Focus

Marlene

When you focus on thoughts about things you can't control or the things you fear, what happens? You get stressed, depressed and find yourself not in a good place mentally.  Since you can't control them, why let them get the best of you? 

Who is in charge?  YOU are!

Yes, you can take charge of your thoughts and what you are focusing on.  Will everything turn out exactly as planned?  Probably not.  Will you have a better chance of success?  I say yes, and so have a lot of other people.

If you are not doing it yet, remind yourself each day that you will become more and more aware of what you are thinking about.  Once you know, then decide which thoughts you want to give your full attention to.

Here's to you!  You can do this.  Just be sure to laugh a little today and enjoy the moments!

You Are The Greatest Miracle

By Prem P. Guragain

Never, Never, Never, Give Up

Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi Banker, an Economist, founder of Grameen Bank and the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2006, said:

"Each of us has much more hidden inside us than we have had a chance to explore. Unless we create an environment that enables us to discover the limits of our potential, we will never know what we have inside of us."

Since the day a baby is born, it is the responsibility of the parents to mold the character and future of that child. No matter how we try to hide our behavior and activity at home, children can sense it; either it is positive or negative.

The biographies of great human beings, who contributed something in a positive way, have always been inspiration to many of us. By reading their trials and tribulations, we can all learn 'what needs to be followed' and 'what needs to be eliminated'.

When one is determined and focused to accomplish something worthwhile, many obstacles and challenges will arise on the way. As long as the goal is crystal clear and mind is determined to get it done, nothing can stop him or her.

Let's continue to the rest of the article:

https://motivateus.com/stories/you-are-the-miracle.htm

Change and acceptance

You change on a daily basis, whether you realize it or not.  Others may say hey, you've changed and they're right.  Guess what?  They have changed too.  Remember no one knows you better than you know yourself.  Change is and can be your friend.  Try embracing change rather than wishing things were the way they use to be.  Accept what is going on today and move forward with a smile.

Competition

Marlene

Your biggest competition this week is YOU!  Work to be better than you were yesterday.  You will be the only one who will be able to tell if you're making progress.  Don't give up if the going seems tough.  Keep working your plan and improving each day.  One tiny step each day will equal measurable movement over time.

The Time Has Come - Your Time Is Now

By Steve Maraboli

It's Your Season

Hope you all had a great summer. The weekend that symbolizes the end of summer has passed. Kids are going back to school. College students are in their dorms. Teachers and professors are back in the classrooms. People everywhere are switching from the summer mindset to the "back to work" state of mind.

The summer season begins to make its elegant exit as the fall greets us with its refreshing breezes. Change is in the air... What about you? Are you going to allow the world around you to change while you remain stagnant? Why not let this season of change be YOUR season?

Let this be the time when the fresh fall breeze carries a tune of change that makes your heart dance! It's YOUR season! You have been waiting to break free and release your greatest self. Let this be your season.

What does Steve mean?  Let's continue reading:

https://motivateus.com/stories/its-your-season.htm

Being Uncomfotable

Would you agree, Yeremiah, that if you only attempted to do comfortable things that you wouldn't be adequately prepared when the "uncomfortable" showed up?

Life is about experiencing everything you can - the good and the bad, the delightful and the sad - you know what I am talking about. Of course we all want life to move along smoothly with very few ripples.

May I ask you how do you deal with pain/sorrow/or anything uncomfortable if you never experienced it before? 

It may feel like a weight on your shoulders or on your life.  You can succumb to the pressure or you can try to use the experience to lift yourself up and out of it.  The more times you lift, the stronger you become.  By doing so , you are constantly preparing yourself to handle each and every situation the best you can.​​​​​​​

Here's to you today! Enjoy the ride!

Belief

According to Wikipedia, a Belief is the state of mind in which a person thinks something to be the case with or without there being empirical evidence to prove that something is the case with factual certainty.

We believe a lot of things, many are true and some are not. And belief has been responsible for many occurrences that we cannot explain otherwise. I've learned that everything is possible, whether I will ever see it or not.

Energy

Today, Yeremiah, think of what could be if you put 20% more energy into your goal.  You can do it, and then add another 20% of extra effort.  You've done this before when you have accomplished most anything.  Don't forget to enjoy the ride while doing this.  You don't have to be so serious, keep your sense of humor and be easy on yourself and others along the way.  

Learning Life's Lessons

Sent In by George Wachirah

Nudge The Balance

A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman, so God began to explain:

"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.

When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted because today, and sometimes only this very moment, is the only guarantee you may have.

Read more lessons at https://motivateus.com/stories/balance-in-life.htm

Life's Toolkit

By Denise Lammi

More Valuable Than Your Junk-Drawer

You probably have a toolkit or a junk drawer that contains tools that you use to perform tasks such as cutting paper, tightening screws, gluing things together.

Have you ever tried to cut paper without scissors?

Tighten a screw with your fingernail?

Get something to stick together without glue?

You probably have - and wished that you had (or found) the appropriate tool.

And yet, you probably perform life tasks without giving any thought to using appropriate life tools - the tools that enable you to more effectively perform tasks related to the demands and challenges of everyday life.

It's time to check the contents of your life toolkit to determine if you have forgotten, or are missing, some vital tools!

Read more at https://motivateus.com/stories/lifes-toolkit.htm

Masterpiece

Life is a masterpiece. Whatever you do will always shine and make you stand out in your surroundings. Live, laugh, and go wild you only get one life so make it count. Dance like no one is watching, sing off key, have a blast. You add to the masterpiece of your life constantly.

Friendships

People grow together and separately. People stick to what they love, choose what they feel is beneficial for them. This may not always benifit both parties in the relationship.

People grow apart through no fault of their own. Their are warning signs this is happening. If one chooses to deal with it they are better off.

Blame can be both destructive and motivating at the same time. Through it you can grow to   insurmountable heights. If you use blame as a tool it can help you acheive goals and overcome obsticles.

Listening to friends is extremely important in making sure relationships lasts. Through listening we can better ourselves to become more adequate, fun-loving, and responsive friends.

Time

Prince Ea

Time doesn’t actually exist.
Time only exists only when we think about it.

There’s just the eternal now.

We use time in our society to make sure we’re not late for work and it adds organization to our lives.

But time is just a human construct. 

When we become too attached to it, we get stuck in the cycle of getting lost in the future or past and create this habit of anxiety.

Being in the moment is the highest vibe we can be in, so use time just like a tool.

When you need it for practical reasons, pick it up. When you’re done, put it down.

When we let go of time, we give our minds a break.

It significantly reduces our stress levels and
grounds us in the moment.

Be sure to use time so that it doesn’t use you.

Communication

Marlene

Communication plays an important part in our lives.  Be sure to use these words a lot!  People are emotional beings and want to feel appreciated and also respected.  Take time today to reflect on how often you say or write these words to others and if need be... well, I think you know what to do.

Here's to you today!  Thank you for all the love and support you send to me and I'm sorry if we haven't connected yet.  Just hit reply and say hi!

