Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life
My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister’s bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. “This,” he said, “is not a slip. This is lingerie.” He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. “Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion.” He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me. “Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you’re alive is a special occasion.” I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister’s family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn’t seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special. I’m still thinking about his words, and they’ve changed my life. I’m reading more and dusting less. I’m sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I’m spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savour, not endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I’m not “saving” anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market if I like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries without wincing. I’m not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my partygoing friends. “Someday” and “one of these days” are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I’m not sure what my sister would’ve done had she known that she wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences or past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I’m guessing – I’ll never know. It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with – someday. Angry because I hadn’t written certain letters that I intended to write – one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them. I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is… a gift from God.
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
Bringing a giraffe into the world is a tall order. A baby giraffe falls 10 feet from its mother’s womb and usually lands on its back. Within seconds it rolls over and tucks its legs under its body. From this position it considers the world for the first time and shakes off the last vestiges of the birthing fluid from its eyes and ears. Then the mother giraffe rudely introduces its offspring to the reality of life. In his book, A View from the Zoo, Gary Richmond describes how a newborn giraffe learns its first lesson. The mother giraffe lowers her head long enough to take a quick look. Then she positions herself directly over her calf. She waits for about a minute, and then she does the most unreasonable thing. She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby, so that it is sent sprawling head over heels. When it doesn’t get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again. The struggle to rise is momentous. As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts. Finally, the calf stands for the first time on its wobbly legs. Then the mother giraffe does the most remarkable thing. She kicks it off its feet again. Why? She wants it to remember how it got up. In the wild, baby giraffes must be able to get up as quickly as possible to stay with the herd, where there is safety. Lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild hunting dogs all enjoy young giraffes, and they’d get it too, if the mother didn’t teach her calf to get up quickly and get with it. The late Irving Stone understood this. He spent a lifetime studying greatness, writing novelised biographies of such men as Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh, Sigmund Freud, and Charles Darwin. Stone was once asked if he had found a thread that runs through the lives of all these exceptional people. He said, “I write about people who sometime in their life have a vision or dream of something that should be accomplished and they go to work. “They are beaten over the head, knocked down, vilified, and for years they get nowhere. But every time they’re knocked down they stand up. You cannot destroy these people. And at the end of their lives they’ve accomplished some modest part of what they set out to do.”
A man found a cocoon for a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. Something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the small opening of the cocoon are God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through all our life without any obstacles, that would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Not only that, we could never fly.
My friends you are like Angels. I can count on you to be there, To give support through all my Joys and also through my despair. Every time I turn on my computer You are the Angels who are waiting, No matter how far the distance, to tell me “Hello” and to wish me a “Happy Day.” I can’t wait each day to tell you All about life’s good events that Have been happening to me because, I know you will be happy for me.You are the Angels who are so Near in spirit as your heart hold my Hand in your loving thoughts, To help get me through my bad days. You seem to know when something May be going wrong in my life because, I will find something in my email That tells me just how much you care.I thank God everyday for my Angels And I’ll ask Him to let me know Just when you need someone to send You a word of encouragement too. God bless each one of you loving souls, “My Dear Internet Friends,” Because you are one of those Angels Whose friendship I will forever treasure.
Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.
While professional soccer is still struggling to find a firm foothold in the United States, in the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the brave first attempt to introduce the game to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one did manage to break through to genuine mainstream popularity – the New York Cosmos.
It was the brainchild of Steve Ross, a passionate soccer fan who was also a major executive at Warner Communications.
Max Ross told his son Steve: “In life there are those who work all day, those who dream all day, and those who spend an hour dreaming before setting to work to fulfil those dreams. Go into the third category because there’s virtually no competition”.
You are who you are meant to be. Dance as if no one’s watching. Love as if it’s all you know. Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.
“We find greatest joy, not in getting, but in expressing what we are…Men do not really live for honors or for pay; their gladness is not in the taking and holding, but in the doing, the striving, the building, the living. It is a higher joy to teach than to be taught. It is good to get justice but better to do it; fun to have things but more to make them. The happy man is he who lives the life of love; not for the honors it may bring, but for life itself.”
