Daily Inspiration 10-31-10

"Out of clutter, find Simplicity.

From discord, find Harmony.

In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity."

-- Albert Einstein

Life would not expand if we always got what we wanted. To go even deeper, there wouldn't even be a choice that exists. In order to choose, there must be something to choose from.

The choices don't have to be so even as dark and light, yes and no, but contrast of one thing that doesn't feel as good compared with something that feels better allows expansion as well.

From that then, out of clutter, simplicity is possible and if desired will come. From discord, harmony is a possibility if desired. And, as with opportunity always existing within difficulty, born of the contrast, a desire is born that chooses a preference and makes a decision to focus on this instead of that.

Perhaps then at some point, realizing this, expands into accepting it as it is, as it always has been and that there never need be concern again about the clutter, discord or difficulty, for out of them, we learn to pay attention, make choices that feel better, move toward them, and expand.

Out Of What Is, Comes What's Next.

Spread Some Joy Today--Realize that whatever is happening today, there is opportunity to change. With decision to make a change, comes a whole new reality.

Daily Inspiration 10-30-10

"The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present,

but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others

have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the

future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy."

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Note: A friend sent me the original German citation of this quote,
so I thought I would include it:

"Optimismus"

ist in seinem Wesen keine Ansicht
über die gegenwärtige situation,
sonderen er ist eine Lebenskraft,
eine kraft der Hoffnung wo andere resignieren,
eine kraft, den kopf hoch zu halten,
wenn alles fehlzuschlagen scheint, eine Kraft,
Rückschlägezu ertragen, eine Kraft, die die Zukunft
niemals dem Feind lässt ,
sonderen sie für sich in Anspruch nimmt.

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Optimism doesn't wait on facts.

It deals with prospects.

Pessimism is a waste of time."

-- Norman Cousins

No matter how optimistic you think you are, there is probably someone to help you strengthen it. For me, that is my business partner, Ryan Stone.

I've always considered myself an optimist, looking toward a brighter future, but a lot of that was smoke and mirrors for a long time. It was a trained response. You see, I got into sales as a career when I was 22 and then at 25 became a sales manager, so I had to learn to be optimistic, to encourage and to be a leader--or try to be a leader. As a newbie in this field, I studied and studied and read books, listened to records and did everything I could to become an optimistic person and lead accordingly.

As a result of the constant study, (which I have yet to stop over 30 years later) I have to say that I think I succeeded for the most part. But, there are days. . . You probably know what I'm talking about--days when you feel pessimistic and doubtful; days when you just didn't get enough sleep, or feel like you need a vacation from the hustle and bustle of life, you know. . . escape!

I have to admit that I have those days. I am also very pleased that they are few in comparison with my past; however, when they come, sometimes I just need a little help from my friends, you know? Ryan is that. He can turn me back around toot sweet and have me laughing and cashing imaginary checks and what not. I think we do that for each other actually. It seems he gets that way too sometimes, and I help him get back on track.

We all need some friends sometimes. One of the most awesome things we can all do is to surround ourselves with people who, for the most part, are uplifting, optimistic, and encouraging. It can make all the difference, I know it for a fact.

Thanks, Ryan! The best partner I can imagine having. I'm blessed.

Optimism Doesn't Care Anything At All About Facts.

Spread Some Joy Today--Think about the people you surround yourself with. How do they affect you? They absolutely have an effect, the only question is what? Maybe, some more optimistic people could be a benefit.

Daily Inspiration 10-29-10

"If you have an apple and I have an apple

and we exchange these apples, then you and I

will still each have one apple.

But, if you have an idea, and I have an idea,

and we exchange these ideas,

then each of us have two ideas."

-- George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw's quote above is most timely and excellent. We live in a world that is rapidly expanding and with venues such as Facebook, Twitter and other social media, it is not just expanding, but skyrocketing.

There was a time in the not so far away past (a few nanoseconds ago. . .) when we thought that ideas unshared was our power. It is amazing how that holding on philosophy has changed, and I say, thank goodness! Two ideas are so much better than one and better than this is that the combination of those two ideas shared can have significant offspring--sometimes, immediate offspring. It is often that offspring thought from the mixture of other thoughts that brings about the best result.

In business and in our personal lives, we will find that when ideas are shared, more and better thoughts can lead to dramatic improvements. There are so many products that were originally designed to do one thing and would have failed miserably at that, though when combined with offspring thought, turned that lame product into an "overnight success." Silly Putty, Playdough, Facebook, personal computers, cell phones and the list goes on and on and on of things that really had potential after other thought changed the original concepts.

Sharing ideas and learning to express them is highly beneficial as well. "Bouncing ideas of others" is an excellent strategy. You just never know when something will be the key idea to make it all work.

Of course, it isn't only ideas, but other ways of sharing can have similar results. I have become so open to sharing in recent years and it has made a huge difference in my life as a result.

Share Your Thoughts And Ideas To Gain Even More.

Spread Some Joy Today--Find someone to share your ideas, dreams and schemes with and expand those into something even more exciting.

Daily Inspiration 10-28-10

"Appreciation is the highest form of prayer,

for it acknowledges the presence of good

wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts."

-- Alan Cohen

"When you meet people,

show real appreciation,

then curiosity."

-- Martha Beck

Learning to appreciate others and express it openly has become a fully functioning wonderful part of my life, and I learned to do it by how I felt when I didn't feel appreciated. Here's a quote I ran across by Edgar Watson Howe that expresses how I used to feel: "The greatest humiliation in life, is to work hard on something from which you expect great appreciation, and then fail to get it."

I remember back in 1988, I was a sales manager at a Chevy dealership and the owner was there just about every day. He stayed in his office the majority of the time. One day I was in his office and I asked him what he thought of my working for the company. He said, "well, you know, the subject of Terry Minion doesn't come up very often." It was like a stab in the heart. I surely thought that he thought more of me than this. After five years at this store, I left that same year.

I learned a few things about this; albeit, it took me many more years to full adopt them and make them a part of my life and thinking. I learned to not seek appreciation. I know that this is the biggest thing I learned--and the hardest for me to learn, for I had been seeking it all my life as many humans do. I also learned that though I did not want to seek appreciation any more, that this did not diminish at all the value of true appreciation. And, I also learned to focus on appreciating others, uplifting them and telling them to their face in person that I appreciated them, cared about them, loved them. The last thing was the most important thing that I learned and it is with me every day of my life now and continues to expand. It is worth far more than gold.