Rules

Why do we have so many rules and laws in todays society? Are they really necessary? Whatever happened to freedom? How could people balence rules and laws with freedom? What are we really afraid of when we have no rules or laws? Are we afraid of chaos? Must we be afraid of chaos? I don't think chaos is evil, I think the unknown is what really scares us. I think if we just own up to the fact that we could expand our boundaries    exponentially we would be fine. But we let fear get in the way and that is the problem.

Trust

Why do people have such a hard time with trust? For some it comes easily, yet for others it is almost impossible.

Trust is needed in any relationship for it to grow and be healthy. But why is it so difficult to replenish it once it has vacated the area.

Trust needs to be rooted in an idea intensely. It has to or else it can wither away and die. Without trust nothing can last. You need to trust freely, however not trust blindly.

We all have shortcoming which we need to deal with and focus on. Overcoming these obsticles takes a great deal of effort. Spiritually, mentally and physically these obsticles can be very draining until they are dealt with to their end. Then you can move on and go forward with your life.

Changes in Life

Marlene

It is never too late to turn around. Your life matters and if you got off on the wrong foot, took a turn that you regret, or ended up in a situation that no longer works for you - you can change it.

Today, you can stand with your head high and know that better things are headed your way if you make the right moves.  Yes, it may be difficult, it may cause you some grief, it may feel so uncomfortable that you consider staying where you are in your life.  That, dear Yeremiah, will ultimately be up to you.

I think all of us have fallen at times, got up and shook ourselves off. I know I have. And I also know that you can do it too. So remember that today is the beginning of your new life. Embrace the possibilities and go for it with gusto, a smile, and confidence in your heart.  We're here to cheer you on!

Snowglobes

The more confused you are, the more wonderous your creation can be. Just shake it and experiance the joy it brings. Life is revitalized with every effort set forth on your path to joyous freedom.

Snowglobes are memories of different aspects of life. These memories change and shift as do snowglobes eternal structures.

Learning

Marlene

It's been said that you can't learn anything when you talk, that only when you listen can you discover additional information and learn something new..  No one has all the answers, there's not enough time available in one lifetime.

Those you work with have wisdom, gifts and talents that perhaps you haven't noticed or maybe they haven't shared with you yet.

Reach out to them; be interested in what they have to say.  Learn as much as you can and apply the knowledge to whatever situation is applicable.

If you could do this every day, with each person you encounter, you will be wise beyond your years.

Communication

Communication is dying. We are  not even trying. If this happens it will be such a catastrophe. A picture isn't worth a thousand words at all. It is not worth you losing your vocabulary over. So please turn off the TV and read, write or even better yet talk to your friends, family or even a stranger. Who knows that strangee may become your knw best friend.

Curiosity

Curiosity is one of the most fascinating aspects of being alive. With it you can accomplish anything or nothing. It leads to great aspects of life. You find out new things every day whether you are aware of them or not. You have to reflect on your curiosity and that makes it more substantial to you.

Someone once said that, "curiosity killed the cat." While that may be true it inspired said cat to do wonderous things as well. Exploration is a form of curiosity. In exploration you discover and uncover the truth. But truth is just a concept, right?  Truth is whatever the majority thinks it is.

Guilt...

Guilt is by far the most useless emotion. It just makes you feel horrible. If it is not remedied with compassion you can go bananas.

You need to take it easy with yourself and those around you and you will be all the happier for it.

Guilts purpose is to teach you something was wrong, when that lesson is learned you are free you are free to live your life to the fullest. Make each day count, if not for you then for your community. Think of what you can do and live it out to the max. Make each breath of every moment count. Don't be angry or negative. Stay happy and positive. Because you will survive every obsticle set before you. Beleive in yourself.

The Power of Hope

Hope never dies. It lives on through those it touches. Hope never quits. It all works out for the best.

Hope shows us that their is more to life then we see. Hope connects us to other worldly creatures of all sorts both imaginary and real.

Hope calls us too exceed al aspirations and overcome all obsticles. It lets us have adventures and fun. We cannot live without hope, because without hope their is no life.

Hope is life. Life is imaginative. Life is supposed to be as laughable as possible. Through laughing you make hope fun. Without fun life will not be worth living.

Life is meant to be fun...

You are supposed to have a blast with your life, after all you only get one toluve right, but you can't have too much fun or you'll get in trouble.

If you are seen enjoying yourself too much society thinks that their is something wrong with that one. These accidents that society labels us as our are greatest minds, thinkers, and "imagineers." They think outside  the barriers that define us and call us all to a new level of thinking. Sure their may be some quarks and oddball misknowmers, but besides all that their is genius.

So let the genius shine through, no matter what the cost, because if you don't you will be at a further loss.

Building bridges to the unknown that's what life is always about. Not packaging items into tiny boxes, expand your horizons. Make every minute in every day count. Oh yes, and don't forget make every breathe count.

By making every breathe count you will make a tornado of good thoughts. In this tornado their may be a few bad ones, but that never spoiled the broth before, so it will not now.

LOVE SHALL ALWAYS FIND A WAY

No matter what love will always guide you through all barricades that life throws at you. If you believe you can acheive anything you set your heart and mind to. I, for one, want a friendly world, where we aren't afraid to hold doors open for people, and we are not afraid if we offended that person by what we said. I say we are all adults so let's be treated with respect, but not walk on eggsheels around people because that is not living. In life, you should make each moment count because you don't know if its gonna be your last or first in the grand scheme of things. Stay Positive!

Breathe

Today, can we just breathe and be in the moment? Leave yesterday alone and focus on what is in front of you. Laugh, really laugh to set your endorphins off.

No matter who you are or where you live, someone has it better than you and others have it worse than you.  That's kind of how life is.  Be happy for those who have made it and encourage those who keep trying.

Fast Food and Boomerangs

By Kim Patterson

I recently read a story about the "boomerang theory" which stated, "Whatever you throw out into the world comes back to you".

I am the director of sales at a large distribution company, and daily I share an insight or quote with my staff.

Today I shared the boomerang story to reiterate the importance of "throwing out" only positive to our customer base and co-workers to ensure that positive "landed back at our feet".

Today I was running late for lunch, and as often is the case, I stopped to get fast food, but not just any place would do. I needed a dose of Frank - quite possibly the best fast food window associate that I have ever encountered.

What makes Frank so special?  Let's find out:

https://motivateus.com/stories/ff-boomerangs.htm

Customer service

Marlene

Customer service is something we are all familiar with.  Are there secrets to make our customers glad that they have chosen to work with us?

Beautiful Day

Marlene

What a beautiful day - shall we start the week off talking about preparation?  To be a success in anything you do, pay attention to the details.  Keep your attention focused on what you want to happen, take the necessary steps each day to insure you are still on target and laugh a little along the way.

Sure it might be tough, but you're tough too.  Think of all you've accomplished so far and the struggles and opportunities that have been presented to you.  You are in charge of your life - make it the best you can.