I Listen to the trees, and they say: “Stand tall and yield. Be tolerant and flexible. Be true to yourself. Stand alone, and stand together. Be brave. Be patient. With time, you will grow.”
I Listen to the wind, and it says: “Breathe. Take care of yourself — body, mind, and spirit. Take time. Be quiet. Listen from your heart. Forgive.”
I Listen to the sun, and it says: “Nurture others. Let your warmth radiate for others to feel. Give yourself without expectations.”
I Listen to the creek, and it says: “Relax; go with the flow. Tend to what’s really important, and let the rest go by. Keep moving — don’t be hesitant or afraid. Lighten up — laugh, giggle.”
I Listen to the mountains, and they say: “Be there. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Do what you say you’re going to do. Be true, genuine, and real. Speak from the heart. Don’t cheat.”
I Listen to the birds, and they say: “Set yourself free. Sing.”
I Listen to the clouds, and they say: “Be creative. Be expressive. Let your spirit run free. Let yourself be light and gay, but let yourself be heavy and sad. Cry when you feel like it.”
I Listen to the sky, and it says: “Open up. Let go of the boundaries and barriers which you have created to protect yourself. Experience change. Fly.”
I Listen to the flowers and small plants, and they say: “Be humble. Be simple. Respect the beauty of small things. Respect the beauty of humility and truth. Let go of perfectionism. Love yourself as you are; it opens the door to change. Practice acceptance.”
I Listen to the bugs and flying insects, and they say: “Work. Be productive. Use your hands. Focus on what’s in front of you. Ignore the past; there is only the present.”
I Listen to the moon, and it says: “Love. Share love. Make love. Be romantic — touch and caress. Allow yourself to be loved. Be gentle, kind, and understanding. Use candles.”
I Listen to the stars, and they wink and say: “Play. Dance, be silly, have fun.”
I Listen to the earth, and it says: “I am your mother. I give you life. Respect all that is around you. Find beauty in all things — living and not — including yourself; for we are all one — not separate. Be especially respectful to the very young and the very old, for they are both very near God. Give up the belief that you are a higher form of life; there is no higher form of life. We are equal because we are the same. When you return to me, I will welcome you, and I will set your spirit free. Love and nurture your children; cook good food for them, and hold them very close to you often. Hold me close to you often as well, and I will hold you in return; I will support you. Have faith.
Decide to be happy today, to live with what is yours – your family, your business, your job, your luck. If you can’t have what you like, maybe you can like what you have. Just for today, be kind, cheerful, agreeable, responsive, caring, and understanding. Be your best, dress your best, talk softly, and look for the bright side of things. Praise people for what they do and do not criticize them for what they cannot do. If someone does something stupid, forgive and forget. After all, it’s just for one day.Who knows, it might turn out to be a nice day.
“A hug is a universal medicine; it is how we handshake from the heart.” — Anonymous
You can embrace the boundless potential within you to transform the world through your empathy and compassion.
I remember a quote long ago from Peaceful Warrior:
“The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.” — Dan Millman
It was a simple reminder that those who may appear difficult to love or understand often have deep-seated pain, struggles, or unmet needs.
And the best thing we can do is extend love and understanding.
If we commit to treating people with love and understanding, we become catalysts for positive change and sources of inspiration for those around us.
It’s in our everyday encounters we have the extraordinary power for extraordinary transformations.
How These Quotes Can Transform You
It’s in the quiet moments of reflection that these quotes truly come alive.
As you go about your daily life, let the essence of these quotes permeate your thoughts, your actions, and your relationships.
Embrace the power within you to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Use your power to make someone’s day.
Let’s cultivate compassion, one interaction at a time.
Whether it is a smile shared with a stranger, a listening ear offered to a friend in need, or a kind gesture extended to someone who least expects it—every act of love and understanding ripples out into the world, creating a cascade of positive transformation.
As you navigate the complexities of human connection, remember that change begins with you.
Embrace the beauty of our shared humanity and honor the unique stories and struggles of those around you.
Treat each person with the dignity and grace they deserve, recognizing that we are all on this journey together.
