how humble you are.
You are thoughtful when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.
You are merciful when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.
You are beautiful when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich when you never need more than what you have.
You are you when you see beyond who you are not.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
World Is Like A Net
OBSERVATION
An old proverb says that "The world is a net; the more we stir in it, the more we are entangled."
EXCHANGED VALUES
Max Lucado, a prominent author and minister, tells this story about a prank that occurred years ago:
It seems a couple of prowlers broke into a department store in a large city. They successfully entered the store, stayed long enough to do what they came to do, and escaped unnoticed. What is unusual about the story is what these fellows did. They took nothing. Absolutely nothing. No merchandise was stolen. No items were removed. But what they did do was ridiculous.
Instead of stealing anything, they changed the cost of everything. Price are swapped. Values were exchanged. These clever pranksters took the tag off a $395.00 camera and stuck it on a $5.00 box of stationery. The $5.95 sticker on a paperback book was removed and placed on an outboard motor. They repriced everything in the store!
Crazy? You bet. But the craziest part of this story took place the next morning. The store opened as usual. Employees went to work. Customers began to shop. The place functioned as normal for four hours before anyone noticed what had happened.
Four hours! Some people got some great bargains. Others got fleeced. For four solid hours no one noticed that the values had been swapped.
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO OUR LIVES?
As price tags were exchanged, valuable goods became cheap, and the cheap became valuable. This can happen to us. We exchange things that are important for those that, in comparison, are unimportant---- the world honors success and hard work, so we devote ourselves to jobs we can't wait to retire from, while ignoring marriages that we entered in to for a lifetime;
- we seek clean, healthy homes, but let them become dumping grounds for the pollution contained in some television programs, movies and popular music; and,
- we want our children to have strong character traits like honesty and integrity, but spend far more time taking them to athletic events and other activities than tending to their spiritual and moral needs.
Yes, the world is a net; the more we stir in it, the more we are entangled. Seeking "happiness" and acceptance, we buy into the world's values and do what is popular. But if the world's values can produce true happiness, why is there a constant effort to create and promote new forms of amusement and entertainment?
Focus your time and attention on what is valuable to you. While doing so, put your spiritual needs at the top of the list. Nothing should come before your relationship with a man named Jesus. Even though he was dead, he is now alive, seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He understands, He knows, he cares. And he nourishes those who seek to be fed.
As Erwin Lutzer observed ...
if you are not nourished by the Bread from heaven, you will stuff yourself with crumbs from the world. Real nourishment comes only from Jesus Christ. You'll be eternally sorry if you exchange real nourishment for crumbs.
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
An old proverb says that "The world is a net; the more we stir in it, the more we are entangled."
EXCHANGED VALUES
Max Lucado, a prominent author and minister, tells this story about a prank that occurred years ago:
It seems a couple of prowlers broke into a department store in a large city. They successfully entered the store, stayed long enough to do what they came to do, and escaped unnoticed. What is unusual about the story is what these fellows did. They took nothing. Absolutely nothing. No merchandise was stolen. No items were removed. But what they did do was ridiculous.
Instead of stealing anything, they changed the cost of everything. Price are swapped. Values were exchanged. These clever pranksters took the tag off a $395.00 camera and stuck it on a $5.00 box of stationery. The $5.95 sticker on a paperback book was removed and placed on an outboard motor. They repriced everything in the store!
Crazy? You bet. But the craziest part of this story took place the next morning. The store opened as usual. Employees went to work. Customers began to shop. The place functioned as normal for four hours before anyone noticed what had happened.
Four hours! Some people got some great bargains. Others got fleeced. For four solid hours no one noticed that the values had been swapped.
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO OUR LIVES?
As price tags were exchanged, valuable goods became cheap, and the cheap became valuable. This can happen to us. We exchange things that are important for those that, in comparison, are unimportant---- the world honors success and hard work, so we devote ourselves to jobs we can't wait to retire from, while ignoring marriages that we entered in to for a lifetime;
- we seek clean, healthy homes, but let them become dumping grounds for the pollution contained in some television programs, movies and popular music; and,
- we want our children to have strong character traits like honesty and integrity, but spend far more time taking them to athletic events and other activities than tending to their spiritual and moral needs.
Yes, the world is a net; the more we stir in it, the more we are entangled. Seeking "happiness" and acceptance, we buy into the world's values and do what is popular. But if the world's values can produce true happiness, why is there a constant effort to create and promote new forms of amusement and entertainment?
Focus your time and attention on what is valuable to you. While doing so, put your spiritual needs at the top of the list. Nothing should come before your relationship with a man named Jesus. Even though he was dead, he is now alive, seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He understands, He knows, he cares. And he nourishes those who seek to be fed.
As Erwin Lutzer observed ...
if you are not nourished by the Bread from heaven, you will stuff yourself with crumbs from the world. Real nourishment comes only from Jesus Christ. You'll be eternally sorry if you exchange real nourishment for crumbs.
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
Friday, November 14, 2008
We owe a lot to our parents
On Mother's Day and Father's Day, we send our parents cards and flowers and gifts. We tell them we appreciate them, we tell them we love them. Then we spend the rest of the year trying to avoid them. Well, some of us try harder than others.
According to two recent polls, 36% of elderly parents say their grown children have failed to help them in a time of need in the past five years. And that doesn't even include all those parents who can't remember. Perhaps poor memory is a good thing. If I'm ever an aging parent, I want
to remember my children as the most loving and caring people. And if they're not, I want to forget.