Success

Marlene

Success does not come easy and failure is a natural part of the path you will take on the way, in fact it may happen many times.  I know first hand that it is hard not to lose heart, to say this is enough, I don't need to keep going down this road.  I will do something else.  

When you are used to winning, to being successful there seems to be an expectation that it will always work out that way.  But I know it doesn't.  A sudden jolt of reality creeps in and then what?  You start all over again.. you rally to the call of your heart and get back into the game.

Go the Extra mile!

Marlene

A lot of people won't go the extra mile, as if they need someone to tell them what to do.  Use a bit of initiative and see how creative you can be.  

Remember: Every company is looking for future leaders.

Why can't you be one of them

The Bridge Of Forgiveness

By Lumie Rose N. Jawili

Forgiveness Is A Gift You Give To Yourself

How far we can forgive, and how often?

I had the privilege to visit this wonderful place in Palawan during the summer's gospel team. After the long and exciting week, we had a chance to explore the place where we are assigned. We came upon this narrow hanging bridge made of 2 bamboos and a long rope, where you can hold tightly for your life as you cross it.

I was so afraid of heights (I think most of us were not accustomed to crossing such a perilous bridge) however, our team leader told us that we must cross this bridge in order to see the magnificent falls that lie out on the other side (and of course to have lunch).

"As you cross this bridge, think about forgiveness. Difficult, but it is possible."

Read more at: https://motivateus.com/stories/bridge-of-forgiveness.htm

Forgive

Marlene

I've been angry with my father for not being there for me all my life but I've only been hurting myself in the process. So I forgive him everyday, even though he doesn't care. It feels good to my soul.

Forgiveness is such a huge topic yet I believe everyone can use some, including ourselves. Let's see what one writer has to say about the topic.

Choices

Marlene

Again we are talking about choices. You can change them any time you need to.  Sometimes we have people in our lives that we think we know only to find out later they are not who we thought they were.  Now what?

I try to ask myself this:  "Is this person helping or hurting my life?"  If they aren't helping, then I probably won't be spending much time with them.  Doesn't mean they aren't good people, just means not good for me right now.

So be sure to look at your relationships with pthers.  Who are you going to spend your time with.

Having the Courage to Face My Fears

By Katherine Whellams

Everyone Has Their Own Fears... Not Just You 

To be a burden to anyone

I'm not sure if it's because I don't have the guts to put anyone in any kind of discomfort or that I am just too stubborn to depend on anyone. 

Either way, I don't want to...

To lose someone that I love

I know a lot of people share this sentiment but it makes me think sometimes, are we really afraid to lose these people or are we just afraid of the pain we are going to go through? 

Either way, I don't want to...

To die young

I am too selfish because I still want to experience and see so much or I know that I still have a lot of things to do for everyone, especially to those I owe my life to.

Either way, I don't want to...

Read more at https://motivateus.com/stories/facing-our-fears.htm

Help??

Marlene

Ever ask someone if they could help you and they say no?  How did that make you feel?  You see when you ask for anything, you have to be willing to also accept the fact that people have the right to answer either yes or no to your request.  

Does that mean you give up?  I don't think so - you're tougher than that.  You have to continue looking for someone to say yes.  Yes they can help you, maybe in the way you need it, or maybe by introducing you to someone else.

Above all, do everything you can to improve your situation.  Maybe it's taking a part time job, a full time job.  You have to first try to help yourself.  Right?

Go into the day with an attitude that things will work out, that you are making progress and are willing to do whatever it takes to improve your life.  Be hopeful and happy along the way because YOU are in control of how you feel and you want to feel as good as possible because your life matters.

Flight

Marlene

Ask any pilot why resistance is important to flight and maybe you will see the parallel to living life.  If everything were easy to obtain, there would be no value to it.  When a challenge presents itself and you conquer it, you feel the lift. 

Shortcuts

There will always be shortcuts for everything, and from my experience... they don't always work. So what was accomplished? Not much. Looking for the easy way out usually ends up meaning more work.

Can you imagine someone, trying to get back on shape, picking up a 50 lb. weight and trying to lift it over their head 20 times?  They heard that it's a shortcut to defining their muscles.  A shortcut maybe to the Emergency Room after they've ripped their muscles.  They knew it would take time, a lot of time and training before they could comfortably move on to such a weight, but no - no time - have to have it now.

What other areas of life do you think it's unwise to take a shortcut?

Let's be smart about what we are trying to accomplish, Yeremiah.  Look at the shortcut and ask yourself, does this make sense? Will this allow me to get to my goal or will the shortcut be one that causes me to start all over if it doesn't deliver the results I desire.

Hope

Marlene

Hope. We saw it in action yesterday as the last people in the cave in Thailand emerged. Hope is alive and well and yes, miracles do happen. Remember this - always have hope because what you thought was impossible is now possible.

Adversity

Marlene

Ah yes, adversity! You know what it's like, you've lived through it many times. The experience and insights you acquire during difficult times can be used as fuel to propel you forward.

Any successful person that I have ever met, didn't have an easy time on their quest to success. They continued to take steps, sometimes really small ones, while dealing with their problems. You can do it too!

Don't hold a Grudge

Life's to short to hold a grudge. Don't take your situation so seriously and by all means make others as well as yourself smile. There's too much sadness and strife within the world, lighten it up by cracking a joke and amusing yourself as well as others. Be a ray of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day for yourself as well as the world around you.

Learn To Boost Your Self-Esteem

By Sarah Hongerloot

Self-Esteem - How Does One Acquire and Maintain It?

It is no secret that low self-esteem is a pervasive problem in society and much of it stemming from negative childhood experiences, i.e. verbal/physical/sexual abuse. I, for one, am no stranger to the common pitfalls low self-esteem can have on an individual, struggling to find their place in the world. It is a disease even the seemingly most accomplished individuals have.

In the book titled: "Breaking The Chain of Low Self-Esteem" by Marilyn Sorensen, Ph.D., the writer illustrates how LSE (Low Self Esteem) is easily misdiagnosed by therapists as Depression. Of course, LSE, is a contributing cause of depression - yet according to Marilyn, a separate illness altogether. It is like prescribing medication as a band-aid to cover a root symptom of depression masked as LSE.

I am, in no way, saying the use of anti-depressants isn't helpful in achieving equilibrium and mental stability as a tool for combating the effects of depression as part of therapy treatment. However, Marilyn's book explores roots from our past so we can fully understand where our negative thought patterns originated and why our subconscious mind continues to harbor those same negative thought patterns to be true.

Continue reading: http://motivateus.com/stories/how_to_self_esteem.htm

Minds eye

Marlene

Can you picture in your mind's eye how this scenario can play out?

Each day we are offered opportunities to learn, to grow, or to evolve to a little higher plane.  Most of the time any opportunity will require some work.  Are you ready to do that? Many won't be so they won't take the next step.

I believe you will.  I believe you have it in you to move forward each day.  Now I ask, do you believe it too?  Do you believe in YOU?

Do You Take Pride In Your Work?

By Sir Shiv Khera

Pride of Performance does not represent ego. It represents pleasure with humility.