It doesn't matter what my relationship is with any person, I will tell them I appreciate them when I do and tell them how I feel. I've been told by some well meaning people that I should keep my feelings to myself, and I think that is bad advice. They have also said that I shouldn't do that in business, but only in my personal life. I think that is worse advice. My life is many things in what I may be doing, but it is all my life.

Now, here's the best part. Since I stopped seeking appreciation, but giving it lavishly to others, it makes me feel better than they must feel. In other words, I think I get the majority of the good feeling as a side benefit. Who knew? I've learned to just love people and enjoy working with them and telling them so. It's a joy to express that to them.

Karma Is Right. What I Give Out Comes Back. Or, Was That The Boomerang?

Spread Some Joy Today--There is no greater joy you can spread today than to express love and/or appreciation to people in your life--including people you work with!

Daily Inspiration 10-27-10

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare,

it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."

-- Seneca

The hardest part of moving forward I have found is in expecting things to improve while I hold on to the problems. I know for certain that I am not alone in this situation and I am certain that you have seen it as well. You want improvement, let's say more business, but. . . you continue to regurgitate the conditions of the economy, the lack of capital, the sad sales staff, the lack of prospects coming in, the current Governor, or elected official, and the list just goes on and on. That, is the definition of insanity as professor Einstein saw it: "doing the same things (or thinking the same things, seeing the same things, focusing on the problems), and expecting a different result."

I know this so well I could teach it, and. . . matter of fact, I have; although it was not on purpose because that wouldn't make any sense. To say I didn't know any better would be accurate, and without real excuse.

Truth is that it is still with me today, yet I have started moving away from this method of change to a better place a few years ago. It just takes some people longer than others. How valuable this would be to train children from the beginning!

Now, though I want something different, better, or improved, I sometimes find myself also arguing for my limitations by admitting, accepting, acknowledging, or replaying the problems, or the reasons why it is not working yet. As I learn to let go of the problems and only focus on the improvement, I will succeed in my goal of change. Until then, it will be an if-come-maybe at best.

I know I know that I get caught up in the difficulties and how that causes me to not be so daring with my thinking, yet I also know that the daring when released will find little or no difficulties in its way. I am reminded almost daily by the sign I posted on my wall about two years ago: "What is MY job. How is GOD's job." Whenever I try to do His job, I find difficulty and lose my enthusiasm. When I focus on my job exclusively, I find little successes, and larger and larger successes just coming from somewhere unknown as if they just came up out of thin air.

I'm getting my bearings and my daring!

When Something Seems To Be Frustrating Or Hard, That Is A Perfect Sign That I'm Trying To Do God's Job. It Is Really So Much Easier When I Do MINE.

Spread Some Joy Today--Try letting go of what you cannot control today. Just for one day. Don't try anymore to fix what you cannot fix. Don't fret about what you cannot change. Just let it all be the way it is and let go of any responsibility for it or the outcome. Now, instead, just focus on what you like today. Do that only.

Daily Inspiration 10-26-10

"Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear,

but around in awareness."

-- James Thurber

Some may view this quote as a trite phrase, and I totally understand that. It looks like one of those idealistic phrases that sounds so good and yet is very hard to do. And, it is hard depending on where we come from and the training we've had and the pain we've packed away inside.

Yet. . . it is so absolutely insightful and true that now--right now--is all there really is and if we pay attention to right now (awareness) we can avoid looking back in anger or forward in fear, for there is only now.

Fear rules the largest part of many of our lives. I know it ruled mine for a very long time and I can see it ruling others as it did me. It makes life a crap shoot at best. The anger is also the same in that it rules lives so easily. Sure, I get angry, but nothing like I used to and when I do now, I know how to come out of that state pretty quickly with some self-talk looking for ways I can feel just a little bit better with each thought until the anger has been diffused.

So, I'm on this bandwagon of looking around in awareness. I am enjoying the practice of focusing there instead of my old habit patterns. Who knew that it could be so much fun and enjoyment to change?

I Focus On Feeling As Good As I Can Possibly Feel In The Moment. There Is No Benefit To Feeling Bad. There Is Nothing But Benefit To Feeling Good.

Spread Some Joy Today--How easily we forget the value of practice. Whether it is the violin, the piano, speaking in public, memorizing your lines in a play or movie, being a leading-edge physician, there is accumulating value in practice. So it is with feeling good, finding the best thoughts, enjoying the moments, lifting people up, experiencing joy. There is no fail in practice, it is only improvement, improvement, improvement.

Daily Inspiration 10-25-10

"There is no greater difference between men

than between grateful and ungrateful people."

-- R. H. Blyth

"Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs."

-- Joseph Stalin

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that

the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

-- John F Kennedy

I think that the top quote is right on: "there is no greater difference between men than between grateful and ungrateful people." I listen to people as they talk, watch them in how the deal with things and I see whether they are a grateful person or and ungrateful person. There is no greater insight that I have found than in this, which is so easy to spot, that it is so easy to choose who to be around, and who to avoid. Who wants to be around an ungrateful person? Only ungrateful people, I'm sure--and even that might be questionable if all other reasons were removed.

You can see it in world leaders, food servers, retail clerks, CEO's of large corporations, you name it. It has nothing to do with what people do, but who they are now. I say now because it is possible to change any time they choose--either way!

The most interesting thing about becoming a grateful person, is that the more I become grateful, the more grateful I become. What I mean is that the more gratitude I express and feel (even if I am not expressing it to anyone other than myself), the more gratitude comes, or the more things I find to be grateful for. Pretty soon, I will be awash with JOY! What kind of crazy world would that be?

One Grateful Thought Deserves Another! Come To Think Of It, That's Exactly Right!

Spread Some Joy Today--Okay, okay, am I taking this gratitude thing too far? It is the joy of my life--yes, THE JOY OF MY LIFE! And it can be yours too. Start thinking about what you love, what you like, what you want and forget everything else. Yes, EVERYTHING ELSE! Come on in, the joy is fine!

Daily Inspiration 10-24-10

"Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity:

it must be produced and discharged and used up

in order to exist at all."

-- William Faulkner

There's no such thing as stored up gratitude. It exists in the moment it is thought and extends as long as the thought and at the same time is used up. It is felt and has a wide variety of feelings depending on the strength of the gratitude, or rather the profoundness of it to us.