But the only thing I'll probably forget is to put them in my will. Let's face it: Parents can be a pain at times. They expect so much out of you. Do this, do that, eat this, eat that, marry this, marry that. There's no satisfying them.
But you have to overlook your entire childhood to turn your back on your parents. There are so many reasons to be grateful to them. Here are just a few:
---They didn't abort you.
Yes, some of them easily could have, but they chose to accept at least 18 years of responsibility. Sure, you brought them lots of joy, but you also brought them lots of migraines. Thanks to you, they had to invest more money in aspirin than in the stock market.
---They changed your diaper about 2,750 times.
You may have many talents today, but for the first years of your life, your only talent was soiling a diaper. Soon after that, you developed another talent: wetting the bed. You were so good at that, they thought you'd do it for the rest of your life.
---They forced you to do your homework.
You preferred to watch cartoons on television, but they knew you couldn't make a career out of that. Unless you ended up on welfare. They encouraged you to earn good grades and graduate from school. They didn't want you to sell drugs for a living, without going to pharmacy school.
---They lost so much sleep worrying about you, they haven't yet caught up.
That's why they have to go to bed at 7 p.m. They'd have to sleep continuously for five years to make up for your puberty alone.
---They spent a small fortune on you.
Without you, they could have vacationed every year in the Bahamas and bought a sports car-instead of that totally uncool station wagon. And they could have bought lots of fancy appliances and furniture, items that are guaranteed to never talk back or ask for allowances.
---They were so proud of you.
Why do you think they took one billion photos of you? You weren't that cute. They even snapped shots of you taking a bath, as though that was some big achievement. When you took your first step, they acted like you had walked on the moon. They wanted to tell everybody, even the mail carrier. When you spoke your first word, they wanted to put an announcement in the newspaper. They wanted to call CNN. Consider yourself lucky if you have two parents or even just one. You can't replace a parent. You can't go to the store and buy one, even if you're as loaded as Bill Gates.
Parents aren't perfect, but chances are, no one will ever love you the same way. Especially if you act the way you did.
According to two recent polls, 36% of elderly parents say their grown children have failed to help them in a time of need in the past five years. And that doesn't even include all those parents who can't remember. Perhaps poor memory is a good thing. If I'm ever an aging parent, I want
to remember my children as the most loving and caring people. And if they're not, I want to forget.
But the only thing I'll probably forget is to put them in my will. Let's face it: Parents can be a pain at times. They expect so much out of you. Do this, do that, eat this, eat that, marry this, marry that. There's no satisfying them.
But you have to overlook your entire childhood to turn your back on your parents. There are so many reasons to be grateful to them. Here are just a few:
---They didn't abort you.
Yes, some of them easily could have, but they chose to accept at least 18 years of responsibility. Sure, you brought them lots of joy, but you also brought them lots of migraines. Thanks to you, they had to invest more money in aspirin than in the stock market.
---They changed your diaper about 2,750 times.
You may have many talents today, but for the first years of your life, your only talent was soiling a diaper. Soon after that, you developed another talent: wetting the bed. You were so good at that, they thought you'd do it for the rest of your life.
---They forced you to do your homework.
You preferred to watch cartoons on television, but they knew you couldn't make a career out of that. Unless you ended up on welfare. They encouraged you to earn good grades and graduate from school. They didn't want you to sell drugs for a living, without going to pharmacy school.
---They lost so much sleep worrying about you, they haven't yet caught up.
That's why they have to go to bed at 7 p.m. They'd have to sleep continuously for five years to make up for your puberty alone.
---They spent a small fortune on you.
Without you, they could have vacationed every year in the Bahamas and bought a sports car-instead of that totally uncool station wagon. And they could have bought lots of fancy appliances and furniture, items that are guaranteed to never talk back or ask for allowances.
---They were so proud of you.
Why do you think they took one billion photos of you? You weren't that cute. They even snapped shots of you taking a bath, as though that was some big achievement. When you took your first step, they acted like you had walked on the moon. They wanted to tell everybody, even the mail carrier. When you spoke your first word, they wanted to put an announcement in the newspaper. They wanted to call CNN. Consider yourself lucky if you have two parents or even just one. You can't replace a parent. You can't go to the store and buy one, even if you're as loaded as Bill Gates.
Parents aren't perfect, but chances are, no one will ever love you the same way. Especially if you act the way you did.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Don't take at face value
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied..."Things aren't always what they seem".
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything and you let their cow die." "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything and you let their cow die." "Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Gentle Art Of Blessings
Your morning Irish blessing:
May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true!
--------------------------------------------------------
by Pierre Pradervand
On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.
On passing people in the street, on the bus, in places of work and play, bless them. The peace of your blessing will accompany them on their way and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a light to their path.
On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health, their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and others. Bless them in their abundance, their finances...bless them in every conceivable way, for such blessings not only sow seeds of healing but one day will spring forth as flowers of joy in the waste places of your own life.
As you walk, bless the city in which you live, its government and teachers, its nurses and streetsweepers, its children and bankers, its priests and prostitutes. The minute anyone expresses the least aggression or unkindness to you, respond with a blessing: bless them totally, sincerely, joyfully, for such blessings are a shield which protects them from the ignorance of their misdeed, and deflects the arrow that was aimed at you.