"The quality of the work and the quality of the worker are inseparable."

Half-hearted effort does not produce half results; it produces no results.

Three people were laying bricks. A passerby asked them what they were doing.

Adversity

Marlene

I think we all know that adversity, failure and heartache will come into our lives, time and time again.  It's just how the cycle of life works.  You have to be aware and mentally prepared to handle them.

So how do you do this, Yeremiah? Control your attitude, with practice.

Napoleon Hill interview successful people for over 20 years to discover what they knew that others didn't.  These people were just like you and me - they were real people with real lives, real problems, and real solutions.  All of the people interviewed acknowledged that their ability to see the silver lining in every situation and keep their attitude positive and optimistic, no matter what, improved their life and chances of success.

Take heart, my friend, life is wonderful, beautiful and worth living.  The ups and downs really aren't surprises - they are there to test your will, your faith and your outlook on life.  I believe you can handle anything.  Now you just need to start believing it too, if you don't already.  

Babies and Hospitals

Marlene

Too beautiful of a person Marlene, did I ever tell you about Emma, a little four-year-old girl that I met while doing volunteer work at Crippled Children's Hospital in 1970?

Emma was born without arms and legs. The Thalidomide babies were born. Women took a morning sickness drug before it was officially approved by the Food and Drug administration.

The babies were brought to Crippled Children's hospitals all across America. The therapist made a leather bucket for Emma to sit in. The bucket was attached to an eighteen by eighteen inch board with casters on all corners. Emma would wiggle her torso back and fourth to propel herself forward down the halls of the Hospital.

Emma wore pink barrettes in her pigtail hair. She had a diaper on and wore a white T shirt with a bunny rabbit on it.

I was doing volunteer work and they put me with all boys in a room. The boys all had serious birth disabilities. I will try to make the story much shorter than it is.

Beacon of Light

Marlene

Can you be a beacon of light?  Sure you can - spread good news.  Let's face it - the world seems to be in turmoil right now and the only thing we can really control is ourselves.  What we say and what we do should reflect the goodness within.

If you constantly listen to the news or read about the horrible things that happen, how will you ever find something good to talk about?  To think about?

You just have to decide you will.  Be an adventurer - set a course for what you are looking for.

There are so many good people in the world, good ideas, good actions happening all the time.  Find them and spread the word.

Possiblities are endless

Marlene

Are you ready and open to what may be possible for you?

This week, take time each day to work on yourself. There is always room for improvement and you know best what area to focus on.  Start with the big picture and pare it down into workable steps.

Old baggage

Marlene

Ouch!  Old baggage - get rid of it!  Nothing in the past can be changed so why worry about it?  Why take it with you everywhere you go? Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  Decide what it will look like. 

Respect goes wild

Marlene

If you don't treat your employees well, with respect and confidence, how do you think they will treat your customers?  Everyone, without exception, needs to know that their presence and contributions are vital to your company's success.

Remember customers are both internal and external forces.  Your internal customers are your employees, your vendors, your partners, your superiors.  Treat them like gold and they will do all they can to help ALL customers. Doesn't get any better than this.  

School's Out?

By Miles Patrick Yohnke

That early September morning, in 1979, started like any other. I walked my normal two blocks and waited on the corner of Arlington Ave. and Main St. for the bus. Route 8. I would take it each morning, and do a transfer downtown - in front of the Hudson's Bay department store.

This was one of the main hubs where the buses of the Saskatoon Transit System gathered back then and folks would transfer from one bus to another to get to their destinations. I would get on one more bus, either Route 21 or Route 1, and head into the neighbourhood of Mayfair.

After forty-five minutes I would finally reach my destination, 830 Idylwyld Dr. North, and ultimately, my school, Sion High School. This particular morning was the start of the new school year and Grade 10. I didn't know it then, but that day, during that year, would change the path I had been following up until that time.

We had a new school teacher that had started that year. I would have her for one class, each day. When she introduced herself, she didn't write her last name like most teachers would. She simply wrote on the chalkboard her first name, "Connie".

All of the teachers at this special school for the learning impaired had their own unique, caring and loving way of teaching, but Connie's methods of teaching were quickly separating her from the others.

She took our class on a field trip to our downtown library: the Frances Morrison branch. I had never been to a public library before, and I felt terribly uncomfortable. We were about to leave when she noticed I hadn't borrowed anything.

Connie took me aside and said, "Miles, the library and the library system are wonderful resources. They have everything, and if you can't find it, they'll order it in for you. They are powerful tools for personal growth."

Who knew so much was available, Yeremiah? And why is it important for you? Please continue reading:
http://motivateus.com/stories/yohnke-school-is-out.htm

Helping

Why not start off today with an attitude that you will help people this week?  You have the power to heal someone's soul, Yeremiah, and you might not even know it.

What if you were kinder than normal, smiled more than you are used to or listened better than you want to?

What could happen? To you?  To the other person?

You never know what is going on in someone else's life. You never know what a smile, a hug or some words of encouragement can do.

Start each day being thankful for the opportunities presented to you and for the people who show up in your life.  I believe there are no accidents; there is a purpose for each experience to further our learning and growth.

Love life

Marlene

If you can find something you love to do and make a living at it, you will never feel like you are working.  In the meantime, if that's not possible right now, then work hard at your current job so that you have the funding to support yourself and your dream. 

A career change can happen at any time in your life, Yeremiah; you'll never be too old to have fun and enjoy doing what you love. 

Considerate

What does considerate mean? Being thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others. I believe you do your children a huge favor when you teach them early on how to do this.

People have feelings, just like you. You may not agree with them or like them but remember to always treat people the way you would like to be treated. You are really teaching your childtren self-control and respect.

Let's continue to do our part to make this world a little kinder and gentler. Be nice whether or not someone else is to you because that's who you are; that's how you operate. Teach this to your kids and allow their inherent goodness to shine bright.

The Power Of Words

By Christian H. Godefroy

A speaker was speaking about the power of positive thinking and the power of words.

One of the audience raised his hand and said,

"It's not because I say good fortune, good fortune, good fortune that will make me feel better. Nor will saying bad luck, bad luck, bad luck, make me feel worse. They're only words and, by themselves, have no power."

The speaker replied. "Shut up, you fool, you don't understand a thing about this."

The member of the audience was stunned, his face became red and he was about to reply, "You, son of a..."

The speaker raised his hand.

What in the world was he going to say next? Let's continue:
http://motivateus.com/stories/powerof.htm

Advantages

Maybe you're saying, "I didn't have any advantages."  Really?  We've all had advantages, most of them we just took for granted.  Each person you meet has had a different journey than you have.  Cut people some slack.  Remember, you don't know what went on in their life to bring them to today.

Offer others the same respect and acceptance that you hope they will give to you.  Not always easy to do - I agree - yet just because something is hard doesn't mean it's not worth it.  I guess what I'm trying to say is be kind.  Be kinder than you think you should or want to be. Be as kind as you would want someone to be to you.  