With that in mind, here are 21 quotes that will change how you treat people…
1. “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” — Wayne Dyer
The quote highlights a profound truth: when we judge others, we unveil our own inner landscape more than we define them. It illuminates the fact that our judgments are mirrors reflecting our unique perspectives, biases, and beliefs.
Rather than providing an accurate portrayal of the person being judged, our judgments expose the contours of our own mindset, values, and preconceived notions.
This revelation compels us to contemplate the far-reaching consequences of passing judgment and prompts us to confront the potential biases and limitations that shape our perceptions.
In essence, this quote urges us to reflect on ourselves and be more aware. It encourages us to treat others with empathy and understanding, avoiding quick judgments and harsh evaluations based on our own biases.
By doing this, we can build authentic connections and navigate the intricacies of human interactions with more compassion and wisdom.
2. “We can never judge the lives of others because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation.” — Paulo Coelho
This quote speaks to a specific truth: each person intimately knows their own pain and sacrifices, making it impossible for us to truly understand and judge their experiences.
It serves as a reminder to refrain from passing judgment or making assumptions about others’ lives. We cannot fully comprehend the depth of their personal struggles and the sacrifices they have made. It calls for empathy and respect, acknowledging that everyone carries their own unique burdens.
In essence, this quote urges us to approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing that we can never fully grasp the extent of their pain and renunciation.
It prompts us to foster a mindset of understanding, appreciating the complexity of individual experiences and offering support rather than judgment.
3. “The most memorable people in your life will be the ones who loved you when you were not very lovable. Remember this, and return the favor.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.
As a reminder of the profound impact that unconditional love and support can have on our lives, this quote prompts us to acknowledge and reciprocate the kindness extended to us during our least lovable moments.
It highlights the significance of fostering a cycle of love, compassion, and gratitude, where we appreciate and return the favor of those who have been there for us through thick and thin.
4. “The way we treat people we strongly disagree with is a report card on what we’ve learned about love, compassion, and kindness.” — Marc Ian Barasch
Treating those we strongly disagree with is a measure of our mastery over love, compassion, and kindness. It reveals the depth of our personal growth and our ability to empathize with others.
Through respectful and compassionate interactions, even amidst disagreement, we embody the essence of empathy and understanding.
Such qualities pave the way for meaningful dialogue and nurturing relationships.
5. “There is a story behind every person. There is a reason why they are the way they are. Think about that, and respect them for who they are.” — Ziad K. Abdelnour
The quote is a reminder that we should not judge people based on their appearance or behavior.
Everyone has a story, and we should try to understand their experiences before we make assumptions about them.
When we respect people for who they are, we create a more compassionate and understanding world.
6. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s quote encapsulates a profound truth: we don’t have to wait for others to take action or make a difference.
We each have the power to create change on our own, through personal, direct interactions with others.
In its simplicity, the quote reminds us that we don’t need to rely solely on leaders or institutions to initiate positive transformations.
We can start by making a difference in our own circles, one person at a time.
Our individual actions, no matter how small, hold the potential to create a ripple effect that can bring about significant impact.
Mother Teresa’s words inspire us to take ownership of our ability to make a difference.
By engaging with others in meaningful ways, offering kindness, support, and compassion, we can create a world where positive change is driven by personal initiative.
7. “If you have the power to make someone happy today, do it. The world needs more of that.” — Steve Maraboli
If you possess the ability to bring joy to someone’s day, seize the opportunity.
The world yearns for such acts of kindness.
8. “Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you — not because they are nice, but because you are.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Lead by example. Choose to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you.
Not because they deserve it, but because it’s a reflection of who you are. Your actions define your character and the way you navigate the world.
By consistently embodying kindness and respect, regardless of others’ behavior, you create a powerful ripple effect of positivity.
This approach sets a standard for others to follow and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious environment.
9. “In a relationship, the little things often mean the most. Today, just be 100% present with those you love. BE ALL THERE. That is enough.” — Rachel Macy Stafford
Embrace the power of the little things in your relationships. Today, give your loved ones the priceless gift of your unwavering presence.
Be there, truly there. It’s a simple yet profound act that carries immense significance.
Being fully present has the potential to create a lasting impact and bring genuine fulfillment to both you and those you cherish.
