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Posts tagged ‘Inspiration’

Jan 18

The Same BUT Different

“Things do not change; we change.” – Henry David Thoreau

This week was similar to last week – challenging circumstances, demanding people, relentless deadlines. It was the same but different. A shift, a new perspective, simply taking one step at a time, tripping but not falling. We go the distance, achieve our victories and growth in inches, little by little, a foot, a yard, a mile, the finish. Boldly choose light over heavy. So when the “same” repeats itself, you can be different.

Jan 16

3 Comments

The Very Bright Side

“Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.” – Morihei Ueshiba

“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.” - George Bernard Shaw

“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.” – George Bernard Shaw

Assume positive intent from others and take positive actions on your own part. We too easily shift with the others’ winds instead of creating our own. We live in degrees, often putting too much emphasis on the irrelevant. We have put most of the obstacles in our own path with our thoughts, attitudes and actions. The bright side – we can change these.

If we believe the best in others and foster it in ourselves, forgetting the “they don’t deserve” mindset, we can see the world in a new light. So ease up on the judgement and discontent. Give what you want to receive. Choose to see the bright side, the dark side will take care of itself.

Get out of your own way, expect the best, give your best and seize the very bright side of the day.

Jan 11

14 Comments

Character Development

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

Well this week has certainly developed my character. Some moments, days, weeks, people challenge us more than others. And most of the frustration is seeded in the trivial, in losing perspective of what’s important. We miss the mark, come in below the bar. The only conclusion I can come to is to keep moving, trying, rising more than we fall, never giving up.

“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’ ” – Author Unknown

One more time.

Jan 8

1 Comment

Right Here, Right Now

As I passed by my refrigerator filled with pictures, quotes and a few favorite prayers, I stopped and this one popped out at me. I read it, really read it, and smiled deeply. Simple, yet profound. My favorite kind of thing.

“May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.” – Saint Theresa’s prayer

Right here, right now for each one of us as we struggle, stumble, sing and dance, we are where we are meant to be. Take in the moment. Be present. Find peace in the day, in little things. Be peace, the gift we all need.

Jan 6

7 Comments

Words Count

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” – Miguel Angel Ruiz

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” - Napoleon Hill

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” – Napoleon Hill

One of my resolutions is to stop complaining, which is rooted in negative thoughts. Listen closely to your words and thoughts. You will be surprised by what you say and think, especially about little things. Actions count. Words count. Use both of them well and with love.

Jan 5

9 Comments

Keep Pulling

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

One week into the new year, keep the resolve in your resolutions, the promises to yourself. While I wasn’t a 100% successful in each resolution this week, I did well in some areas and there’s more work to do in other areas.

Day in, day out, shifting, readjusting, getting back up. Each day we keep promises to ourselves and others, we form habits and new mindsets. So instead of pushing, we are pulled by the habits that we build through repetition and consistency. True fulfillment is found in the work to achieve the goal, not in finding a shortcut. Create the pull every day, a step at a time.

“Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

“Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dec 25

2 Comments

Christmas, The Sequel

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” – John Milton

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” - Joseph Campbell

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” – Joseph Campbell

The story of Christmas need not end today. Christmas shows us the very best in us, our capacity for generosity, kindness and love. Carry the spirit forward into each day. And the good news is that we are not alone in the sequel. Joy is found in the name, Emmanuel – God is with us.

“Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.”  – Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas, today, tomorrow and the next…

Dec 22

13 Comments

Presence is the Real Present

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith

“A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” - William Hazlitt

“A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” – William Hazlitt

We spend several weeks preparing for Christmas – shopping, rushing, baking, cooking, more shopping, searching for the best presents.

As the day approaches and the preparations are complete, be present. Lay your daily burdens aside and celebrate your many blessings.

Unwrap each moment with family and friends with awe and delight. Discover the real gift of the season – your presence in the miracle of Christmas and in each day of your life.

Merry Christmas.

Dec 20

2 Comments

At Peace

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” - Dr. Seuss

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

Seek, commit and work for real peace, starting with you. The world will have peace when we create it first in our heart and home. A kind word, the gift of forgiveness, an unselfish act. Be at peace and offer it to others without condition, actively and on purpose.

Search, find and accept peace this season and each day of the new year. Peace be with you and peace start with you. Be at peace.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Dec 17

10 Comments

Winter Solstice

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” – Anton Chekhov

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus

Winter solstice reminds us that all of our days are short. Choose your thoughts, words and actions with careful consideration and careless generosity.

Each day, there are people who need our kindness, compassion, attention, patience and understanding. Without judgment, measurement or reserve, give yourself away to make each moment better, filled with joy and delight.

Shine your light bright through every season.  Our love is depleted when we don’t give it away. The more you give away, the more will return to you.

 

“Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.” – Bill Morgan, Jr.

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