Today you can make a difference in someone's life.  Take advantage of that opportunity, you won't regret it.  Sprinkle a little kindness on everyone you meet.  Make their day special and yours will be too.

Marlene

Creativity

Creativity is dying. It cannot. If this happens life as we know it will ceace to exist. Its suffering because of all this technological advances. Technology may be good to some extent, but to much of anything can be a bad thing.

We have to live in harmony with everything and everyone. We owe it to ourselves as well as the future generations that will inherit our legacies. We have to maintain a balence between the arts and sciences. We need to learn to let go more and to dance, draw, create, or write; with all your heart and soul before you forget how to express yourself.

Six Keys To Success

By Brian G. Jett

I want to share with you something that I came up with that I call "The six keys to success".

Right off the bat:
Don't confuse how much money one has as to his or her success!

These keys will not unlock any opportunities of success without first having a strong and unfailing faith in God or that Being which is greater than you. Please don't go through life as your "own little god."
 
I encourage you to memorize these six keys by using the word ADVICE to do so.

Attitude
Bloom where you are planted. You have a choice to get back up after temporary set backs. Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference!

Direction
If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. Write your short term goals down on paper. I have discovered and continue to discover that putting your dreams and goals down on paper lock in or focus your belief that they can be achieved--even if you have to take a course correction in achieving your goals. Success comes in cans, failure comes in can'ts.

Let's continue with Brian's other keys for success:
http://motivateus.com/stories/sixkeys.htm

Thoughts become things

Everything is a thought before it materializes or manifests into something concrete.  Just how many thoughts do we have each day?  It has been documented at somewhere between 12,000 and 60,000 - plus or minus 10,000.  Do some research; you will find it is a common number.

So with that many thoughts flying around in your mind, what kind of thought habits do highly self-confident people have?

According to author and counselor Meg Selig, there are 7 habits anyone can practice to become more self-confident. One critical point that Meg focuses on is this: Tune into the little things you do right every day instead of over-focusing on what you think you did wrong.

Starting over

You can start over whenever you want or need to because there's nothing that says you can't.  Remember, this is your life.  If you didn't get it right or if something has thrown you off track, take a step to correct it and move forward.

There is no shame in changing your mind or direction.  This may happen more than once, so please get use to the idea of change. Embrace change, don't fight it; don't let it wreck your day or cause you to be negative.

You are in charge, so define your future and know that you can do this!

Could You Be The Next CEO?

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next C.E.O.. I have decided to choose one of you."

The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued.

"I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next C.E.O.."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Everyday he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

What is Jim going to do now? Continue reading:
http://motivateus.com/stories/chief-executive-officer.htm

Helping

Yes, the customer.  Years ago I sold cars and trucks for a living.  Loved helping people buy, not selling them on anything. I listened to what they wanted, asked a lot of questions, then helped them complete the sale.  Sure the boss passed out the paychecks at the end of the month, but it was commission from each sale, each customer, that made the total.

You see I loved my customers and they loved me.  So the next time you think your boss or your company pays you, make no mistake - if you don't take care of the customer, someone else will.  Give your best to each person and you will be rewarded.

Quote stories

There is a story behind every quote. Why would someone say this? Henry lost a son; it is in his memory that he asks all of us to live in the moment. As you go about your day today, think about how lucky you are to be here, at this time in history. Make the moments special, no matter how small they are.

Piano Lessons

Barbara was driving her six-year-old son, Benjamin, to his piano lesson. They were late, and Barbara was beginning to think she should have canceled it.

There was always so much to do, and Barbara, a night-duty nurse at the local hospital, had recently worked extra shifts. She was tired. The sleet storm and icy roads added to her tension. Maybe she should turn the car around.

"Mom!" Ben cried, "Look!"

Just ahead a car had lost control on a patch of ice. As Barbara tapped the brakes, the other car spun wildly, rolled over, then crashed sideways into a telephone pole.

Barbara pulled over, skidded to a stop and threw open her door. Thank goodness she was a nurse--she might be able to help these unfortunate passengers.

Then she paused. What about Ben? She couldn't take him with her -- little boys shouldn't see scenes like the one she anticipated.

But was it safe to leave him alone? What if their car were hit from behind? For a brief moment Barbara considered going on her way. Someone else was sure to come along. No!

"Ben, honey, promise me you'll stay in the car!"

What happens next? Continue to read: http://motivateus.com/stories/angels3.htm

Determination

Determination plays a major role in success.  It's hard sometimes to stay the course, especially when difficulties arise.

You can do it; keep telling yourself that.  Believe you have it in you to succeed.  Most people give up too soon because it's not always easy.  Remember, Yeremiah, you're not like that.

Embrace all of your dreams and take the necessary steps to bring them into reality.  You can do it, you are doing it, you will do it until you finish the job.

Marlene

Dream Big

Ever hear the phrase "Dream Big"?  I believe that is what this quote is trying to tell us and in the process, your life unfolds and experiences bring gifts to your life.  Some make achieve financial success, others love and harmony. 

It has also been said that if your goals aren't big enough and you aim too low - that's what you'll get.  You see you are too important and have too much to do to play it safe all the time.  Remember, there is always risk involved, in anything you pursue, in life.

Encouragement

Everyone needs encouragement and everyone needs to give encouragement to someone else. That's part of life. Each of us wants to feel connected, noticed and respected.

Encouragement, Yeremiah, is like a hug from your mom, a smile from your child, a good job from your boss. It makes you feel better, stronger, more capable.

After all, people are all about feelings. Be sure you are doing your part by bringing positive words and actions to others. You can do it! That's encouragement!

Marlene

Fear

I think we all have had to start over, and it's not always easy - even if it is something we want.

Whenever we make a change in life, we have to let go of something or many things to get something else.

Don't let fear stop you.  Life is constantly changing around us and in us. Learn to embrace change as a natural part of life.  Look at your new start as an adventure in learning more about yourself and the world around you.

Think differently

Time to think differently and move to a better life.  You can do it, just believe in yourself a little bit more.  Remember new behaviors take time - you have to practice them over and over again and then some. 

Here we are on the third day of May.  Don't waste any time.  Start to enjoy your life today!

7 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power Right Now

We all have such a lot to be grateful for... our friends, our loved ones, even the life we live.

I'm also grateful for my brain, though I'm told that aging is responsible for a decrease in your brain’s health and fitness.

If you're not ready to take that realization laying down... and want to maintain great brain health a long way through your
life, there are a number of things you can do RIGHT NOW to improve your mental powers...

I listed them in a recent blog post. Here's a snippet of what
I wrote:

1. Switch it up! Break Up Your Routine.

Try taking a different route to work, eating lunch in a different
spot, or reading a book as opposed to watching TV.

Anything that interrupts your habits asks your brain to make new and different connections and associations can help
stimulate the production of neurotrophins, an important protein responsible for superior brain health.

Follow this link here to read the full post...

7 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power Right Now

There are some really good action points here... I can't wait to get out and get started!