I'm looking out my window as I write this with a wonderful feeling of gratitude and it isn't anything in particular, or rather a whole bunch of things in particular. I see the trees, the overcast sky threatening sprinkles, a bird flew past at about 150 feet high in the air and I noticed how fast the bird was flying. Then I'm thinking about a number of other things that please me when I think of them. Of course, if they weren't pleasing, it wouldn't be gratitude, would it? Or is it that if it weren't gratitude, it wouldn't be pleasing? Maybe both.

There is nothing so moment changing, state changing, even life changing as gratitude, and it is free and simple for everyone on the planet equally. It is not tied to circumstance, other people, the right situations, geography, income level, or any other realm of possibility. It is 100% dependent on thought--our own thought. It is the choice of thought and how you feel about that thought that creates the gratitude.

Ever know anyone who seems to never be grateful for anything, is always unhappy, things are always going against them, etc.? Is it possible for them to become grateful? There is no question about it, the answer is absolutely! There is only one requirement: change the thought to something that pleases them, rather than something that doesn't please them. In other words, let go of reality, and create a new reality.

This is not something we can tell anyone who does not want to know. Those that want to know will think about it and do it. Those that don't will call me a fool. So be it.

Whatever. . . Is As Good A Reason As I Need To Feel The Wonderful and Delightful Feeling Of Gratitude!

Spread Some Joy Today--Go up to two or three people today and tell them something that you appreciate about them. Express your gratitude openly!

Daily Inspiration 10-23-10

"A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work."

-- John Lubbock

"It only seems as if you are doing something when you're worrying."

-- Lucy Maud

I was thinking about worrying, although not very hard, and these quotes told the main story. I used to worry a lot. I was fooled into thinking that this was an effective activity, or that by worrying I might be able to change the situation I'm concerned about, or even that I am actively dealing with the problem--hitting it "head on" as they say, not ignoring reality, but dealing with it--you know, being brave and courageous!

Now I look back on all that time spent worrying and I cannot see where it ever did anything except cause me to be more worried, fearful, frustrated, and even worse, depressed. I could very easily worry myself to death I think. Sometimes I would even worry with the support and encouragement of alcohol. I was taught that at an early age from all that television stuff, and of course, you know that bartenders are everyone's friend when it comes to hearing your problems retold, right? Well, I think we all know that isn't true, but an interesting fantasy.

It has become truth to me that worrying begets worry, which begets frustration, which begets despair, which begets powerlessness, which begets depression. It is a road to nowhere. It solves nothing, yet it helps create more of a problem than the problem ever did. I love the quote from yesterday's daily inspiration by George Bernard Shaw: "People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them." Boy, that is a fact! And that is worry, isn't it? You know it's true!

In addition to that, a day of worry is absolutely exhausting! It wears me out until finally I can escape it exhausted into sleep, where I play those scenarios over and over again.

So what to do? I can't avoid worry, run away from it, will it out of my life. Any attention to it, brings it to me again. There is only one solution that works. I know it works because I really worry so little now, you might say I have no worries at all. That way, is so simple, and may seem hard at first, but will get easier with time: focus on what you want. There it is. So simple! Because worrying is focusing on what you don't want, isn't it. That is worry's MO It's not only what is wrong, it is what COULD BE wrong, and we all know there could be a lot of ways it could go wrong. BUT--the same is true the other way. There are lots of ways it can be good and right and valuable.

Joy is focusing on what you want and how wonderful it will all be. That changes everything.

Good Question: On A Scale Of Joy To Depression, Where Do You Want To Be?

Spread Some Joy Today--Okay, it takes some practice, but that part is really fun. Start today. Think of one or two things you have been worried about. Realize that this is what you don't want. Now, reverse that and think about what you do want instead. Now focus on it exclusively. Joy will be yours in minutes! Worry will vanish from your life. Each time you find yourself worrying about anything, repeat this procedure. You will never, ever, need to worry again.

Daily Inspiration 10-22-10

"People become attached to their burdens sometimes

more than the burdens are attached to them."

-- George Bernard Shaw

Enlightenment is an interesting thing. It is joy and it is change and some of that change takes a bit of time to overcome; or rather, to allow one time to let go off what holds them back from manifesting what they want.

I have become enlightened in the past few years and I study in width and depth to learn more and for it to become me, and I have made wonderful and great progress. At the same time, I have been attached to these burdens and I realized that I was more attached to them, than they are to me. Let me try to explain.

Let's say that I have an issue about something. I find myself thinking about the problem or the burden, then I think about the fact that I would like it to be changed, but I don't really know how to change it and I don't really know where to start and I have so many things on my plate now, and I feel frustrated that it isn't changing. But the reality is that how in the world can it change when I continue to attract the problem by focusing on the problem.

Sometimes, I just have to hit myself in the head and say, "duh! You're focusing on the problem again! That was the old way and it didn't work, now there is a better way, so let's get to it!" This is called a realization. As much as I study this stuff, you would think I would be past this by now, but you know that these old habits sometimes don't want to go away so quickly.

Now, it is a truly amazing thing, but when I realize that I have been focusing on the problem and turn away from the problem and focus on what I want instead, magic starts happening almost immediately. It never fails. Things or ideas or other people offering things comes within minutes or a few hours. It blows me away. But the whole key is letting go of the problem.

Once I focus on what I want, or how I want this thing to be, I quickly write out a little affirmation about it and focus there. Though my mind keeps wanting to pull me back to give the problem attention (it misses me. . .), I have now turned the corner and am not looking back! As long as I continue to focus on what I want or how I want it to be, it comes as good or better than I decided I wanted.

Try it yourself if you are the least bit skeptical. Let go of the problem, write out what you want instead of what is wrong, and focus your attention and thoughts to it exclusively. You'll be amazed.

I Am So Much More Powerful In Releasing My Problems and Focusing On What I Want Instead.

Spread Some Joy Today--Take one or two things that have been really bugging you or frustrating you. Bless the problem and let go of it. Now focus on what you want. Do not be the least bit concerned about how it comes to you or how it could come to you or any kind of how. Concentrate your thoughts on what you want and completely ignore the problem. Your solutions will begin appearing shortly.

Daily Inspiration 10-21-10

"There's nothing like biting off more than you can chew,

and then chewing anyway."

-- Mark Burnett

"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk

and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying."

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

In recent years, and especially since I went into business for myself, I am constantly biting off more than I can chew. I used to complain that I had ten things on my plate and only five would fit and the question was only which five would fall. I don't complain about it any more--or about almost (not quite perfect yet. . .) anything now. Instead, I am more and more excited about the volume and quality of what I entertain chewing.