10. “We all take different roads seeking fulfillment and joy. Just because someone you love isn’t on your road doesn’t mean they’re lost.” — Dalai Lama
The quote highlights the importance of recognizing that each person embarks on their own distinctive path in life.
It reminds us that just because someone we care about is following a different course than our own, it doesn’t imply they are lost or making incorrect choices.
This insight underscores the significance of embracing acceptance and understanding, acknowledging that diverse journeys towards fulfillment and happiness exist. It encourages us to honor and empower others by respecting and supporting their individual choices and experiences.
11. “It’s OK to be angry. It’s never OK to be cruel. In disagreements with others, deal only with the present situation. Don’t bring up the past.” — Pema Chödrön
This quote urges us to handle conflicts with compassion, acknowledging the validity of anger, condemning cruelty, and maintaining a present-focused approach to foster constructive resolutions.
Embrace anger’s validity: Recognizing anger as a natural emotion, the quote validates its presence in specific situations. It normalizes the experience of anger and implies that it is acceptable to feel this way at times.
Reject cruelty: While anger is acknowledged, the quote firmly denounces cruelty as unjustifiable. It underscores the significance of treating others with respect and empathy, even when confronted with disagreements or conflicts.
Anchor in the present: The quote advises focusing on the current situation when resolving conflicts. By shifting attention to the immediate issue, it encourages individuals to refrain from dredging up past grievances or needlessly escalating the dispute.
12. “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” — Robin Williams
This quote emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy.
It reminds us that each person we encounter is facing their own challenges and struggles, and by being kind, we can make a positive impact in their lives.
By choosing to focus on the good in others and treating them with kindness, we indirectly amplify their strengths and provide support and encouragement.
13. “A moment of hate can devastate a lifetime of work, whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build.” — Nelson Mandela
Hate and love wield immense power, capable of shaping our lives and those around us.
A mere moment of hate can shatter bonds, wreck careers, and unleash violence.
However, a single moment of love possesses the potential to heal, bridge divides, and forge a world rooted in justice and compassion.
This quote demands a crucial choice: love or hate? Opting for love is to actively build a better world, one that embraces growth and understanding.
It’s a deliberate commitment to nurturing relationships, fostering empathy, and leaving a profound impact.
Let’s choose love, because it’s in that choice that the transformative power lies to shape our destiny and create a brighter tomorrow.
14. “If you take everything personally, you’ll remain offended for the rest of your life. What other people do is often because of them, not you.” — Miguel Ruiz
It is a reflection of the teachings found in his book, “The Four Agreements.”
People’s behaviors and actions are often a result of their own personal issues and experiences, rather than being a direct reflection or criticism of us.
When we take things personally, we sentence ourselves to a lifetime of offense.
The truth is, people’s actions often stem from their own baggage, not a direct indictment of us.
Understanding this frees us from the chains of offense and allows us to see the deeper complexities at play. It’s not personal; it’s a reflection of their journey, not ours.
15. “Be thankful for all the rude, obnoxious, and difficult people you meet in life too. They serve as important reminders how NOT to be.” — Ty Bennett
The quote serves as a potent reminder that our negative experiences hold valuable lessons.
When faced with rude, obnoxious, and difficult individuals, we gain insight into what behaviors to avoid.
We learn the importance of cultivating patience, understanding, and compassion.
It highlights the power of choice in our reactions to people and circumstances.
We can succumb to anger, resentment, and bitterness, or we can embrace gratitude for the chance to evolve and develop.
The quote inspires us to harness these encounters as catalysts for personal growth and to cultivate a mindset of learning and appreciation.
16. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote has the potential to inspire a transformative shift in how we treat people. It encourages us to take personal responsibility for the change we desire, rather than waiting for others to initiate it.
Here’s how it can influence our actions:
Self-reflection: The quote prompts us to reflect on the values, qualities, and behaviors we wish to see in the world. It encourages us to examine our own attitudes and actions, identifying areas for improvement.
Leading by example: By embodying the change we want to see, we become role models for others. Our actions speak louder than words, and when we consistently demonstrate kindness, compassion, and respect in our interactions with others, we inspire them to follow suit.