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Other Popular Articles (And Other Interesting Topics)…

The Unbelievable Power of Placebo - if you’ve ever wondered just how powerful your brain is, the placebo effect provides
the perfect example. DIscover how to harness the power of placebo to deliver huge success in life

8 Morning Habits For a Successful Life - If you want to have an awesome day, you need to set the stage right from the
get-go. So here are the top morning habits that will supercharge your success

How to kick your bad habits to the kerb - Psychiatrist Judson
Brewer talks about how habits start – be it good or bad – and
how to use the power of mindfulness to break them.

How to Draw Your Future - Patti Dobrowolski, a writer and
business consultant, did an eye-opening TED talk on this...

Watch the video here!

Are you manifesting your dreams or someone else's? -

How are we sure we’re following our dreams and not anyone
else’s? What are the signs that you might not be living your
own best life? Find out here

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Recommended Products and Resources

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Experiment that Lets You Legally “Steal” the Talents of Absolutely ANY Genius!

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Energy, Productivity, Mood, Relaxation, Motivation & More.

I hope you have a fantastic week ahead. I will chat to
you again soon!

Your friend,

Heather Mathews
Author
Manifestation Miracle

Unica Publications Ltd
4281 Express Lane Suite L2521
Sarasota Florida 34238
USA

Gratitude

Gratitude – Make Yourself Happier
Posted: 02 May 2018 02:31 PM PDT

You know what the main difference between a happy life and a miserable life is?  Gratitude.
Happiness in life boils down to this:  If you are genuinely appreciative/grateful for things, you will be happy.  If you are not appreciative or grateful, your life may look desirable from the outside, but YOU will be miserable.
It’s not only your own happiness determined by your gratitude… it’s the happiness of all of those around you, as well.  If you are genuinely appreciative, it shows, not only in your words, but in your actions.  If you are appreciative of what others do for you, they will be happy to do things for you, meaning their happiness will increase, as well.
So give it a try sometime… pay attention to what others do for you, and realize that they are putting in their own time and effort to do something for you.  They’ll never have that time back, and whatever time they spend on you is time that they can’t spend on their own heart’s desire (unless, of course, what they are doing for you IS their heart’s desire).  If you truly take a moment to consider that, you actually will appreciate that they have done something for you.
Thank them.  Smile genuinely at them.  Meet their eyes.
Make sure you acknowledge the people who show you appreciation… smile back, meet their eyes and genuinely tell them they are welcome.  Wish them a good day as you leave.
You, and those around you, will feel the difference quickly, often in a single day, certainly within a week, and a month can make a lifetime’s worth of difference.
And, in keeping with this post, I genuinely appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this, and appreciate it even more if you comment and let me know, whether on the site, on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AMiracleADay) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/AMiracleADay).
I hope I’ve reminded you to take the time and that I’ve added a bit of happiness to your life, and those around you… combine this with a few moments of silence, and you should see a remarkable difference.
The post Gratitude – Make Yourself Happier appeared first on A Miracle A Day.

Be That Champion

Don't Doubt Your Beliefs and Convictions

By Brian G. Jett

What Mohammad Ali accomplished during his "Rumble In The Jungle" in defeating George Foreman, we can also not do what Ali's willingness to creatively think afforded him; a hefty hand back in return. Not only some bucks, but the championship belt.

During my third and fourth grade years, my family uprooted to Louisville, Kentucky. To our

surprise, we soon discovered the quick witted World Boxing Champion's mother lived less than one mile from our home. Ali was my dad's idol and such a realization mixed well with my father's assertive nature.

During one of Ali's visits to stay with his mother, my dad stung my brother and I with a sucker punch as he urged us to get in the car with his camera in hand.

"Why?" we asked.

"I know Ali is at his mom's house. I want you boys to meet the champ!" he firmly replied.

My brother hopped in and I, sadly, opted out. I was scared to be so crass as to go to this big man's childhood home. He had a tight schedule and limited time with his mom and, honestly, my dad's overly assertive manner embarrassed me.

My brother was game, I was entirely too tame! Like a domesticated AKC Terrier, anxiety struck my mind with deadly precision. Not jamming on Terrier bred dogs but my observation has been that they're rather wired for sound. Not all the time, but most of the time.

What did this occasion cause Brian to learn?  Read more:

http://motivateus.com/stories/act-like-a-champion.htm

Emotion

Emotion - yes that's what drives most people.  I have to admit, I use to try to be logical

with others when they were in highly charges situations and it didn't always work out

the way I wanted.  Over the course of many years,  I have learned that emotions and

feelings matter more than any logic to the majority of people.

Understanding and practicing these skills have been extremely helpful for me and probably for you too.  Now what could we all do to improve our emotional intelligence?

Jennifer Guttman, PsyD Clinical Psychology wrote an article about this subject that I would like to share with you.  It starts out like this:

"The most important factor in attempting to cultivate emotional intelligence is the importance of listening and not talking. When people feel like they are having difficulty with a social skill, their insecurities bring on talking. So, when people are insecure about something, they tend to talk a lot. The most important thing when you're trying to learn a skill often is to just be quiet. Listening is a vital part of trying to learn about emotional intelligence."

Here's a link to the rest of the article, Yeremiah. 

https://www.inc.com/quora/the-single-most-important-thing-you-can-do-to-build-emotional-intelligence.html

Friends

We have friends in life that will stick with us through thick and thin.  Be thankful for all who come into your life, no matter how long they stay, for they are there for a reason.

The Courage To Ask The Question

Will You Be The One?
Author Unknown

David was bringing food to his brothers at the battlefront when he saw Goliath. He wasn't thinking of becoming a hero, he just seized an opportunity other soldiers only dream about.

Opportunities will catch you by surprise, and if you're not alert and ready, you'll miss them. What others discovered in David that day - had been there all along!

If you're a leader, you already possess the talent necessary to lead. But courage is what will establish you as a leader before others. The people we revere most, demonstrate courage - courage on the battlefield and in the boardroom, courage to defend the defenseless, or simply to attempt what nobody else thought possible.

You say, 'But I don't have the money.' Don't worry; capital follows courage. What, always precedes how. Don't be intimidated by the numbers. God is not moved by spreadsheets and market conditions, He's moved by faith.

Don't let how intimidate you. It's because how is so challenging that it provides you with great opportunity.

Read more: http://motivateus.com/stories/the-courage-to-ask-the-question.htm

Choose your path?

Will you be a trailblazer? Each of us in our own way can make an imprint on the world. You can try and be like everyone else or you can explore your gifts and talents and maybe take your career up a notch. What else can be accomplished in your field?

Sit and think for a while over the weekend about what you want to do and what will be required. Allow your mind to open up a bit. Read something other than the news. Relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

Today is your day - make the most of it because it will take you to your future.

What's Your Attitude Like?

By Bob Stoess

Attitude is one of the most important ingredients in determining success or lack thereof for all people. Successful people have one thing in common - an expectant attitude of success.

Most people begin each morning in neutral and react to events of the day.