It's really become somewhat of a game, and a fun one at that. I do relish the excitement of it all and deal with everything as good as I can and I just don't worry about the rest. Frankly, as soon as I stopped worrying about what I couldn't get around to, all the pressure I was feeling sort of vanished. I thought that was odd at first, but delighted in it nonetheless. Since the pressure is gone, and the fun remains, it must be a good thing.

So, I cannot necessarily recommend biting off more than you can chew. That is a personal decision that can only be considered by each of us. However, I can and will tell you that I think it is an awesome way to gain capacity and to expand one's interests and abilities, along with knowledge and confidence. All of those are very positive results in my life.

Indeed, it is by the expansion of my capacity that I grow. Without that, I am bored and tired and lifeless. I love learning and so I am always looking for another learning experience, real and otherwise. As I expand in my capacity, I expand as a person, my business expands with me and it all works together. I am having the time of my life and enjoying every second of it. I care so much less about the eventual outcome as enjoying the exciting journey and I tell you straight up that this is the single most important element I have ever learned.

I used to be so focused on the objective and in such a hurry to get there and it never seemed to come to fruition the way I expected it. Circumstances I didn't expect frustrated me and I was periodically discouraged and worried. Since I have let go of the super-heated need for the eventual outcome, I have let go of all of that negativity. What a blessing that is.

I didn't say that I let go of goals, or dreams or the vision of what I want to accomplish. Instead, I dream those things as if it is already, and I want them, but the difference is that I don't get uptight about it anymore. I've learned that it isn't my job and I am better off not trying to do anothers job for them. My job is the dream, and the gratitude for the day and all that has come before, and the full experience of the moment in pursuit of what I want. It almost doesn't matter at all what the outcome is any more. I've let go of that responsibility. I now do the part I can control and leave the rest of it alone. This leaves me joyful and free.

I highly recommend it.

I'm Chompin' At The Bit For More To Chew On!

Spread Some Joy Today--Shake off all the stress of wanting things to not be the way they are. Focus on the way you want them and you will have no stress and plenty of excess joy to share with everyone you talk to.

Daily Inspiration 10-20-10

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently

that which should not be done at all."

-- Peter Drucker

I've passed over this quote many times and have briefly thought about it, but never done anything about it. You know what I mean?

There may be things that I do well, but shouldn't do at all, but how would I know? That would be the role of a consultant, right? I mean, for sure, how would I know I'm doing something well, but shouldn't be doing it at all?

I'll just have to consider it until I decide to get a consultant to help me I guess.

It seems more logical and productive to find the things I do not do efficiently, which should be easy to spot and to stop doing those things!

Everything That I Do Efficiently, I Must Want To Do!

Spread Some Joy Today--It's a good thing to think about from time to time: What do I not need to do anymore? Or, What am I doing poorly that I can delegate to someone who can do it well? There will be joy in the answers!

Daily Inspirations 10-19-10

"If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

-- The Bible, Mark 4:23 NIV

"Advice is like snow--the softer it falls,

the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind."

-- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

You know, it is so easy to be on the outside looking in and see the big picture of what is going on in someone else's life, or someone else's business, or the government, or whatever we choose to look at. It is so easy to give them advice about what they should or could do to improve or excel, or stop doing harmful things. We might think after some sound, well thought advice, "why don't they listen? It's so obvious!"

Advice is so easy to give and so hard to take.

Truth is, advice is pretty much useless until someone requests it--and even then, it is a longshot that it would be followed without potentially severe modifications. Knowing this from trial and error (lots and lots of error), I resist giving advice and even more rarely do I be the least bit concerned whether they follow it or not.

In the CTS Daily Inspirations, I don't give advice. I share my experience and thoughts as they cruise through me. If it were ever to be considered advice, at best it would be like snow softly falling. . . I share my own struggles with learning to love my life and the ideas and thoughts that come to me in the process.

We all change when it is our own idea; when we are ready and willing to change. Words don't teach. At best they can inspire a bit. It is more like we all have within us all the knowledge of the Universe and at best anyone else can do is remind us that we have that wealth inside and that it is available any time. Each of us is a genius when we allow ourselves to be.

I Look To Myself For All The Answers And Am Open To Gentle Reminders From Kindred Spirits.

Spread Some Joy Today--If we take our own medicine and look to improve ourselves, there is so much less time to worry about improving others. Who knows? We may inspire them anew!

Daily Inspiration 10-18-10

"Have patience with all things,

but chiefly have patience with yourself.

Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections

but instantly set about remedying them--

every day begin the task anew."

-- Saint Francis de Sales

I am happy to say that I am a practicing appreciator. It is the thing that I practice more than anything. I am grateful and I want to appreciate virtually everything. It takes a little bit of time to practice enough to appreciate virtually everything. Based on my own experience, appreciating myself and having patience with myself (a form of appreciation) has always seemed the most elusive.

I used to look in the mirror and immediately start focusing on things I didn't like. My hair has always been parted on the wrong side, sagging eyelids, or whatever it may have been. I'm over it pretty much now, but most of my life was focused on what is not right yet, except yet is sort of like saying but. . . it cancels the movement toward.

When we can get to the point that we look in the mirror and love that person, appreciate that person and uplift that person, we will have made it. And, just think what the rest of the world that you touch will feel!

It's never too late to begin practicing. If you can relate to what I am talking about when looking in the mirror, it is a really good time to begin saying loving things, looking for what is right and good, complimenting yourself, praising the way you look, seeing a glow and a smiling face looking back at you.

And, that body. . . well. . . some of us have issues with more than our face, and the same plan of action applies. You have to love you for the way you are in order to move toward something more pleasing. As you start praising yourself and seeing what is good and right, you may find yourself all of a sudden interested in walking more, or going to the gym more, or eating more lean foods. It is fascinating how that works, and it does work. However, again in my own experience, the more I criticize myself or anyone else, the more that I find to criticize--and here's the really good news: conversely, the more I find to appreciate and praise in myself and others, the more I find to appreciate and praise.

I am so much cooler than I have ever been!

Loving myself is an expression of my joy!

Thank you for such an awesome package!

Everyone Has Talent, Unlimited Love, And Incredible Value--Including YOU!

Spread Some Joy Today--When you value yourself; appreciate yourself; love yourself, it creates an attraction force that draws people for you to appreciate. Aint' it cool!? You don't even have to go anywhere. They will come to you! YOU ROCK!