To bless means to wish, unconditionally, total, unrestricted good for others and events from the deepest wellspring in the innermost chamber of your heart: it means to hallow, to hold in reverence, to behold with utter awe that which is always a gift from the Creator. He who is hallowed by your blessing is set aside, consecrated, holy, whole. To bless is yet to invoke divine care upon, to think or speak gratefully for, to confer happiness upon - although we ourselves are never the bestower, but simply the joyful witnesses of Life's abundance.
To bless all without discrimination of any sort is the ultimate form of giving, because those you bless will never know from whence came the sudden ray of sun that burst through the clouds of their skies, and you will rarely be a witness to the sunlight in their lives.
When something goes completely askew in your day, some unexpected event knocks down your plans and you too also, burst into blessing: for life is teaching you a lesson, and the very event you believe to be unwanted, you yourself called forth, so as to learn the lesson you might balk against were you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and hosts of angels follow in their path.
To bless is to acknowledge the omnipresent, universal beauty hidden to material eyes; it is to activate that law of attraction which, from the furthest reaches of the universe,will bring into your life exactly what you need to experience and enjoy.
When you pass a prison, mentally bless its inmates in their innocence and freedom, their gentleness, pure essence and unconditional forgiveness; for one can only be prisoner of one's self-image, and a free man can walk unshackled in the courtyard of a jail, just as citizens of countries where freedom reigns can be prisoners when fear lurks in their thoughts.
When you pass a hospital, bless its patients in their present wholeness, for even in their suffering, this wholeness awaits in them to be discovered. When your eyes behold a man in tears, or seemingly broken by life, bless him in his vitality and joy: for the material senses present but the inverted image of the ultimate splendor and perfection which only the inner eye beholds.
It is impossible to bless and to judge at the same time. So hold constantly as a deep, hallowed, intoned thought that desire to bless, for truly then shall you become a peacemaker, and one day you shall, everywhere, behold the very face of God.
May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true!
--------------------------------------------------------
by Pierre Pradervand
On awakening, bless this day, for it is already full of unseen good which your blessings will call forth; for to bless is to acknowledge the unlimited good that is embedded in the very texture of the universe and awaiting each and all.
On passing people in the street, on the bus, in places of work and play, bless them. The peace of your blessing will accompany them on their way and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a light to their path.
On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health, their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and others. Bless them in their abundance, their finances...bless them in every conceivable way, for such blessings not only sow seeds of healing but one day will spring forth as flowers of joy in the waste places of your own life.
As you walk, bless the city in which you live, its government and teachers, its nurses and streetsweepers, its children and bankers, its priests and prostitutes. The minute anyone expresses the least aggression or unkindness to you, respond with a blessing: bless them totally, sincerely, joyfully, for such blessings are a shield which protects them from the ignorance of their misdeed, and deflects the arrow that was aimed at you.
To bless means to wish, unconditionally, total, unrestricted good for others and events from the deepest wellspring in the innermost chamber of your heart: it means to hallow, to hold in reverence, to behold with utter awe that which is always a gift from the Creator. He who is hallowed by your blessing is set aside, consecrated, holy, whole. To bless is yet to invoke divine care upon, to think or speak gratefully for, to confer happiness upon - although we ourselves are never the bestower, but simply the joyful witnesses of Life's abundance.
To bless all without discrimination of any sort is the ultimate form of giving, because those you bless will never know from whence came the sudden ray of sun that burst through the clouds of their skies, and you will rarely be a witness to the sunlight in their lives.
When something goes completely askew in your day, some unexpected event knocks down your plans and you too also, burst into blessing: for life is teaching you a lesson, and the very event you believe to be unwanted, you yourself called forth, so as to learn the lesson you might balk against were you not to bless it. Trials are blessings in disguise, and hosts of angels follow in their path.
To bless is to acknowledge the omnipresent, universal beauty hidden to material eyes; it is to activate that law of attraction which, from the furthest reaches of the universe,will bring into your life exactly what you need to experience and enjoy.
When you pass a prison, mentally bless its inmates in their innocence and freedom, their gentleness, pure essence and unconditional forgiveness; for one can only be prisoner of one's self-image, and a free man can walk unshackled in the courtyard of a jail, just as citizens of countries where freedom reigns can be prisoners when fear lurks in their thoughts.
When you pass a hospital, bless its patients in their present wholeness, for even in their suffering, this wholeness awaits in them to be discovered. When your eyes behold a man in tears, or seemingly broken by life, bless him in his vitality and joy: for the material senses present but the inverted image of the ultimate splendor and perfection which only the inner eye beholds.
It is impossible to bless and to judge at the same time. So hold constantly as a deep, hallowed, intoned thought that desire to bless, for truly then shall you become a peacemaker, and one day you shall, everywhere, behold the very face of God.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gossip - Nobody's Friend
My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I aim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the
more I am believed.
My victims are helpless. They
cannot protect themselves
against me because I have no
name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the
more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation,
it is never the same.
I topple governments
and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers
and cause sleepless nights,
heartaches,
and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
I make headlines and headaches.
Before you repeat a story,
ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it harmless?
Is it necessary?
If it isn't, don't repeat it.
I have no respect for justice.
I aim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the
more I am believed.
My victims are helpless. They
cannot protect themselves
against me because I have no
name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the
more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation,
it is never the same.