You can be one of the successful people in life by starting each day with a positive attitude, a gratitude for the opportunities you have, and an expectancy of the best for yourself.

Very interesting. Let's find out more

http://motivateus.com/stories/AnExpectantAttitude.htm

Bouncing Back

Asking for Help through Life's Setbacks

Life happens whether we are ready for it or not, and in May 2005, my mom passed away after an extended illness. I'm not sure we are ever really prepared to lose a parent, especially Mom, who has loved and nurtured us all of our lives. I had more things I needed to talk with her about, and I know I wasn't ready to let her go.

Less than one month later, my husband fell from a ladder, suffered a head injury, and died a week later.  My husband was not only my life partner but my business partner, and there I was left to run our business and my life alone.

After getting through the initial shock of losing the two people who had the greatest impact on my life, I started to pick up the pieces with the help and strength provided by family, friends, and business associates.

I quickly learned that asking for help was the only way I would survive the grief and keep my business and my home intact. I'd often find myself looking around in a daze, feeling overwhelmed because my challenges seemed so great.

Learning to put my ego aside and ask for the help I needed was a huge accomplishment. I discovered that people really wanted to help, but they didn't know how. My request opened the door for them to give the support they wanted to share.

Read what happens next: http://motivateus.com/stories/bouncing-back.htm

Life will surprise all of us, more than we can ever believe and we can make it through with the help of family, friends and associates.

Choosing

What are you choosing?  Be aware of what you are thinking, saying and doing and does it align with who you are, who you want to be.

They say that people can't change - I believe they can and do.  Too many examples of individuals who consciously made a decision and worked hard to bring that thought into reality.

Gratefulness is one quality I think we all aspire to have. But what does it mean to be grateful? Does it mean being thankful for all the good things that have come into your life? Yes. Does it mean being thankful for all the "bad" situations too? Yes.  But sometimes its hard to remember to be grateful, right?

So what can you do?

One suggestion is to make a vow to show appreciation every day for all the blessings you receive, whether you know about them or not. Write this vow down and put it in a place where you will be reminded of it each day.

When you make it a habit, I think you will find that your life is happier and brighter because of constant gratitude.

Get back up and try again.  You can do it, no matter what the challenge is.  Think.  Think again.  Ask for help if you need it.  If you can't get help, think of what YOU can do to cope with your situation until it changes.  It's up to you - make the effort, one more time.

Just My Advice

By Stefan Misiraca

Experience everything. Ask questions. Ask for the truth and the reality that comes with it. The only way you will get to know a person and be able to step past the boundaries that we all put up is through honesty.

Learn from peoples mistakes but more importantly know when it is ok to make your own because no one will do everything right. Never hold back, even if you think you are wasting your time. There will always be something to learn from any experience; it just depends on the way you look at things.

Prepare and expect the drama and uncertainty that comes with doing something different. Be ready for it, plan, and think of it as a personal challenge of your skills. If you can diffuse a problem or cope with a situation that might seem out of control to others, then you may have already won a battle. "

So far this makes sense to me. How about you Yeremiah?

Do you want to read more?

http://motivateus.com/stories/justmy.htm

Don't be afraid

So often people seem to be afraid that they aren't perfect and others will realize this.  They worry about what other people will think of them. Guess what? No one is perfect - no one. So let's remove that from our lifetime equation and focus on enthusiasm and excellence this month.

Can you be more enthusiastic about life? Your work? Your community? Do you realize that enthusiasm is contagious?  Let's start today and lift others up with your optimism and positive vibes.

Bouncing Back

Asking for Help through Life's Setbacks

Life happens whether we are ready for it or not, and in May 2005, my mom passed away after an extended illness. I'm not sure we are ever really prepared to lose a parent, especially Mom, who has loved and nurtured us all of our lives. I had more things I needed to talk with her about, and I know I wasn't ready to let her go.

Less than one month later, my husband fell from a ladder, suffered a head injury, and died a week later.  My husband was not only my life partner but my business partner, and there I was left to run our business and my life alone.

After getting through the initial shock of losing the two people who had the greatest impact on my life, I started to pick up the pieces with the help and strength provided by family, friends, and business associates.

I quickly learned that asking for help was the only way I would survive the grief and keep my business and my home intact. I'd often find myself looking around in a daze, feeling overwhelmed because my challenges seemed so great.

Learning to put my ego aside and ask for the help I needed was a huge accomplishment. I discovered that people really wanted to help, but they didn't know how. My request opened the door for them to give the support they wanted to share.

Read what happens next: http://motivateus.com/stories/bouncing-back.htm

Will you actively live today or just bustle through it?  I suspect you are going to do your best!  Why?  Because of who you are and who you aspire to be.  I know you will be kind and thoughtful to all you encounter and if not, you will reflect at the end of the day and commit to trying again tomorrow.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get everything right.  Why?  Because no one does, not even 80% of the time.  At least no one I know.  Some are close but we are human and we need to always practice until we have mastered the skill we want.

Try

Get back up and try again.  You can do it, no matter what the challenge is.  Think.  Think again.  Ask for help if you need it.  If you can't get help, think of what YOU can do to cope with your situation until it changes.  It's up to you - make the effort, one more time.

Reaction

Your choice, again.  How we react to any situation is always up to us.  And yes, there are a lot of lessons to learn - some more than once. So if a test comes today, what will you choose?  An optimistic outlook or one of doom and gloom?  Might not be easy, no doubt, so prepare yourself as best you can and keep your mind focused on moving forward.

Words

Words have power. They are the building blocks and make up ideas and actions. Thoughts make up words as words make up thoughts. Writing is an art form to get idea's out. It cultivates and helps our minds express what ww need to say.

Determination

You also have, deep inside, a "never-say-die attitude".

In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.

Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.

Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. His son Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.

"We told them so."

"Crazy men and their crazy dreams."

People sure were ready to condemn the idea and talk about how crazy the whole thing was from the beginning.  But what did Washington think?

Read what happens next. http://motivateus.com/stories/determination.htm

Always Appreciate The Little Things

Sometimes Gifts Are Hard To Recognize

A married lady was expecting a birthday gift from her husband. For many months she had admired a beautiful diamond ring in a showroom, and knowing her husband could afford it, she told him that was all she wanted.

As her birthday approached, this lady awaited signs that her husband had purchased the diamond ring.

Finally, on the morning of her birthday, her husband called her into his study room. Her husband told her how proud he was to have such a good wife, and how much he loved her. He handed her a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, the wife opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the wife's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, she raised her voice to her husband and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" And stormed out of the house, leaving her husband.

Doesn't sound like the wife was very grateful or loving towards her husband.

Read what happens next. http://motivateus.com/stories/always-appreciate.htm

Hard work sacrifice and Sheer Determination

As a result of hard work, sacrifices and sheer determination some people will win their gold medals today, tomorrow and into the future.  These are not extraordinary people.  These are ordinary people who developed their talents because of a non-stop dream and vision.

You too can win your gold medal Yeremiah, in your preferred sport or vocation in life.  Decide what you want, determine what you are willing to do to achieve it, create the plan, take some action, review and adjust if need be.