Taking initiative: The quote instills a sense of personal agency and empowerment. It motivates us to proactively initiate positive change in our relationships and communities, rather than waiting for others to do so. We become active participants in creating a more harmonious and inclusive environment.
Cultivating empathy: When we strive to be the change we desire, we develop a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of others. This cultivates empathy and compassion, enabling us to relate to others on a more profound level and treat them with greater understanding and respect.
Ripple effect: Our actions can have a ripple effect, influencing and inspiring those around us. By embodying the change we wish to see, we create a positive impact that extends beyond our immediate interactions, potentially inspiring others to adopt similar behaviors and attitudes.
17. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this quote promotes treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy.
It emphasizes the importance of considering how we would like to be treated and extending that same treatment to others.
By emphasizing the importance of considering how we would like to be treated, the quote guides us to place ourselves in the shoes of others. It prompts us to think about our own needs, desires, and feelings, and use that as a compass for how we interact with and treat others.
By following the “Golden Rule,” we foster stronger connections, build trust, and contribute to the well-being and happiness of those around us.
It encourages us to treat others not only with the consideration we desire but also with a genuine desire to uplift and support them.
18. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
The essence of this quote by Maya Angelou is that the lasting impact we have on others is not determined by the words we say or the actions we take, but rather by the emotions we evoke within them.
It emphasizes that the way we make people feel has a profound and enduring effect.
And it far surpasses our words or deeds.
This quote serves as a reminder to prioritize empathy, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others, as those emotional connections are what leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and memories of the people whose lives we touch.
19. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi’s quote captures a profound truth: by selflessly serving others, we can discover our true selves and experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
It highlights the transformative power of dedicating ourselves to the well-being and lifting up others.
When we shift our focus from self-centered pursuits to acts of service, we transcend our ego and connect with something greater than ourselves. By losing ourselves in the service of others, we let go of self-interest and tap into our innate capacity for compassion, empathy, and kindness.
In this act of selflessness, we find that our own personal growth and self-discovery naturally unfold. We gain a clearer understanding of our values, strengths, and passions.
By contributing to improving others’ lives, we align ourselves with a higher purpose and experience a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond personal gain.
Gandhi’s quote reminds us that the path to self-discovery is not in a solitary quest for individual fulfillment, but in reaching out to others and making a positive difference.
It challenges us to embrace service as a means to understand ourselves better and find a deeper sense of meaning and authenticity in our lives.
20. “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
Twain’s quote reminds us that kindness holds immeasurable power to bridge divides, heal wounds, and bring people together in a way that surpasses any spoken or visual language.
Mark Twain’s quote encapsulates the universal power of kindness. He suggests that kindness is a form of communication that transcends barriers of language, ability, and perception. He also emphasizes that acts of kindness can be understood and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.
In its simplicity, this quote reminds us that kindness holds a profound impact. It’s a language that doesn’t require words or visual cues. Instead, it flows from the depths of our hearts. Kindness is a powerful force that can be felt and recognized by anyone, resonating deeply within the human spirit.
21. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — Dalai Lama
Well, imagine that. Compassion spreads happiness from the inside out.
In this simple yet profound statement, the Dalai Lama highlights that true happiness comes from cultivating a compassionate mindset and engaging in compassionate actions.
By extending kindness, understanding, and empathy towards others, we contribute to their well-being and create a positive ripple effect that can lead to their happiness.
Dalai Lama’s quote is a powerful reminder of the reciprocal relationship between happiness and compassion. It suggests that if we desire happiness for ourselves and others, it’s essential to practice our compassion for others (and ourselves).
The World is Waiting for Your Kindness
Let these 20 quotes sink deep into your heart and guide your interactions with others.
Treat people with empathy, respect, and kindness.
Remember that even small acts of love and understanding can create a ripple effect of positive change. Embrace the power you have to make a difference, and let your actions inspire those around you.
The world is waiting for your compassionate touch.
Together, let’s create a more compassionate world, one person at a time.
When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked.
When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings.
