Thoughts are important!

It has been a long day today, my granddaughter is sick and so we have been watching my other granddaughter tonight. I really need to get some sleep. Here is one of my favorite poems about how important our thoughts are!Good night dear friends!

How Do You Think

By Author Unknown

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't!
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
Before you'll ever win the prize.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the person who thinks he can!
-- Author Unknown

" We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."  ~ Budda

"A man is what he thinks about all day long."  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Change, Choice and Principles

I have studied for years, ways to control my thoughts. I have known for quite some time that, how you see life could be a great help or a great hindrance to you! Thoughts are so powerful. Do we even realize how powerful they are and if they are helping or hurting our life? I have watched many dear family and friends, face terrible and challenging things in their lives and yet...they still seem to be ok! How does that work?
Then you know others who have had some bad things  happen to them and yet to talk to them...it is just the end of the world. What's the difference? I think their thoughts are a big part of that. Understanding that things will happen, change will come, helps you be better prepared for it. Understanding that we always have a choice, I have heard people ( like myself at times) say " I just don't have a choice" , we always have a choice! Then the principles, that are the very foundation of what we believe or we don't believe... make a huge difference too! Yes, I want to be known as one of THOSE PEOPLE, who face the changes and challenges of life head on, who studies out all the options and makes the wisest choice, and the person that has some great principles to stand on, when all seems lost!
With that tall order, I just placed for myself...I realize that it takes a daily effort to control my thoughts. I can choose to have a good day or bad day. I can choose to be happy or sad....yes...it is up to me! I challenge all of us to put more effort in checking the quality of our thoughts on a daily basis, it could make all the difference!

Thought

Thought is a vital, living force, the most vital, subtle and irresistible force that exists in the universe.
Thought is a dynamic force.
Thought moves.
Thought is infectious.
Thought creates.
You can work wonders with the power of thought.
Through the instrumentality of thought, you acquire creative power. There are nowadays numerous books on thought-power.

Every thought has a literal value to you in every possible way. The strength of your body, the strength of your mind, your success in life and the pleasures you give to others by your company - all depend on the nature and quality of your thoughts

James Allen , the famous philosopher and writer , wrote a book called “As The Man Think “ This book later on became the foundation for Para psychology in the west .
Dr Stephen Covey is another well-known writer, who in his book called “Seven Habits Of effective People” has also argued on the power and importance of thought level.

I love these quotes by Steven R.Covey...

  “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” 

  “There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles.” 

  “The way we see the problem is the problem”

Wisdom

I have always loved to spend time with older people. When I was little I loved spending the day with my grandma, Aunt and their friends. I loved to hear all the things they would talk about it and they seemed to know everything about everybody. I loved that they were so willing to share their knowledge with those younger than them. As I grew older it hurt me to see how many people got frustrated with them and all their stories about life and such. I just loved their stories and always felt like I learned something valuable.

When my grandmother lived with us, I would beg her to tell me the time when she did this or that. As I am getting older  ( "Old age is fifteen years older than I am."  ~Oliver Wendell Holmes),  I realize now, that is because I made her feel appreciated and wanted. When she left our home and had to enter a nursing home, I thought my heart would break. I knew that wasn't what she wanted but, my mom had surgery, made dad was always working and I was leaving home for almost 2  years. When I came back and visited with her, I always loved going to the nursing home. I loved getting to know all the ladies, although some had struggles with their memories...I was always amazed at how much they still had to offer.

I remember Amy ( about 2 years old at the time ) and I going to visit my grandmother. It was never a quick visit because everyone of the ladies called Amy her girl and she and I would stop and visit with each of them before we even got to my grandmother's room. In some ways it was sad to see many of them just sit there day in and day out without ever having any visitors. Yes, I wish that we would have had more time to spend with them but my grandmother needed us too.

Wisdom, when I looked up the word here is what I found...

–noun

1.
the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

2.
scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.

3.
wise sayings or teachings; precepts.