I topple governments
and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers
and cause sleepless nights,
heartaches,
and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
I make headlines and headaches.
Before you repeat a story,
ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it harmless?
Is it necessary?
If it isn't, don't repeat it.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Life is a mirror
You see in it what you show in it. If you stand before the mirror and make a pleasant face, a pleasant face looks back at you. If you make an unpleasant face, an unpleasant face looks back at you. What comes to you from the mirror from inside the mirror is created by you standing outside.
Because happiness and misery, favorable environment and unfavorable environment, to a large extent depend upon our state of mind, how we look at things. HAPPINESS IS NOT CONTAINED IN THINGS, SITUATIONS OR THE ENVIRONMENT OUTSIDE. Happiness or unhappiness is in how we look at things through our mind. It is therefore, the situation within. It is the state of our mind that makes our happiness or unhappiness.
A traveler once asked a shepherd: "How do you think the weather will be today?" The shepherd answered: "It will be the weather that I like." The traveler asked: "How can you say that, how do you know it will be what you like?" The shepherd explained: "It is like this, sir: knowing that over such things such as the weather I have no control, knowing that I cannot change it, long ago I decided that whatever weather comes I will like it.
And therefore now I am at peace. Instead of always trying to get only that thing that I like, I decided that it is wiser to like whatever thing I get. So, I always like the weather I get."
The key to happiness is inside. Just as a picture does not paint itself, it must be the artist with his brush that paints it. If he dips the brush in green, he cannot expect blue to appear on the canvas: neither should he blame the brush. Whatever color he applies, that will appear to him. So too should this truth to the canvas of our lives: "I am the one who makes my day: I make my own happiness and misery: I can make either darkness or light; from within I create it."
Apply this truth and then see what happens---you will create a masterpiece.
Because happiness and misery, favorable environment and unfavorable environment, to a large extent depend upon our state of mind, how we look at things. HAPPINESS IS NOT CONTAINED IN THINGS, SITUATIONS OR THE ENVIRONMENT OUTSIDE. Happiness or unhappiness is in how we look at things through our mind. It is therefore, the situation within. It is the state of our mind that makes our happiness or unhappiness.
A traveler once asked a shepherd: "How do you think the weather will be today?" The shepherd answered: "It will be the weather that I like." The traveler asked: "How can you say that, how do you know it will be what you like?" The shepherd explained: "It is like this, sir: knowing that over such things such as the weather I have no control, knowing that I cannot change it, long ago I decided that whatever weather comes I will like it.
And therefore now I am at peace. Instead of always trying to get only that thing that I like, I decided that it is wiser to like whatever thing I get. So, I always like the weather I get."
The key to happiness is inside. Just as a picture does not paint itself, it must be the artist with his brush that paints it. If he dips the brush in green, he cannot expect blue to appear on the canvas: neither should he blame the brush. Whatever color he applies, that will appear to him. So too should this truth to the canvas of our lives: "I am the one who makes my day: I make my own happiness and misery: I can make either darkness or light; from within I create it."
Apply this truth and then see what happens---you will create a masterpiece.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Value of Time
To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more
When you can share it with someone special.
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more
When you can share it with someone special.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Life's Optimistic Lesson
There was this museum laid with beautiful marble tiles, with a huge marble statue displayed in the middle of the lobby. Many people came from all over the world just to admire this beautiful marble statue.
One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue.
Marble tile: Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair! Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you ? Not fair!
Marble statue: My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?
Marble tile: Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!"
Marble statue: Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?
Marble tile: Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy ! How could he use those tools on me, it hurt so badly.
Marble statue: That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you resisted being worked on.
Marble tile: So???
Marble statue: When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tools, instead I bore all the painful tools he used on me.
Marble tile: Mmmmmm.......
Marble statue: My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who steps on you now."
The moral of the story is .... ...
It simply means that the more hard knocks you go through in life, the more you'll learn and put them to use in the future !! Do not be discouraged by setbacks and failures. Past is past, you can't change it but it is actually a blessing in disguise.
Past was good, Present is better and the future will always be the best.
One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue.
Marble tile: Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair! Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just to step on me while admiring you ? Not fair!
Marble statue: My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember that we were actually from the same cave?
Marble tile: Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now. Not fair!"
Marble statue: Then, do you still remember the day when the designer tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?
Marble tile: Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy ! How could he use those tools on me, it hurt so badly.
Marble statue: That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you resisted being worked on.
Marble tile: So???
Marble statue: When he decided to give up on you and start working on me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after his efforts. I did not resist his tools, instead I bore all the painful tools he used on me.
Marble tile: Mmmmmm.......
Marble statue: My friend, there is a price to everything in life. Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who steps on you now."
The moral of the story is .... ...
It simply means that the more hard knocks you go through in life, the more you'll learn and put them to use in the future !! Do not be discouraged by setbacks and failures. Past is past, you can't change it but it is actually a blessing in disguise.
Past was good, Present is better and the future will always be the best.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Life Skill #5 To motivate others taking action; Give praises
There was a stingy and rich businessman. One day, he invited the local governor to his house for dinner. So he told his cook to prepare the most expensive and delicious food for his guest. During the dinner, the cook prepared Shark Fin Soup, Abalone, etc for them. The businessman was very happy until the last dish, when the Peking Duck was served. The duck had only one leg!!! The businessman was very angry and demanded the cook to give his explanation.