Daily Inspiration 10-17-10

"We cannot be happy if we expect to live all the time

at the highest peak of intensity. Happiness is not a matter

of intensity, but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony."

-- Thomas Merton

Happiness is sometimes expected to be non-stop enthusiasm. It can be some of that, but it is so much more. Indeed, happiness is something that encompasses so many emotional feelings that it is very hard to pinpoint. It is more a vague generality--or should I say, pleasing generality.

Each of us must define what happiness is individually. So, I thought about that and here's my own definition.

Happiness is personally feeling love, inner joy and contentment, and enjoying my life experience, while at the same time, allowing all others to have the experience that suits them, with no insistence that they satisfy me.

Happiness Is Choice And It Is Very Personal.

Spread Some Joy Today--What is your definition of happiness? Good question! Write it out. Play with it for a while.

Daily Inspiration 10-16-10

"It is something to be able to paint a particular picture,

or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful;

but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere

and medium through which we look. To affect the quality

of the day--that is the highest of arts."

-- Henry David Thoreau

This is probably my second favorite quote by Henry and even just a few years ago, I wouldn't have understood it as I do today. It is so much easier to create things, do things and miss the opportunity and experience of creating the day the way you would like it to be--just for the experience of it. Yet, that is so much more valuable in my opinion than any art ever created.

And guess what? That is something that we all have the same exact--meaning no difference--opportunity to do, every single minute of every single day. And the opportunity is not a limited time offer, but is offered all the time, whenever you are ready to accept it. A rare open-ended offer.

Once I learned how to affect the quality of my day deliberately, my life was my own for the first time. And once I learned how to perfect that through practice, it continues to improve every single day.

I am not skilled at carving a statue, painting a picture, or any other kind of traditional art, but one thing I can do is "paint the very atmosphere and medium through which I look and affect the quality of every day."

Since I know we all have that same power, then it remains only to choose so. I absolutely love the fact that this is that simple!

We Are All Artists In The Painting Of Our Lives.

Spread Some Joy Today--Accept yourself as an artisan and create your day today. Start as you wake up and continue painting your day as you move through it. The joy it brings is without measure.

Daily Inspiration 10-15-10

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive,

nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

-- Charles Darwin

It is interesting who wrote this quote and what is even more interesting is that I think it applies to us right now. Change is something that is running a light speed compared to how it may have been just a few hundred years ago. Indeed, it is going ever faster and there is ever more need to adapt and even learn to embrace change.

I think embracing change is the best situation. Look forward to change, perhaps even anticipate it from time to time (don't want to spoil all the surprises, you know. . .).

Age has a way of keeping us in habitual patterns and avoiding change. That's a statement that I accepted long ago, and have since thrown out! It is only true if you believe it to be true. I know a lot of older people (over 50) who feel that the Internet is too much for them, or learning how to use their computer and a list of problems they don't want to deal with. No problem. Can't help them anyway when they think that way. And, I know many who feel excited about the changes and they have the latest cell phone and they are engaged and testing the technologies.

I think it just comes down to the desire to learn. Henry Ford said it well: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."

I am constantly buying new books, seeking more knowledge. I have enough to last me a lifetime, but there is always a new twist, tangle or shooting star. Things I really want to learn well, I immerse myself in. I am passionate about learning, growing, becoming more, knowing more and being more. More than anything else, that drives me. It is the fire inside.

Need a match?

Learning Is Truly Exciting and Equally Rewarding.

Spread Some Joy Today--Go down to the local bookshop and find a new thrill. One of my favorite places to browse! There's something for everyone.

Daily Inspiration 10-14-10

"Habit is a man's sole comfort.

We dislke doing without even unpleasant things

to which we have become accustomed."

-- Goethe

Yesterday's message was about habit also, but today, I thought I would take a different view of habits--one that isn't thought of in the light of a habit, but it very much habitual. That habit is complaining, and seeing always the problems around you, ever more increasing in number and complexity.

I was thinking about a statement that came into my head today about reality. Before I get to that, I want to talk a bit about reality. Reality is the backbone of complaint and problems. Reality is the justification for the complaint and the complainant. Reality is the justification for the problems and the increasing problems and the lack of solutions to the problems. I'm not being facetious. If it weren't for the support of reality, there would be nothing for complaints, complainants or problems to stand on.

Accepting reality as reality is the key to maintaining a powerless attitude. It is the powerlessness feeling that creates more complaints. Complaints, of course, are just focuses on the problems versus the way things "should" be. Of course, the way things should be could never be reality because of the way things are. You know what I mean? I know that probably sounds funny, but think about that.

Back to the statement that came to me. Here it is: "Do I create reality, or does reality create me?" I thought, wow! that's and interesting question! It is obvious that to a complainant that reality creates them. There is no other way to see it. It is the reality that is the problem and since reality is reality and it is what it is, so that means that it can't be changed, then we must accept reality as reality and powerlessness as a given. Right? Seems an obvious conclusion.

However, what if I chose to create reality instead of it creating me? What if I chose to see a different reality of my own creation--one that I really liked looking at and feeling and experiencing? What if I let others have their own reality of their choosing as well--including those who experience the powerlessness associated with their reality? I just allow others to have the reality they want, while I use my brain and my mind and my intellect and heart to create a reality that I want. Of course! Why the heck not?!

And what does this have to do with habit? It is our habit how we choose reality, isn't it? Complaining is a habit. Seeing the problems is a habit. Experiencing unhappiness, despair, depression, or just a general malaise is a habit. It is the fear habit.

In the same vein, finding and experiencing joy, loving life, praising God, uplifting people, seeing solutions, seeing a positive future, enjoying each moment, loving people, writing positive things, thinking positive thoughts about yourself and others, spreading joy and well-being is a habit. It is the love habit.

I say "get real" and choose the reality you want!

What Is The Difference Between Reality and Illusion? It Is A Choice And Point Of View.

Spread Some Joy Today--I predict that as you allow yourself to complain less, you will find more joy. As you find more joy, the extra you carry around with you will begin to be heavy and you must give it away to lighten your load. As you give it away, more will come to you and you will need to speed up your giving plan. As you speed up your giving plan . . . Oh my goodness! What are you going to do with all that joy? I guess, you'll just have to share it with the whole planet!

Daily Inspiration 10-13-10

"Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window

by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time."