How I wish that we could all tap into the wisdom that our elders have. They have seen and lived so much more of life. They have had their share of heartaches and trials. Most of them have all the time in the world, sometimes too much of it and they are lonely. I would encourage all of us in this year of 2010 to find one elderly person whether it is your neighbor, grandparents or just a friend, and really spend time with them.  Learn about their live and their experiences, make them feel important, make them feel loved and needed. You will for sure make a difference for the better in their life, but I also promise you too will be the wiser for it! Have a great day!

 

"The years teach much which the days never knew."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Father Time is not always a hard parent, and, though he tarries for none of his children, often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well; making them old men and women inexorably enough, but leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigor.  With such people the gray head is but the impression of the old fellow's hand in giving them his blessing, and every wrinkle but a notch in the quiet calendar of a well-spent life."  ~Charles Dickens

Living Abundantly

I liked this story because it tells about a man who changed his life when he was 39 years old. We have all heard of people who at all different ages, finally understanding what they wanted in life and they lived a happier and a abundant life ever since.

Why is that? I think many of us just keep going, same old thoughts, jobs, habits, relationships and because we aren't happy, we just figure we need to trudge along and put in our time. What this story reminded me, was to live more abundantly. Learn what I need to do and do it. Find out what makes you  happy! When you find that something you are passionate about...it is like recharging  your batteries. You can hardly wait to get up each day to get started. I know that is much easier said than done. Many times the hardships of life seem to cloud of vision but, I do believe that if each of us tried a little harder to find out purpose then we would live with more intent, we would love our lives! Hopefully this story will make you start thinking about your purpose and when you can get started living it!

As soon as I get over this terrible flu, I am going to get back to my life. I haven't done anything but lay around for 6 days, I am a mess. Hopefully I will start getting better soon!  I pray that each of you, are staying healthy and strong. Good night!

Run With Intent

Buckminster Fuller once said, "The minute you choose to do what you really want to do it's a different kind of life." And it's not about what you're getting PAID to do! If you want to live abundantly, decide what you really want and figure out a way to do it. Be clear and live with intent.
You may have heard of Fred Lebow. Fred complained to his doctor that he lacked energy. His doctor advised him to take up running in order to increase his stamina. He fell in love with it! He was 39 years old when he entered his first race -- and did horribly. He beat only one other contestant…a 72-year-old man. But he loved it!
Fred decided what he really wanted to do -- and he did it in his spare time. He joined the New York Road Runners Club and organized New York City's first marathon race. But what Fred truly wanted to do, even more than run, was to bring people together. And that is what he did. He believe that anybody should be able to run -- people of all ages, any background, professional or amateur, and of any country. Today, more than 28,000 people of all backgrounds and nationalities compete in the NYC Marathon.
Not everyone in New York was excited about people running through their neighborhoods. Fred was approached by a youth gang that warned him that nobody had better run through their turf. "That's great," Fred enthused. "I need someone to protect the runners in your area, and you look like just the fellows to do it." He gave them each a hat, shirt and jacket and that year, when the marathon went through their neighborhood, these young men proudly guarded the runners along their way.
Fred decided what was truly important to him and he found a way to do it. He lived with intent. That single decision made his life remarkably different.
In 1990, Fred Lebow found he had a brain tumor. In 1992 he ran his final race. He crossed the finish line holding the hand of his friend and Norwegian Olympic medalist, Grete Waitz. A bronze statue was created of Fred in his running clothes, checking his watch. It is now placed at the finish line of every race. Fred died in 1994. But as one sports writer said, "Fate handed him a short race. With his gall, with his love of life, Fred Lebow turned it into a marathon."
Fred would say that it's not about how long you live, but how you run the race of life. Do you run it with intent?

~ Steve Goodier ~

"The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live."   ~ Joan Borysenko
Borysenko, Joan

"THE MINUTE YOU CHOOSE TO DO WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF LIFE!"  ~Buchminster Fuller

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."   ~ Albert Schweitzer

PS Not sure why this font is little, tried to fix it but... it didn't work. Sorry!

Happy birthday

Today is my daughter in law's birthday, which made me think of this quote it is one that we should put in every birthday card for every woman in the world. It goes like this...

"There are two important days in a woman's life-the day she is born and the day she finds out why."