The cook replied, "Sir, the ducks in your house had only one leg". "That's impossible!" the businessman said. "All right, we shall go to the backyard and have a look whether the ducks have two legs or one leg."
As it was the night already and all the ducks were sleeping, they were all standing on one leg. The cook said, "Sir, see I told you, the ducks have only one leg." The businessman was not convinced, and he started to put his hands together and clap very loudly. The ducks were wakened up and started to run here and there. The businessman said, "Now you tell me, the ducks have how many legs."
The cook replied, "Sir, if you have given me the clap, I would have given you two legs too".
Everybody needs a pat on the shoulder to continue working. When was the last time, you show your appreciation to people who helped you or work for you?
Now if you have a role model (it can be a friend or famous people), who is able to score 100 points each for the above 5 characteristics, how much points do you give yourself? If you are not able to score full points, start working on it and maybe you can be somebody else's role model in future.
The cook replied, "Sir, the ducks in your house had only one leg". "That's impossible!" the businessman said. "All right, we shall go to the backyard and have a look whether the ducks have two legs or one leg."
As it was the night already and all the ducks were sleeping, they were all standing on one leg. The cook said, "Sir, see I told you, the ducks have only one leg." The businessman was not convinced, and he started to put his hands together and clap very loudly. The ducks were wakened up and started to run here and there. The businessman said, "Now you tell me, the ducks have how many legs."
The cook replied, "Sir, if you have given me the clap, I would have given you two legs too".
Everybody needs a pat on the shoulder to continue working. When was the last time, you show your appreciation to people who helped you or work for you?
Now if you have a role model (it can be a friend or famous people), who is able to score 100 points each for the above 5 characteristics, how much points do you give yourself? If you are not able to score full points, start working on it and maybe you can be somebody else's role model in future.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Life Skill #4 To overcome excessive worry and tension
Long time ago in China, there was a couple with a twins. One was very positive, but the other one was very negative. During their birthday, their parents decided to give them birthday presents. For the negative child, their parents gave him lots of toys. They thought this would make him happy. As for the positive child, the parents thought that since this child was already positive, just gave him some white papers.
However, when the couple went to see their children, they were surprised to see the negative child crying. The father asked, "My dear son, why aren't you happy? You don't like the toys?" The boy replied, "You give me so many toys to play, if they are spoilt and I don't know how to repair, what should I do?" And the boy continued to cry. When the couple went to see the positive son, they were surprised to see him so happy. The mother asked her son, "My dear son, why are you so happy?" He replied, "The white papers you gave me, I can use it to fold a boat, I can also write something on it. There are so many uses for paper. Thank you very much for your present."
Do you know that it is important to overcome worries and tension? Only when you are able to do so, you are able to enjoy better relationship with people, and face greater challenges.
However, when the couple went to see their children, they were surprised to see the negative child crying. The father asked, "My dear son, why aren't you happy? You don't like the toys?" The boy replied, "You give me so many toys to play, if they are spoilt and I don't know how to repair, what should I do?" And the boy continued to cry. When the couple went to see the positive son, they were surprised to see him so happy. The mother asked her son, "My dear son, why are you so happy?" He replied, "The white papers you gave me, I can use it to fold a boat, I can also write something on it. There are so many uses for paper. Thank you very much for your present."
Do you know that it is important to overcome worries and tension? Only when you are able to do so, you are able to enjoy better relationship with people, and face greater challenges.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Life Skill #3 . To maintain the high level of enthusiasm at workplace and in daily living
How many of us wake up every morning and say to ourselves, "What a good day. It's a nice good day for challenges again"? I guess not, most of us would probably want to remain in the bed, hugging our bolster. We seem like getting up from the wrong side of the bed everyday. So, what's the problem?
We add sugar to our coffee when it not bitter, we add salt when our soup is blend, we add chili when we want some spice in our food. We eat everyday and we add seasoning to our food everyday.
We work everyday, but do you add seasoning to your work everyday too? Do you know "Lack of enthusiasm will wrinkle your soul"? Spice up your life now!
We add sugar to our coffee when it not bitter, we add salt when our soup is blend, we add chili when we want some spice in our food. We eat everyday and we add seasoning to our food everyday.
We work everyday, but do you add seasoning to your work everyday too? Do you know "Lack of enthusiasm will wrinkle your soul"? Spice up your life now!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Life Skill #2 To be accepted by others with ease
Did you come across somebody whom simply irritates you? I went to a restaurant for dinner with my friends the other day. The food was great and I even told my friends that we can come here again the next time.
After we finished the food, I asked the waiter for the bill. I was taken back when he coldly told me, "$38". No "please", and no "thank you"! Just "$38"!!! The worst part was after that I made the payment by credit card, he threw my card and the receipts on the table, without arranging them properly. Despite my image of "Mr. Nice Guy", I became nasty. I went forward to the waiter and asked him, "Do you have a problem? What kind of attitude is this?" If the waiter had treated me better, would I need to create a big fuss?
Sometimes in our life, did we also do something that irritates people? The golden rule applies, "Put on a smile, and you make a day for all of us".