When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem, you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen ! All I asked was that you listen, not to talk or do — just hear me. Advice is cheap; twenty cents will get you both, Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself. I am not helpless. Maybe discouraged and falter, but not helpless.
When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy.
But when you accept as a simple fact, that I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling.
And when that’s clear, the answers are obvious and I don’t need advice. Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what’s behind them.
Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes, for some people — because God is mute, and He/She doesn’t give advice, or try to fix things.
‘They’ just listen, and let you work it out for yourself. So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn —
“Blogging is like work, but without coworkers thwarting you at every turn.” – Scott Adams
There’s nothing to fear — you’re as good as the best, As strong as the mightiest, too. You can win in every battle or test; For there’s no one just like you. There’s only one you in the world today; So nobody else, you see, Can do your work in as fine a way: You’re the only you there’ll be !
So face the world, and all life is yours To conquer and love and live: And you’ll find the happiness that endures In just the measure you give; There’s nothing too good for you to possess, Nor heights where you cannot go: Your power is more than belief or guess — It is something you have to know.
There is nothing to fear — you can and you will. For you are the invincible you. Set your foot on the highest hill — There’s nothing you cannot do.
Resilience is how high you bounce when you hit bottom
Take a couple of whole months, clean them thoroughly of all Bitterness, Rumors, Hate and Jealousy; in other words, make them as fresh and as clean as possible.
Now cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts…
But don’t make up the whole batch at once..
Instead prepare it One Day At A Time.
Mix well each day:
One part of Faith,
One of Patience,
One of Courage,
One of Work,
Add one part each of:
Hope,
Faithfulness,
Generosity
Kindness;
Blend with:
One part Prayer,
One part Meditation
Good Deeds.
Season the whole with:
a dash of Good Spirit,
a sprinkle of Fun,
a pinch of Play
a cupful of Good Humor.
Pour all of this into a Vessel Of Love,
Cook thoroughly over Radiant Joy
Garnish with Smiles
serve with Quietness, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness
I am unique. There’s not another human being in the whole world like me — I have my very own fingerprints and I have my very own thoughts. I was not stamped out of a mold like a Coca-Cola top to be the duplicate of another.
I own all of me — my body, and I can do with it what I choose; my mind, and all of its thoughts and ideas; my feelings, whether joyful or painful.
I own my ideals, my dreams, my hopes, my fantasies, my fears.
I reserve the right to think and feel differently from others and will grant to others their right to thoughts and feelings not identical with my own.
I own all my triumphs and successes. I own also all my failures and mistakes. I am the cause of what I do and am responsible for my own behavior. I will permit myself to be imperfect. When I make mistakes or fail, I will know that I am not the failure — I am still O.K. — and I will discard some parts of me that were unfitting and will try new ways.
I will laugh freely and loudly at myself — a healthy self-affirmation.
I will have fun living inside my skin.
I will remember that the door to everybody’s life needs this sigh:
Honor Thyself I have value and worth. I am me, and I am O.K.
It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up
A businessman was highly critical of his competitors’ storefront windows. “Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town,” he claimed. Fellow business people grew tired of the man’s continual criticism and nitpicking comments about the windows. One day over coffee, the businessman carried the subject just too far. Before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested the man get his own windows washed. He followed the advice, and the next day at coffee, he exclaimed, “I can’t believe it. As soon as I washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his too. You should see them shine.”
Confucius once declared, “Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.”
Wise men and philosophers throughout the ages have disagreed on many things, but many are in unanimous agreement on one point: “We become what we think about.” Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius put it this way: A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it, in other words – as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
One Sunday afternoon, a cranky grandfather was visiting his family. As he lay down to take a nap, his grandson decided to have a little fun by putting Limburger cheese on Grandfather’s mustache. Soon, grandpa awoke with a snort and charged out of the bedroom saying, “This room stinks.” Through the house he went, finding every room smelling the same. Desperately he made his way outside only to find that “the whole world stinks!”
So it is when we fill our minds with negativism. Everything we experience and everybody we encounter will carry the scent we hold in our mind.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Finish Strong is more than a statement, it’s an attitude.
It’s an attitude of believing you can do something and having the courage and
determination to see it through. And of course, you can apply this “finish
strong attitude” to your business or your life! here’s a personal story about
setting goals from the author, Dan Green……. Enjoy!