~ Elaine Cannon

I have said this on more than one occasion, that it is important we find out what our mission and purpose in life is and also, to recognize how Satan works on us. I learned a long time ago that Satan can not tempt me with smoking, drinking, gambling,stealing etc. but where he seems to hurt me the most is... my self esteem. I daily have to work at that and remember no matter what I see in the mirror, that I am a daughter of God and I have great potential. Everyone has there weaknesses in life, it is suppose to be like that so  we can learn and grow. But it is vital to be aware of exactly what your weaknesses and temptations are, so that you can stay far away from them. Keeping your eyes open and watching for those, I think is a great way to help protect and nurture  yourself.

So today my birthday advice for my sweet daughter-in-law would be this...

~know what your mission is in life

~learn to love the person you see in the mirror and love others

~forgive yourself and others (remember know one is perfect)

~enjoy each day to the fullest

~ learn to listen to your body and take care of it

~ and remember your are a Daughter of God with great potential!

I guess this is great advice for all of us to remember. Hope you have a wonderful day!

"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes."  ~ Sally Field

"The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others." ~Dr.Sonya Friedman

"It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others." ~ Sidney J. Harris

The glad game

One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna, my kids just tease me because they think it is so corny but I think deep down they really like it. I love it because Pollyanna even though her circumstances weren't the best ...she seemed to find the good in everything. Life is tough and there is truly a lot of things that can make you discouraged and depressed but once again, it is our choice on how we want to handle each day and each circumstance.

I receive through my e-mail  inspirational thoughts and offers for books and movies from Mac Anderson the founder of Simple Truths. Here is summary of a book they are now promoting, it went along with my theme tonight so I thought I would share it with you. I hope it makes you want to start playing The Glad Game...right away!

Play the Glad Game...

In her wonderful book, The Wealthy Spirit, Chellie Campbell describes how, when she was a girl, her mother taught her to play "The Glad Game." On days when Chellie came home from school complaining about something - a bully on the playground, a harsh teacher, a skinned knee, or difficult homework - Chellie's mom would hug her, kiss away her tears, and then suggest, "OK, enough complaining. Let's play 'The Glad Game.'"
"The Glad Game" is another name for a Gratitude List. The Glad Game helps you focus on what's right in your world today, instead of what's wrong. Chellie's mom was a very wise woman, teaching her that no matter what your troubles, there are still plenty of things to be grateful for: a sunny day, good food to eat, a loving family, a house to live in, a family pet to love, a handful of friends to enjoy, and much, much more.
Chellie would follow her mother's suggestion:
"I'm glad I have you as my mom."
"I'm glad the weekend is almost here."
"I'm glad I have some nice clothes to wear to school."
"I'm glad I don't have to share my room with my sister anymore."
"I'm glad I get to watch TV when I finish my homework."
"I'm glad we have pie for dessert."
Playing "The Glad Game" is a terrific way to change your attitude in a hurry. We all slip into self-pity once in a while - after all, we're only human. The important thing is to cut the pity-party short and shift into gratitude. An attitude of gratitude will get you much farther in life than complaining and self-pity. Try it and see.
This is one of many short chapters in Learning to Dance in the Rain...The Power of Gratitude.
Dancing in the rain isn't something that most of us are born knowing how to do. We learn it. We learn it from others; we learn it from Life. The more we dance, the better we get at it. With practice, dancing in the rain becomes almost automatic. We no longer seek to run from storms...instead, we toss back our heads, throw out our arms, pick up our feet, and DANCE!

"Maybe you are here on earth to learn that life is what you make it, and it's to be enjoyed."
Dick Sutphen

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."
- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-87)

Enjoying what we have

We had a celebration for Lauren's graduation dinner tonight and so I am a bit tired and it is getting late. I found this cute story and wanted to share it with you. It already came with quotes at the end! SCORE

Good night dear friends and I hope we all can try harder to enjoy what we already have!

The Hot Chocolate Story

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups-porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: 'Notice that all the nice looking; expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each others cups.
Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate we have. The happiest people don't have the best of everything.. They just make the best of everything that they have.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
And enjoy your hot chocolate!