After we finished the food, I asked the waiter for the bill. I was taken back when he coldly told me, "$38". No "please", and no "thank you"! Just "$38"!!! The worst part was after that I made the payment by credit card, he threw my card and the receipts on the table, without arranging them properly. Despite my image of "Mr. Nice Guy", I became nasty. I went forward to the waiter and asked him, "Do you have a problem? What kind of attitude is this?" If the waiter had treated me better, would I need to create a big fuss?
Sometimes in our life, did we also do something that irritates people? The golden rule applies, "Put on a smile, and you make a day for all of us".
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Life Skill #1 To express ourselves clearly and freely
How many of us are able to say what we want, how we feel? It was late Saturday night. Henry was not home from work yet. His wife was worried. But as soon as Henry stepped through the front door, the first thing that his wife greeted him was, "Where the Hell did you go? Do you know how late it is now?!"
You can imagine how the rest of the night went, as both of them started to argue. If Henry's wife was able to express herself better and said, "Henry, where did you go? I'm so worried about you," the argument could be prevented, and their feelings could be expressed.
Now, think about yourself, when was the last time you were so over-controlled by your own feelings and emotions that you were not able to express how you actually felt? Could the situation be improved?
You can imagine how the rest of the night went, as both of them started to argue. If Henry's wife was able to express herself better and said, "Henry, where did you go? I'm so worried about you," the argument could be prevented, and their feelings could be expressed.
Now, think about yourself, when was the last time you were so over-controlled by your own feelings and emotions that you were not able to express how you actually felt? Could the situation be improved?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
SMILE!!!!!
She smiled at a sorrowful stranger.
The smile seemed to make him feel better.
He remembered past kindnesses of a friend
And wrote him a thank you letter.
The friend was so pleased with the thank you
That he left a large tip after lunch.
The waitress, surprised by the size of the tip,
Bet the whole thing on a hunch.
The next day she picked up her winnings,
And gave part to a man on the street.
The man on the street was grateful;
For two days he'd had nothing to eat.
After he finished his dinner,
He left for his small dingy room.
He didn't know at that moment
that he might be facing his doom.
On the way he picked up a shivering puppy
And took him home to get warm.
The puppy was very grateful
To be in out of the storm.
That night the house caught on fire.
The puppy barked the alarm.
He barked till he woke the whole household
And saved everybody from harm.
One of the boys that he rescued
Grew up to be President.
All this because of a simple smile
That hadn't cost a cent.
The smile seemed to make him feel better.
He remembered past kindnesses of a friend
And wrote him a thank you letter.
The friend was so pleased with the thank you
That he left a large tip after lunch.
The waitress, surprised by the size of the tip,
Bet the whole thing on a hunch.
The next day she picked up her winnings,
And gave part to a man on the street.
The man on the street was grateful;
For two days he'd had nothing to eat.
After he finished his dinner,
He left for his small dingy room.
He didn't know at that moment
that he might be facing his doom.
On the way he picked up a shivering puppy
And took him home to get warm.
The puppy was very grateful
To be in out of the storm.
That night the house caught on fire.
The puppy barked the alarm.
He barked till he woke the whole household
And saved everybody from harm.
One of the boys that he rescued
Grew up to be President.
All this because of a simple smile
That hadn't cost a cent.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ten Secrets of Love
* The first secret - the power of thought.
Love begins with our thoughts. We become what we think about. Loving thoughts create loving experiences and loving relationships.
Affirmations can change our beliefs and thoughts about ourselves and others. If we want to love someone, we need to consider their needs and desires.
Thinking about your ideal partner will help you recognize her when you meet her.
* The second secret - the power of respect.
You cannot love anyone or anything unless you first respect them. The first person you need to respect is yourself.
To begin to gain self-respect ask yourself, "What do I respect about myself?" To gain respect for others, even those you may dislike, ask yourself "What do I respect about them?"
* The third secret - the power of giving.
If you want to receive love, all you have to do is give it! The more love you give, the more you will receive.
To love is to give of yourself, freely and unconditionally. Practice random acts of kindness. Before committing to a relationship ask not what the other person will be able to give to you, but rather what will you be able to give them.
The secret formula of a happy, lifelong, loving relationship is to always focus on what you can give instead of what you can take.
* The fourth secret - the power of friendship.
To find a true love, you must first find a true friend.
Love does not consist of gazing into each other's eyes, but rather looking outward together in the same direction.
To love someone completely you must love them for who they are, not what they look like. Friendship is the soil through which love's seeds grow.
If you want to bring love into a relationship, you must first bring friendship.
* The fifth secret - the power of touch.
Touch is one of the most powerful expressions of love, breaking down barriers and bonding relationships. Touch changes our physical and emotional states and makes us more receptive to love.
* The sixth secret - the power of letting go.
If you love something, let it free. If it comes back to you it's yours, if it doesn't it never was. Even in a loving relationship, people need their own space. If we want to learn to love, we must first learn to forgive and let go of past hurts and grievances. Love means letting go of our fears, prejudices, egos and conditions. "Today I let go of all my fears, the past has no power over me - today is the beginning of a new life."
* The seventh secret - the power of communication.
When we learn to communicate openly and honestly, life changes. To love someone is to communicate with them. Let the people you love know that you love them and appreciate them. Never be afraid to say those three magic words: "I Love You." Never let an opportunity pass to praise someone.
Always leave someone you love with a loving word - it could be the last time you see them. If you were about to die but could make telephone calls to the people you loved, who would you call, what would you say and ...why are you waiting?
* The eighth secret - the power of commitment.