Keep Clip’n Along
By embracing the attitude to Finish Strong, I’ve created a personal level of
accountability that goes with me wherever I go. The first time I really
discovered the power of this mindset was early in my selling career. In the
early nineties I sold software systems to commercial banks. A great deal of my
selling efforts involved prospecting for leads over the phone. No matter how
good you are at selling over the phone, it can be challenging to push yourself
to make one more call – and a key to success in selling is “making one more
call”.
As a method of daily goal setting, I would start my day in the office by taking
out twenty five paper clips from my desktop paper clip holder. I would place
the paper clips on a coaster right next to the holder which was next to the
phone. Each time I engaged in a meaningful selling conversation I would take
one of the paper clips from the pile and put it back in the holder. I knew that
if I created twenty five selling conversations each day, that my ultimate sales
goals would be reached. I made a commitment not to leave the office until
every paper clip was put back.
There were many times that the day was over for everyone else and I had one
paperclip sitting on that coaster staring at me. In order to finish strong, I
needed to have one more selling conversation. I dialed until I succeeded. I
never left a paperclip sitting on the coaster and I never put one back that did
not earn it. The level of activity I created during this time stuffed my sales
pipeline with opportunities. My career took off and I tripled my income in
the course of two years – all because I chose to Finish Strong
We realize the importance of our voices only when they are silenced.
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire.
He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a
more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck,
but he needed to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more
house as a favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not
in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an
unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed
the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “My gift to you!”
The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own
house, he would have done it all so differently.
So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the
building.
Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we have built.
If we could do it over, we would do it much differently. But we cannot go back.
You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. “Life is a
do-it-yourself project,” someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today,
build the “house” you live in tomorrow.
Build wisely!
According to the current structure of education if Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg or Albert Einstein came and taught at a university they would actually hurt the rankings. You see these guys were university drop outs. They don’t even have a bachelors degree, never mind a PhD.
The top of the food chain in terms of policy and planning are PhDs in the academic world. This is an “exclusive” club that guys like Steve, Bill, Richard, Mark and Albert can’t join. These guys would get relatively junior positions working in education in the middle east and their ideas are not likely to be heard. The academics are deciding what the next generation should be learning, not the entrepreneurs.
If Bill, Steve and the gang sacrificed 3 to 5 years out of the real world of creating jobs and inventing new things to go into academia they would be able to have more influence on policy in government or finally begin a career in teaching at a university.
The myth is that the more degrees you have the more qualified you are to tell the next generation what to do. From having worked with many PhDs – and I apologize if I generalize here – but they are impractical people for the real world. They over analyze decisions. They are great at producing documents because that is what they have been taught. The more paperwork, the better. Not many PhDs are granted if at the end of the dissertation the student comes back with a one pager on how to change the world. Instead they need to make that one pager in to over 100 pages.
This was fair enough when their wasn’t too much information in the world. There used to be a lot fewer books. Now though the world wants to know less, not more. We use Google so we can visit less websites, quicker. In the new economy how many people you can influence with your ideas is more important than producing things that no one reads.
How do you pass a PhD? You supervisor and a handful of people decide if your work is good enough. Essentially they are seeing if you actually did the work.
How do you make a successful business? The world decides by voting with their wallets if they want to buy your products or services. If you produce something impractical, you go hungry. If you produce something the world loves, you make loads of money. Unlike a PhD, it doesn’t matter if you did the work or you got someone else to do it. As long as it was done.
I see many of the ambitious people in the Arab world decide to pursue a PhD rather than start a business. This means financing either from their parents or the government for 3 to 5 years. No jobs are created. No real wealth is created. Instead what they have is a stable job in government after receiving the letters “Dr.” in front of their names. A burden to the tax payer (or a drain on the oil money if you are in the middle east).
Henry Mintzberg, a management guru, wrote “Managers not MBAs” and I agree with him that MBAs are also over-rated. I’d like to write the follow-up book called: “Entrepreneurs not PhDs”.
re like Angels. I can count on you to be there, To give support through all my Joys and also through my despair. 