-- Mark Twain

The way to lose a strong habit, is to attract a new one.

Well, that is easy to say for those who don't have a strong, undesirable habit hanging on to their lives like glue, isn't it? It reminds me of the phrase, "to become enthusiastic, act enthusiastically." But, no matter how you might feel about that phrase, it is absolutely true. It seems over simplified, but it is right on the money.

I can relate to how entrenched a strong habit can be since I smoked for 38 years. Having quite literally thousands of times, I knew how strong that habit was and that concept was reinforced by my desire to smoke being stronger than my desire not to and all the other cigarette addicts that said the same thing. It's too hard. It's so hard. We can't do it. . . Of course, it's all BS. I can, you can, we all can-if we want to can.

And here we go again with the simple method, "the way to lose a strong habit, it to attract a new one." Of course. I finally quit smoking by attracting a non-smoking habit. It wasn't really any harder than that. I just had to want to enough. If you don't want to, no matter who says it's bad for you or what evidence is presented, the change won't happen, and even if that worked, it would be so short lived. No, it requires a desire to change and then develop the habit that benefits.

"To change, you have to change." Vincent Roazzi said that and it is so true. Can you imagine an alcoholic getting a job as a bartender? I've known some who did. It's a no-brainer as they say--literally. Being a non-smoker and hanging around smokers is equally foolish and non-productive. We need to go where we want to go and go away from where we have been. To change, we have to change. Then, the new habit will be the change.

Think about this in your business too. How do you change the way you do things when you know you need to? Develop a new habit by the willingness to change and to go to the new place. For example, sometimes it is best to tear the building down and build something new. If that isn't in the budget, move to a new location. Consider other ways. The old habits and methods of doing things will surely keep you where you are until you decide to attract new habits and methods. You can only do that by changing. The only courage required is the firm decision from the desire, and the rest is really easy stuff. In order for the business to change, it has to change.

I know some businesses who are so stuck where they are, and they are poster-children for the Einstein quote about insanity: "the definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting a different result." Many I see change so little that in very short order it is back to business as usual. After watching that for so long, you just know the outcome. You can look around and see so many businesses in this mode of holding on to the past habit. K-Mart, Car dealers, Hollywood Video, Blockbuster, Hair dressers, government, and this list goes on and on and on.

It's perhaps time to attract the new habit by expecting a different result by doing something different.

"Try Not. Do Or Do Not. There Is No Try." Yoda

Spread Some Joy Today--What you bring to what you do is up to you. See what a difference you can make when you become the real you.

Daily Inspiration 10-12-10

"One may miss the mark by aiming too high as too low."

-- Thomas Fuller

"It was when I found out I could make mistakes

that I knew I was on to something."

-- Ornette Coleman

 

At first glance, it may seem that these two quotes don't go very well together, but I think they really do. Sure we can miss the mark--whatever mark we aim at. Aiming high doesn't really take any more energy or expertise than aiming low. It might take a bit more courage, but not that much.

The big difference to me is the willingness to make mistakes.

I know and have known a lot of people who aim low and they have told me in so many words that it is because they don't want to be so disappointed when it doesn't happen they way they want it to. Well, boo hoo! That's a sure fire recipe for failure regardless of the aim.

They don't want to make a mistake, look bad, feel bad, but with the attitude of fear, they attract it anyway. If, on the other hand, we adopt an attitude that there is supposed to be mistakes and that this is all part of the whole process, then fear has little to get hold of, doesn't it?

You know, of course, if you look into history very much at all, that so many mistakes turned out some of the most unique and best products, services, ideas to excel, governments, and the list is endless. Mistakes are really good, not bad. There is nothing to be afraid of in making them either unless you are betting too much on one individual outcome.

Risk is part of the path to reward. Accept the fact that mistakes are not only allowed but encouraged by those who really know success. Let go of the fear of not hitting the mark. Have fun, do your best, continually improve and have even more fun. Matter of fact, have joy! Joy is even more rewarding! Become ecstatic!

 

A Fearful Mind, Draws More Things To Fear. Define

Fear This Way: False Evidence Appearing Real.

Spread Some Joy Today--Make a couple mistakes today. Maybe even be bold enough to do one or two on purpose to demonstrate to the world that you are capable and qualified to be a mistake-maker. Few are willing, you know. You can do it. I know you can. Have some fun with it. Mess it up righteously!

Daily Inspiration 10-11-10

"The only thing that has to be finished by next Tuesday. . .

. . . is next Monday!"

-- Jennifer Yane

Whew! That's a relief!

Thank you!

Pressure, Deadlines, Schedules. . . Sometimes They Just Have To Wait Until I'm Good And Ready!

Spread Some Joy Today--Don't confuse activity with accomplishment. Sometimes, it is a very good thing to forget the accomplishment and concentrate only on the activity that you really want to do. Enjoy your freedom.

Daily Inspiration 10-10-10

"When I was a Boy Scout, we played a game when new Scouts joined the troop. We lined up chairs in a pattern, creating an obstacle course through which the new Scouts, blindfolded, were supposed to maneuver. The Scoutmaster gave them a few moments to study the pattern before our adventure began. But as soon as the victims were blindfolded, the rest of us quietly removed the chairs.

I think life is like this game. Perhaps we spend our lives avoiding obstacles we have created for ourselves and in reality exist only in our minds. We're afraid to apply for that job, take violin lessons, learn a foreign language, call an old friend, write our Congressman--whatever it is that we would really like to do but don't because of personal obstacles.

Don't avoid any chairs until you run smack into one. And if you do, at least you'll have a place to sit down."

-- Pierce Vincent Eckhart

Excellent!

I think in reality, I've created all the obstacles I've ever encountered.

Now, I'm creating empty rooms to dance in blindfolded!

Am I A Stumbling Block On My Own Path?

Spread Some Joy Today--Forget the sabatoge and move through the cabin freely. Enjoy your freedom. You deserve it.

Daily Inspiration 10-9-10

"[Luke:] I can't believe it.

[Yoda:] That is why you fail."

"Try not. Do or do not. There is no try."

"Truly wonderful the mind of a child is."

-- Yoda, Star Wars

Believing is challenge, especially when the going may get a little tough, but in the end, it is the only sure way through.

You ask someone to do something for you, and they say, "I'll try." Someone asks you to do something and you say, "I'll try." And, try as you may, we all really know there is no such thing as try, there is only do or do not. Think of trying as if you are willing the wrench to turn the nut, when doing by actually pulling on the wrench gets the job done nicely. I'll try means absolutely nothing. It's neither positive nor negative, but neutral. There is no action, no movement, not even and sincere interest--just hot air.