Yes, you will have to do this over and over again until you perfect your techniques.  Remember:  you will never be perfect but you can be excellent and amazing.

Here's to you today - you are like an Olympic athlete - waiting to perform.  Have you done enough to prepare for this moment?  Yes you have and you deserve the prize.

Take care today and relish in the thought that you can do this!

Forgive and Forget

By Vincent Magro-Attard

An old man once had an argument with his only son. He tried to apologize many times but the young man would not listen. The father never gave up because he loved his son with all his heart, but the son would not give in because he was too blinded by his pride.

Years passed and as the man lay in his deathbed, he made a final attempt to reconcile with his son, but still he would not listen and so the father died with a heart full of grief.

During this time the son too had a child who had now grown up into a young adult. To this child he never mentioned his father and when the young man asked about his grandfather he would tell him never to mention him again.

One day, they too were both involved in a hot argument and his son fled away as his father did many years before. The man was extremely saddened and this time he had no pride, but felt completely isolated.

He was afraid that he had lost his son forever and for the first time after many years he turned to God in prayer. At that moment something filled his heart and he realized how his father must have felt many years back.

He remembered how he had hurt his old man and only at that point he realized...

( read the rest of the article) http://motivateus.com/stories/forget.htm

Time to Change

There's no time like the present to start making changes, you know this. It's a perfect day to begin that new path to better relationships and a richer life.

Forget about everything else for just this one moment and ask yourself - is it important enough to me?  If it is, you will make a space for it in your life.  If not....

Endings Are Just Beginnings

How to move beyond breakups, layoffs, and unspoken words.
By Patricia Spadaro

"The beginning and the end reach out their hands to each other."
--- Chinese Proverb

How often do you think about a past event with sadness, regret, or anger?

Whether it's a bitter breakup, a surprise layoff, or words we regret having said (or not said), constantly wishing we could magically change what has already happened only keeps us stuck and brings us a lot of pain to boot.

While you probably know it's unhealthy to hold on to the past, you may not realize why.

Here's one reason that should be at the top of the list: When you choose to live in the past, you're operating with less than 100 percent of your energy in the present.

Holding on to anything for a long time takes energy and attention. Constantly bending your mind backwards in time is no different.

Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, refusing to let go and move on divides your attention and saps your energy.

It's like trying to water your garden with a hose that has holes in it. Only a trickle of that precious life-giving nutrient can come through. If you're tired, depressed, or unexcited about life, hanging on to old regrets at deep levels could be a hidden factor.

One way to reclaim your energy is...( read the rest of the article)

http://motivateus.com/stories/let-go-of-the-past.htm

Inspiration Ahead!!

Let's face it, we never know what will inspire us next.  Leave any preconceived notions at the door when you leave today.  Open up your eyes, open your mind, allow the beauty of life to unfold before you.

Today is a beautiful day to be alive.  Share one good thing that happened to you today with someone who is important to you. Ask them what was great about their day.

If you don't already, start looking for the moments that make you smile, laugh or ponder a bit more.

How Are You Dealing With Change?

I've gone through many major changes in my life: marriage; becoming a father (twice); quitting my job and changing careers three months after I got married; and, quitting my job again 2.5 years later to start my own business. I've also experienced all the disruptions and roadblocks involved in those kind of changes.

Through it all, one of the things I've noticed about change is; whether you like it or not; whether you embrace it or run from it; go with it, lead into it, or get dragged into it kicking and screaming, it's going to happen anyhow, with you or without you.

You see, what I've found out is: Change is the only constant. No matter how you react to it, and whether you like it or not, it doesn't matter: it's going to happen with you or without you.

However, I think where I learned the most about change and, more importantly how to succeed in a changing environment, is when my family and I packed ourselves up and moved from New York City (where we'd lived our entire lives) and relocated to Chapel Hill, NC in 1997.

What were the lessons learned? 

http://motivateus.com/stories/change-is-constant.htm

Trust

Trust is a boundary, yet not known to mankind. It has shaped our existence, but dwelled in our sight. To trust is to love without fear.

Though the truth be told, trust is followed by jealousy, an unknown entity in the world of love. A fear held by all, but revealed by few. The world is not a perfect place. It holds heartache, disappointment and anguish. But the world of love can be a wonderful thing. With sorrow comes friendship. With pain comes passion.

But at the base of them all lays trust: the beginning of all and the basis of life. Trust is the foundation that we must pursue in the face of love. For without it, it leaves us with nothing but fear.

Break from life

Give yourself a break today.  Be proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to becoming even better with time, education and a whole lot of practice.  Theory is great but

taking action and accomplishing the task helps us to realize that hey, I can do this!

The Triumps of the Human Spirit

The human spirit is triumphant. It deals with turmoils that society as well as other forces puts us through.

The Power of Positivity

The state of being positive is powerful, it is the same as being an optimist.

Time never stops

Time doesn't slow down or stop so you can accomplish your dream. 

You have to make the time.

What the quote means is don't use the passing of time as an excuse not to fulfill what you want to do.

If you want to lose weight, you know it's going to take time.  But if you fail to start, it'll take longer than you originally thought it would. 

Need to get in shape with exercise?  Start now, Yeremiah, because the time will fly and before you know it a week has passed, a month has passed, a year has
passed and you are still in the shape you were when you thought about starting.

Life will continue to go on so jump on board.  Achieve your dream by planning
and taking action.

Dance your Life Away!

Dancing impacts our brains powerfully to maximize its cognitive function, improve neuroplasticity, slows down aging, and boost memory.

There was a study conducted by Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City found that dancing on a regular basis reduced the risk of dementia by 76%! I know, nuts, right? Now that you know the stats, it's time to dance.

Today, I want you to dance like nobody's watching.

If you’re brave enough, record it, upload it, and share it using the hashtag #PrinceEaLoveChallenge. 

Dance to celebrate the brilliant light that you are, dance for your health, dance to shake off the troubles of day to day life and dance in celebration of making it through the 7-Day Love Challenge. 

Thanks for taking this journey with me. Wishing you continued loved filled days and joy. 

Obstacles

Life is full of obstacles and challenges. It is our choices to look at them in a positive or negative light. I choose to look at these obstacles as fun adventurs of life.  This produces  wave or a ripple effect of generosity, kindness, and love. I believe that this is the highest and most saught after way of being. When you love everything it is impossible for anyone or anything to bring you down. Your kindness leads the way as a beacon of hope and light for others to follow and they eventually take the lead from you.

Empathy? Compassion? Sympathy? Aren't they all the same? No, not at all. According to Motivational speaker, Sara Schairer, there is a distinct difference.

Empathy means that you feel what a person is feeling.

Sympathy means you can understand what the person is feeling.

Compassion is the willingness to relieve the suffering of another.

Hmm... there is more to learn about these emotions.  In fact I thought I would add a 

link to the article for additional understanding.

There are many good articles about this topic, so take a look around the net if you need some additional information.