If you want to have love in abundance, you must be committed to it, and that commmitment will be reflected in your thoughts and actions.
Commitment is the true test of love. If you want to have loving relationships, you must be committed to loving relationships. When you are committed to someone or something, quitting is never an option.
Commitment distinguishes a fragile relationship from a strong one.
* The ninth secret - the power of passion.
Passion ignites love and keeps it alive. Lasting passion does not come through physical attraction alone, it comes from deep commitment, enthusiasm, interest and excitement.
Passion can be recreated by recreating past experiences when you felt passionate. Spontaneity and surprises produce passion. The essence of love and happiness are the same; all we need to do is to live each day with passion.
* The tenth secret - the power of trust.
Trust is essential in all loving relationships. Without it one person becomes suspicious, anxious and fearful and the other person feels trapped and emotionally suffocated. You cannot love someone completely unless you trust them completely.
Act as if your relationship with the person you love will never end. One of the ways you can tell whether a person is right for you is to ask yourself, "Do I trust them completely and unreservedly?" If the answer is "no", think carefully before making a commitment.
Love begins with our thoughts. We become what we think about. Loving thoughts create loving experiences and loving relationships.
Affirmations can change our beliefs and thoughts about ourselves and others. If we want to love someone, we need to consider their needs and desires.
Thinking about your ideal partner will help you recognize her when you meet her.
* The second secret - the power of respect.
You cannot love anyone or anything unless you first respect them. The first person you need to respect is yourself.
To begin to gain self-respect ask yourself, "What do I respect about myself?" To gain respect for others, even those you may dislike, ask yourself "What do I respect about them?"
* The third secret - the power of giving.
If you want to receive love, all you have to do is give it! The more love you give, the more you will receive.
To love is to give of yourself, freely and unconditionally. Practice random acts of kindness. Before committing to a relationship ask not what the other person will be able to give to you, but rather what will you be able to give them.
The secret formula of a happy, lifelong, loving relationship is to always focus on what you can give instead of what you can take.
* The fourth secret - the power of friendship.
To find a true love, you must first find a true friend.
Love does not consist of gazing into each other's eyes, but rather looking outward together in the same direction.
To love someone completely you must love them for who they are, not what they look like. Friendship is the soil through which love's seeds grow.
If you want to bring love into a relationship, you must first bring friendship.
* The fifth secret - the power of touch.
Touch is one of the most powerful expressions of love, breaking down barriers and bonding relationships. Touch changes our physical and emotional states and makes us more receptive to love.
* The sixth secret - the power of letting go.
If you love something, let it free. If it comes back to you it's yours, if it doesn't it never was. Even in a loving relationship, people need their own space. If we want to learn to love, we must first learn to forgive and let go of past hurts and grievances. Love means letting go of our fears, prejudices, egos and conditions. "Today I let go of all my fears, the past has no power over me - today is the beginning of a new life."
* The seventh secret - the power of communication.
When we learn to communicate openly and honestly, life changes. To love someone is to communicate with them. Let the people you love know that you love them and appreciate them. Never be afraid to say those three magic words: "I Love You." Never let an opportunity pass to praise someone.
Always leave someone you love with a loving word - it could be the last time you see them. If you were about to die but could make telephone calls to the people you loved, who would you call, what would you say and ...why are you waiting?
* The eighth secret - the power of commitment.
If you want to have love in abundance, you must be committed to it, and that commmitment will be reflected in your thoughts and actions.
Commitment is the true test of love. If you want to have loving relationships, you must be committed to loving relationships. When you are committed to someone or something, quitting is never an option.
Commitment distinguishes a fragile relationship from a strong one.
* The ninth secret - the power of passion.
Passion ignites love and keeps it alive. Lasting passion does not come through physical attraction alone, it comes from deep commitment, enthusiasm, interest and excitement.
Passion can be recreated by recreating past experiences when you felt passionate. Spontaneity and surprises produce passion. The essence of love and happiness are the same; all we need to do is to live each day with passion.
* The tenth secret - the power of trust.
Trust is essential in all loving relationships. Without it one person becomes suspicious, anxious and fearful and the other person feels trapped and emotionally suffocated. You cannot love someone completely unless you trust them completely.
Act as if your relationship with the person you love will never end. One of the ways you can tell whether a person is right for you is to ask yourself, "Do I trust them completely and unreservedly?" If the answer is "no", think carefully before making a commitment.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Every Woman is Beautiful
A little boy asked his mother "Why are you crying?"
"Because I'm a woman", she told him.
"I don't understand", he said.
His mum just hugged him and said, "And you never will"
Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"
"All women cry for no reason", was all his dad could say
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.
Finally he put in a call to God; and when God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"
God said:
"You see:
Every Woman is Beautiful.
"Because I'm a woman", she told him.
"I don't understand", he said.
His mum just hugged him and said, "And you never will"
Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"
"All women cry for no reason", was all his dad could say
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.
Finally he put in a call to God; and when God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"
God said:
"When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world; yet, gentle enough to give comfort"
"I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children"
"I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining "
"I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly"
"I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart"
"I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly"
"And finally, I gave her a tear to shed
This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."
"I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children"
"I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining "
"I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly"
"I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart"
"I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly"
"And finally, I gave her a tear to shed
This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."
"You see:
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair."