Trying is the same thing as wishing. Wishing, hoping, wanting are just trying to believe, but believing is the only way. Believing is turning the wrench. It completes the cycle and insures meaningful activity. Sometimes we say we believe, when what we are doing is wishing. Praying can be that way too. The Bible says to pray believing it is already done, not wanting, wishing, hoping, or even asking and begging--it is the belief that turns the wrench.

That's why my favorite quote above is this: "truly wonderful the mind of a child is." This quote teaches me how easy it can be to believe. We adults, who have grown up to "know better," know far less when it comes to belief than does an imaginative child. Anything is possible to a child, until we teach them otherwise.

Reality is the mainstay of the adult, but there is nothing about reality that helps us believe as a child, except the absence of it.

 

Reality Is The Present Expressed In The Past. Imagination Is The Present Expressed In The Future. I'm Looking Forward To My Present.

Spread Some Joy Today--Get your head out of your reality! It won't help you much. Let's play a little game. . . imagine that you are. . .

Daily Inspiration 10-8-10

"Fear is the path to the Dark Side.

Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."

"Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force.

But beware of the Dark Side. Anger, fear, aggression;

the Dark Side of the Force are they.

Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. . ."

-- Yoda, Star Wars

Oh, such excellent advice. . . "a Jedi's strength flows from the Force" and "beware of the dark side. . ." Fear can be a shadowy thing. It's so easy to spot when it is shown outwardly as in cowering, but it is that same fear that causes us to react rather than respond, and to strike, or charge, or show anger rather than kindness and understanding.

I gave a really good speech once at a company I was working for and I acted as if I owned the whole place. I spoke of the two most basic emotions and more than emotions, points of view: Fear and love. I said something to the effect that many people at a company are coming from fear. You can see it in the things they will do or not do. For example, "that's not my job," comes from fear, and "what can I do to help?" comes from love and these are common phrases used in business--well, at least the first one. . .

I said that if we act with love, it will change the entire perspective of our work environment. No longer would anyone dread coming to work, for it would be a joyous place to come to. I took it even further to the kind of work we do and the way we interact with each other and our customers, vendors, and associates. And the last point was that if we just keep love at the forefront of our minds when we deal with each other on every level, our business will grow and every one will benefit, and that we may have been trained to react with fear, but we have the power of choice to respond with love instead.

Everyone seemed moved at the moment, and it was a great group and a wonderful place to work overall. And, all of that is true. The tough part sometimes is doing it and following through and trusting. That also requires the management to trust and follow through. It is something that really needs to start from the top, but I wouldn't wait very long and just get it going anyway. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force, you know.

We Always Have Had The Power And Still Have It.

Spread Some Joy Today--Start acting with love today, right now. Refuse to surrender to the dark side. Refuse to participate in the ________ bashing and complaining. That is all fear. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force.

Daily Inspiration 10-7-10

"I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite

capacity to not know what can't be done."

-- Henry Ford

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,

or sailed to an unchartered land,

or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."

-- Helen Keller

I may be paraphrasing, but I can hear Henry Ford right now in my head speaking to a bunch of engineers who are saying the task can't be done--it's impossible, and he is saying, "I don't give a damn. Do it anyway!" From everything that I have read about Mr. Ford and it is substantial, he just decided he wanted something done and then set out to do it and nobody was going to get in the way--certainly not a naysayer--whether they were an employee or someone outside the company.

If you aren't already, become more of a possibilitarian. Consider the impossible feats that have been accomplished in the world just in the last 100 years. The list of impossibilities is so long it would take days just to get through the list. Any body can believe in something that has already been done. It takes a possibilitarian to believe in those things that we want to see done but are not yet done. The beginning is seeing it already done in your minds eye, then going to work on the project. Indeed, this quote from Vincent Van Gogh puts it nicely: "I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream."

This is exactly what we are doing in our Upward Trend business and it is fascinating how the finished product is manifesting daily. It is constantly changing and evolving and growing. We have had little or no idea how something would get done, but we had the idea of what we wanted and just started moving, and along the way, the solutions jumped out at us and said, "Hey! Check this out!" We just keep thinking what we want to see and it just keeps coming!

We all have had pessimists in our lives, maybe that pessimist was or is ourselves. It doesn't really matter whether it is the outside or the inside, anything is possible to an optimist, but little if any of the things that have not yet been done are possible to the pessimist.

It Is Possible That Anything Is Possible.

Spread Some Joy Today--Decide today that anything you really want can be achieved. How is not the issue. The only need is the desire and decision. The rest will come of its own accord.

Daily Inspiration 10-6-10

"To a happy person, the formula for happiness is quite simple:

Regardless of what happened early this morning, last week, or last year,

or what may happen later this evening, tomorrow, or three years from now,

now is where happiness lies."

-- Richard Carlson

There is absolutely nothing that will make me happy--no person; no event; no circumstance--it will come and stay only by my own decision for it to be so.

The really good news about that is this: That also means that there is absolutely nothing--no person; no event; no circumstance--that can take it away.

There is such joy and peace in this.

I Am As Happy As I Decide To Be At Any Given Time.

Spread Some Joy Today--Try changing your body language. Try this: Stand up and raise your arms up in the air as far as they will go. Look up and see the tips of your fingers. Now, try to be depressed, or angry, disgusted, or even frustrated. It's a bit challenging isn't it? Now sit down and hang your head and try to be full of joy and excitement. Same challenge. An easy way to change your state of mind is to change the state of your body language.

Daily Inspiration 10-5-10

A Native American grandfather
was talking to his grandson about how he felt.

He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.

One wolf is a vengeful, angry violent one.
The other world is the loving, compassionate one."

The grandson asked him,
"which wolf will win the fight in your heart?"

The grandfather answered,
"The one I feed."

-- From HeartQuotes

This little story is so true. We have the power within us all to be angry, vengeful, and violent. We also have the power to be loving, kind and compassionate. We have the power to complain, cajole and harass and we have the power to praise, compliment and encourage. They both always exist within us and the one that we feed will be the dominant one. Which is your dominant path? The glass half empty or half full? Essentially, that is the only difference.

One of the ways in which we feed either side of us is by making judgments and justifications from those judgments. This leads to a negative comment, but it's really a positive comment because it is based in reality and it is justified by judgment. In other words, it's right.

