The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any. Alice Walker

Alice Walker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer with more than 30 literary works under her belt, including her most famous novel, "The Color Purple." Her writing often explores the crossroads of race and gender — particularly centering the experiences of Black women. A former social worker and teacher, Walker also has a long history advocating for civil rights. “Activism is my rent for living on the planet,” she has said. Her commitment to equal rights and representation encourages us to stand up for our own beliefs and values, and to never let society or other people diminish our sense of self-worth.

Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance. Abigail Adams

First Lady Abigail Adams and second U.S. President John Adams were the earliest occupants of the White House. From the start of their courtship until the end of their public service, the couple exchanged more than 1,100 letters. These historical documents verify that Abigail was her husband’s closest political adviser for decades. On November 27, 1775, while home with their children in Quincy, Massachusetts, she wrote to John in Philadelphia, where he and his fellow Second Continental Congress delegates were debating which principles should underpin the fledgling U.S. government. Given their formidable challenge, Abigail offered these words of advice, maintaining that haste rarely fosters meaningful solutions.

Wonders

Have you ever wondered why people are the way they are? Have you ever asked them about their life or their story? Some people had bad experiences, kept that anger bottled up inside, and are bitter. Others have worked through whatever happened, are happy, and embrace life as a true gift.

There's no right or wrong answer on how to live. It is up to each individual to choose their attitude and actions each day. Whatever you think about the most, whether positive or negative thoughts, will manifest in your daily life.

Be the victor and not the victim of your circumstances. Shine bright in this world and be proud of how far you've come so far. There's always room for improvement for every human being. Be the one who is proactive about your life.

Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.

Some Rise by Sin, Some Rise by Virtue

In an old city in ancient Japan there once lived a prostitute and a monk. They didn't know each other. They weren't even acquaintances. Yet each of them was deeply influenced by the other. Their lives were closely connected.

Every evening as the prostitute left her home on the way to earn a night’s wage, she would pass by the Buddhist temple where this monk lived. And every evening the young monk would be seated outside in the temple garden doing meditation.

As the young prostitute passed by the temple, she would see the monk seated in meditation and would think to herself, "What an amazing young man. What a noble life he is leading. Such a pure existence, untainted by the worries and concerns of this world. How rare and how wonderful!"

These thoughts sustained the young woman and gave her strength to endure her life. Just to know that someone was leading such a pure life gave her both hope and encouragement, even though she knew that such purity could never be her own. She always felt blessed just walking by the temple and being in the presence of such sacred energy.

The monk, although supposedly seated in deep meditation couldn't help but notice the woman as well. Every evening as the young woman passed by the temple, the monk would become distracted and think to himself, "What an immoral woman. How could she make a living doing what she does? Where is her self-respect and dignity?"

Author Unknown

Inspiration

 

Do you inspire others? I believe you do, and maybe, you don't even know it. People like to know that someone is there to help show them that you can make it no matter what. Your actions and words have to bring people together. You know we are all different, and that's a good thing. Even with our differences, we are all the same in so many ways.

Today, I hope you have a really great day. Be open-minded, be helpful, and kind. Do what needs to be done and know that you have given the best of yourself when you close your eyes tonight.

Investments

How invested are you in finding solutions to overcoming obstacles that appear in your way? Some obstacles are tough; at times, they can seem impossible to move. You may go it alone or need help from others to figure it out. Whichever route you take, you will eventually succeed if you are committed, determined, and don't give up.

Remember, it's easier to give up when the going gets tough. Most people do. But if you have tenacity, perseverance, and an attitude that keeps you going until you win, you will find a way.

How different could your life be if you started treating yourself like an asset?

Would you pay attention to any outward or inward signs that something was going to change or needed a change or ignore them? Would you make time, daily, to make sure that you are doing the very best you can to manage your growth or assume that you don't need to grow any further?

How you treat yourself, talk to yourself, and act defines what you think about yourself and others. If you are self-confident, kind, and loving to who you are, then you can extend those feelings to others in a relaxed and stress-free way.

Let's face it, there will always be people who won't like you, who won't respect you and your journey, no matter what you do. You can't change how other people think or act. They are the only ones who can change themselves.

Please remember this as you continue the adventure you're on; be nice to yourself. Be congruent with what you are thinking about, saying, and doing. If you have a self-imposed burden that other peoples' opinions of you are so important, feel free to release that. What you think of yourself counts because you are here for a unique reason and purpose, designed just for you to fulfill.

I wish you joy, love and happiness every day!

"Vision is the art of seeing things invisible."Jonathan Swift

This observation comes from celebrated satirist Jonathan Swift’s 1706 collection of essays and one-liners, “Thoughts on Various Subjects.” With this clever turn of phrase, Swift muses that vision is the ability to see not just what’s in front of us, but possibilities, dreams, and triumphs that haven’t happened yet — because that is the first step in being able to pursue them.

"It is the artist's business to create sunshine when the sun fails."

"It is the artist's business to create sunshine when the sun fails."

Romain Rolland

Romain Rolland was a renowned French writer in the early 20th century, as well as an art professor with a deep passion for music. In 1915, he won the Nobel Prize in literature for his novel “Jean-Christophe,” which follows the life of the titular musical genius through all his trials and triumphs. Rolland was a lifelong pacifist who lived through World War I and most of World War II, and believed that peace was inexorably tied to humanity’s artistic instincts. His words here strengthen that connection: Artists make work that inspires and buoys us in difficult times, reminding us of the valuable things in life.

"Don't wish for less problems; wish for more skills." Jim Rohn

Many people are complaining because no one gives them what they want; a chance, a relationship, a job!

Who is going to give you what they want and why will they.

No amount of begging or wanting something will help you get what you want. This is the reality!

"Life responds to deserve and not to need." Jim Rohn

Most people do not care what we are going through and are only interested in what we can bring to their table. Yes, a harsh reality indeed.

This is the reality, "You can ignore reality, but you can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality." Ayn Rand

Never bury yourself in your daily routine and than wonder why you have no options!

If you want something, go get it!

"Patience is also a form of action." Auguste Rodin

French artist Auguste Rodin understood well the inherent virtue of patience. He is known for his expressive sculptures — most famously “The Thinker,” completed in 1904. Rodin spent long hours carefully crafting his creations from bronze and marble. His masterpieces, as well as his words above, remind us that slowing down and taking time for contemplation are also crucial parts of moving forward.

Going With The Flow

A Taoist story tells of an old man who accidentally fell into the river rapids leading to a high and dangerous waterfall. Onlookers feared for his life. Miraculously, he came out alive and unharmed downstream at the bottom of the falls. 

People asked him how he managed to survive. "I accommodated myself to the water, not the water to me. Without thinking, I allowed myself to be shaped by it. Plunging into the swirl, I came out with the swirl. This is how I survived."

Author Unknown

Nice is different than good.

Stephen Sondheim

After a terrifying brush with the big, bad Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood reflects on the experience through song in the musical “Into the Woods,” composed and written by late Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. The show tells the interwoven stories of many classic fairy-tale characters, but with a darker, humanized twist. In this moment, Little Red realizes that even though the Wolf was nice to her, his genteel behavior was superficial. As many of us have experienced, her first brush with danger leaves her a little more wary and wise as she continues her journey through the woods.