"The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
"The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
Every Woman is Beautiful.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Being happy can be hard work sometimes.....
Being happy can be hard work sometimes. It is like maintaining a nice home - you've got to hang on to your treasures and throw out the garbage.
Being happy requires looking for the good things. One person sees the beautiful view and the other sees the dirty window. Choose what you see and what you think.
Do you recall watching "boy meet girl" movies? Titanic would be a famous example. As the boy and girl struggle through thick and thin, you hoped and prayed the whole time that everything would work out even in the outcome of imminent doom. We gulped and dried our tears as the curtains came down. We cry at these movies because at our deepest level, we care. We hurt. There is an inner core in all of us, which is simply beautiful. When we see the plight of the starving around the globe on TV, we ache for them. We all care.
Accept that you have these capacities to love and emphasize and be HUMAN. Recognize your own worth and constantly remind yourself that you deserved to be treated well!
To learn to walk, we must risk falling over. To make a dollar, we must risk losing it. In loving and caring, we risk breaking our hearts. Getting a job is a risk. Crossing the road is a risk. Starting a family is a risk. Life is a risk. Winners take more risk than losers. That is why they win so much. Necessarily then, winners lose more than losers, but they are playing so often that their wins add up. We have a choice between living and merely existing.
COMPLIMENTS
Ever notice how good you feel when you give a compliment? Even if people are awkward in receiving them, they appreciate them. When we make it a habit to GIVE genuine compliments, we'll always be looking out for the good in people.
TWO HAPPINESS TRAP
We postpone our happiness - " I'll be happy when...."(When the house is paid off, when we go to Phuket, Bali, or Hawaii, when I find a better job...) We look back to the past and say, "If I have known today was going to be so awful, I would have been happy yesterday." HAPPINESS is not a when - Happiness is a NOW.
WORK
Lots of people will tell you, "I'll be happier if my job was easier." But when work gets easier, they quit, and look for another challenge. The truth is, we love challenge. Let's stop kidding ourselves! Nearly every job is repetitious. Often, the secret to enjoying a job is not to change your job but to change your ATTITUDE.
LAW OF PROGRESS
Everything has ups and downs - nothing travels in straight lines. This applies to your own progress in any project. Keep your eye on your target; keep putting in the effort and you reach your target despite the ups and downs. Successful people realize that they reach their goals by continuously correcting. We get off course, correct, and get back on course. Ships do it. Rockets and missiles do it. Correct. Correct. Correct.
LEARNING FROM CHILDREN
Spend time with children. Learn more about laughter, spontaneity, curiosity, acceptance, resilience, trust, determination, and your imagination.
The key to happiness is not that you never get upset, frustrated or irritated. It is how quickly you decide to snap out of it. Happiness is not dependent on your circumstances or your bank balance. Happiness is a DAILY DECISION.
Being happy requires looking for the good things. One person sees the beautiful view and the other sees the dirty window. Choose what you see and what you think.
Do you recall watching "boy meet girl" movies? Titanic would be a famous example. As the boy and girl struggle through thick and thin, you hoped and prayed the whole time that everything would work out even in the outcome of imminent doom. We gulped and dried our tears as the curtains came down. We cry at these movies because at our deepest level, we care. We hurt. There is an inner core in all of us, which is simply beautiful. When we see the plight of the starving around the globe on TV, we ache for them. We all care.
Accept that you have these capacities to love and emphasize and be HUMAN. Recognize your own worth and constantly remind yourself that you deserved to be treated well!
To learn to walk, we must risk falling over. To make a dollar, we must risk losing it. In loving and caring, we risk breaking our hearts. Getting a job is a risk. Crossing the road is a risk. Starting a family is a risk. Life is a risk. Winners take more risk than losers. That is why they win so much. Necessarily then, winners lose more than losers, but they are playing so often that their wins add up. We have a choice between living and merely existing.
COMPLIMENTS
Ever notice how good you feel when you give a compliment? Even if people are awkward in receiving them, they appreciate them. When we make it a habit to GIVE genuine compliments, we'll always be looking out for the good in people.
TWO HAPPINESS TRAP
We postpone our happiness - " I'll be happy when...."(When the house is paid off, when we go to Phuket, Bali, or Hawaii, when I find a better job...) We look back to the past and say, "If I have known today was going to be so awful, I would have been happy yesterday." HAPPINESS is not a when - Happiness is a NOW.
WORK
Lots of people will tell you, "I'll be happier if my job was easier." But when work gets easier, they quit, and look for another challenge. The truth is, we love challenge. Let's stop kidding ourselves! Nearly every job is repetitious. Often, the secret to enjoying a job is not to change your job but to change your ATTITUDE.
LAW OF PROGRESS
Everything has ups and downs - nothing travels in straight lines. This applies to your own progress in any project. Keep your eye on your target; keep putting in the effort and you reach your target despite the ups and downs. Successful people realize that they reach their goals by continuously correcting. We get off course, correct, and get back on course. Ships do it. Rockets and missiles do it. Correct. Correct. Correct.
LEARNING FROM CHILDREN
Spend time with children. Learn more about laughter, spontaneity, curiosity, acceptance, resilience, trust, determination, and your imagination.
The key to happiness is not that you never get upset, frustrated or irritated. It is how quickly you decide to snap out of it. Happiness is not dependent on your circumstances or your bank balance. Happiness is a DAILY DECISION.
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