Unfortunately, that is a place from which it is very hard to escape. Once there, the tendency is to remain there and continually search for more and more judgment and justification for which to back up the negative thoughts and comments.

The good news is that by releasing one single thing, it will change everything in your life. Stop judging. Feed the love and stop judging.

I feel the love and I feed the love! Yes, and Amen!

The Less I Judge, The More I Can Love.

Spread Some Joy Today--Make your choice. Perhaps it has been habitual in the past, but it is easy to change. Make your choice.

Daily Inspiration 10-4-10

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing,

wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating,

There is no such thing as bad weather,

only different kinds of good weather."

-- John Ruskin

Personal happiness is such an easy thing to achieve any time one wants it by a choice of thought. The weather is a perfect example of how people are doing with their happiness or absence of it.

You know what I'm talking about, I'm sure. People complaining about the weather: "It's so hot!, or It's so muggy outside, or I can't work in this heat, or I hate it when it rains, or just as I expected, the weekend finally comes and we get rain! or the weather man said. . ." There's a few hundred of them and I've heard at least a couple hundred of them myself. In fact, I used to say them until a few years ago. Then the weather changed. . .

Yes! The weather changed! It went from what was wrong with it to what is beautiful about it, or how much I loved the feel of it, the smell of the air, the dark clouds coming in, the strong wind blowing, and hundreds of other comments I now make out loud and to myself. Every single day at some point, and quite often many times, I am thanking God for such a beautiful and special day. Every single day without exception.

The weather changed. . . for me. The weather doesn't dictate my thinking, I dictate my thinking and all of a sudden several years ago, I began praising the weather and thanking God personally for bringing it to me in such a wondrous format. As soon as that happened, He began bringing me more of it. I think He was trying to please me, and it has been working, and the good news is that He has never stopped! I don't know how I can be so blessed, but I am. It is marvelous!

I rarely even look at weather reports. I just want to be surprised by God's choice for the day. Sometimes He strings several days together with very similar weather, then He throws in a few clouds and a bit of wind and it all changes. It is so much fun and I am in awe of his creativity. He creates clouds that I couldn't even imagine, and they are so beautiful and almost as snowflakes, each is different. Sometimes very high, other times low, some flat and some puffy, some dark and some white and there are millions of different ones.

Yes, the weather has changed. . . for me. I am happy about it now.

 

I'm In Awe Each Day With God's Daily Design Work.

Spread Some Joy Today--You can attract good weather any time you choose. Today is a great day to start. Did you notice how wonderful it is out today?

Daily Inspiration 10-3-10

"There's one sad truth in life I've found

While journeying east and west --

The only folks we really wound

Are those we love the best.

We flatter those we scarcely know,

We please the fleeting guest,

And deal full many a thoughtless blow

To those who love us best."

-- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I used to always wonder why our house went under a frantic cleanup activity, sometimes extending into days just prior to guests arriving. It seemed to me that we deserved at least as much living there all the time. . . There's so many instances where we treat guests whether strangers or relatives with the utmost care while taking each other more for granted.

I've seen the same kind of thing in business when the "VIP" is coming to town. All of a sudden, the painters are out and people are pulled off of jobs in order to spruce the place up.

We might be waiting for a special occasion like a birthday or something to show those closest to us how much we love them when the best thing would be to just say it, or show it right now.

I've found a way that helps me by just every once in a while saying, "have I told you that I love you lately?" Another way, is that I am open to how I feel and as soon as the love or appreciation feeling comes, I want to express it.

As I've aged, I find I do this more, yet I am way behind and need to do more. It is so important to tell people that you like them, love them, that they make your life, help you feel good, brighten your day, or a thousand other ways that they touch you. Express it any way you can!

So, have I told you I love you lately? I do! Have I told you (some of you I know and many of you I do not know) that I appreciate your reading these little messages? I do, very much. I appreciate you sharing them with some of your friends! I know you have because I've received comments from some. I appreciate the loving feedback that many of you have sent. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunity to share with you a bit of my thoughts as these quotes inspire me to share. Thank you!

I Am Constantly Grateful And I Appreciate So Many People And Want To Tell Them All How Much I Appreciate Them.

Spread Some Joy Today--Try sharing a little more appreciation with others. Give a little back for what they bring to you. You'll feel great in the process.

Daily Inspiration 10-2-10

"To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude."

-- Albert Schweitzer

"What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it--would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have."

-- Ralph Marston

"To live a life of gratitude is to open our eyes to the countless ways in which we are supported by the world around us. Such a life provides less space for our suffering because our attention is more balanced. We are more often occupied with noticing what we are given, thanking those who have helped us, and repaying the world in some concrete way for what we are receiving."

-- Gregg Krech

Well said!

Gratitude Is Like The Fertilizer, Water, Sun and Earth All In One Bucket. Apply Liberally.

Spread Some Joy Today--Start each day with gratitude as soon as you become awake and all day long and just as you doze off to sleep. Watch your garden GROW!

Daily Inspiration 10-1-10

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world

and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

-- E. B. White

I love this quote by one of my favorite writers and writing teachers, E. B. White. I understand what he is saying, and I used to think they were, but I do not think those two concepts are mutually exclusive.

Some people think they are going to really live when they retire. They can't wait to get off work or can't wait for the weekend so they can have fun. Or, maybe they need a get away so they can relax and refresh and that won't come until the next vacation time.

All of these, and you see it all around you, are just excuses, aren't they? Truth is, we can enjoy the world and improve the world at the same time, can't we? Of course. We can also relax every day any time we choose to by focusing on that for a few minutes.

Today, I went to a Starbucks and had a latte and just sat there for about a half hour thinking and relaxing before a meeting. When the meeting came, I was refreshed and ready to get on with improving the world and that of my client. It is amazing when you allow yourself, the many ways in which you can pause and refresh during the day.

Here's my recommendation from experience and trial and error (where experience comes from): DON'T PLAN IT. JUST DO IT. There you go. It is short advice, but it is very effective and important. Just take the time. It need not be a long time. Steal away a bit of time for yourself for your own personal enjoyment here and there whenever you feel like it, and just do it right then and there. You will be impressed with how wonderful that will help you to feel for the rest of the day.

 

Pamper Yourself A Little Bit Each Day In Many Different Ways. You Deserve It!

Spread Some Joy Today--Just think of the positive effect you will have on those around you when you feel GOOD! So, feel good!