April 2010

Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense - we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives - basically it comes down to your attitude.

We can have a positive attitude towards life, or a negative attitude. We can focus on the good or we can focus on the bad. Keeping a positive mental attitude is one of the keys to success. The choice is always up to you!

Our attitude, and our choices in life all can bring us hope. Hope is something we all have if we choose to use it.

Let us ponder on above.

Before You.........

Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.

William Arthur Ward

The Quitter

It ain't the failures he may meet
That keeps a man from winnin',
It's the discouragement complete
That blocks a new beginnin';
You want to quit your habits bad,
And, when the shadows flittin'
Make life seem worthless an' sad,
You want to quit your quittin'!

You want to quit a-layin' down
An' sayin' hope is over,
Because the fields are bare an' brown
Where once we lived in clover.
When jolted from the water cart
It's painful to be hittin'
The earth; but make another start.
Cheer up, an' quit your quittin'!

Although the game seems rather stiff
Don't be a doleful doubter,
There's always one more innin' if
You're not a down-and-outer.
But fortune's pretty sure to flee
From folks content with sittin'
Around an' sayin' life's N. G.
You've got to quit your quittin'.

Anonymous

Live…laugh…and Love

Live well dear friends
In all you do,
Tho' paths be old
Or paths be new,
But to yourself
Be ever true,
Live well!

Laugh often friends
Tho' passing years
Bring, sometimes, smiles
And, sometimes, tears,
For mirth forever
Warms and cheers
Laugh often!

Love much dear friends
For love will bring
The healing joy
And hope of Spring,
Where pain and fear may never dwell
Nor anguish touch….

And so Live well,
Laugh often too,
And more, dear friends,
Love much!

John Mcleod

A Poem of Hope

Never go gloomy, use your mind,
Hope is a better companion than fear;

Providence, ever benignant and kind,
Gives with a smile what you take with a tear;

All will be right,
Look to the light.

Morning was ever the daughter of night;
All that was black will be all that is bright.

Many a foe is a friend in disguise,
Many a trouble a blessing most true,

Remember these words of wisdom and wise,
Your life will be easier and you will not be blue.

Never lose your hope, follow your plan
And live life doing all that you can

Anonymous

Giving Your Best

It's the hand we clasp with an honest grasp,

That gives a hearty thrill;
It's the good we pour into others' lives,

That comes back our own to fill.
It's the dregs we drain from another's cup,

That makes our own seem sweet;
And the hours we give to another's need
That makes our life complete.

It's the burdens we help another bear
That makes our own seem light.
It's the anger seen for another's feet
That shows us the path to right.
It's the good we do each passing day,
With a heart sincere and true;
In giving the world your very best
It's best will return to you.

Anonymous - another wonderful poem

Drop a Pebble in the Water

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

Wonderful Poem by James W Foley

The Park Bench...I

Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
For the world was intent on dragging me down.
And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.
He stood right before me with his head tilted down
And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!"

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,
With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light.
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,
I faked a smile and then shifted away.
But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise,
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful too.
That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

The Park Bench ...II

The weed before me was dying or dead.
Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need."
But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
He held it mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the first time
That weed-toting boy could not see he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun
As I thanked him for picking the very best one.
"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,
Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.
I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.
How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.
And for all of those times I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine.
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose
And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in hand,
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

Best inspiritional poem ever read...so touching

The Trouble Tree

I hired a carpenter to help me restore an old farmhouse, and he had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. Upon arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles as he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. Oh! that's my trouble tree he replied. I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing , he smiled, when I come out in the morning to pick'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up.

Anonymous

Life's Little Instruction Book

• Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
• Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all your actions.
• Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
• Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
• Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
• When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
• Spend some time alone every day.
• Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
• A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
• In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
• Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
• Be gentle with the earth.
• Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
• Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
• Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Smile

There's something you may give,
To a friend and a stranger too;

It seems that when you give it,
It's given back to you.

This present is worth a million,
But doesn't cost a dime;

It's lasting in effect,
But doesn't take much time,

This simple little gesture
Can make the day worthwhile;

It's just as good as sunshine;
It's what we call a smile.

Jill Wolf

Take Time

Take Time to Think, It is the source of power.

Take time to Play, It is the source of perpetual youth.

Take time to Read, It is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to Love and to Be Loved, It is a present.

Take time to Be Friendly, It is the road to happiness.

Take time to Laugh, It is the music of the soul.

Take time to Give, It is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to Work, It is the price of success.

Take time to Do Charity, It is the key to heaven.

Anonymous

A Child

A child who lives with Criticism
Learns to condemn

A child who lives with Hostility
Learns to fight

A child who lives with ridicule
Learns to be shy

A child who lives with shame
Learns to feel guilty

A child who lives with tolerance
Learns to be patient

A child who lives with encouragement
Learns confidence

A child who lives with Praise
Learns to appreciate

A child who lives with fairness
Learns justice

A child who lives with security
Learns faith

A child who lives with approval
Learns to like themself

A child who lives with acceptance & friendship
Learns to find love in the world

Dorothy Law Nolte

Just for Today

I will live through the next 12 hours and try not to tackle all of life's problems at once.

I will improve my mind, I will learn something that requires effort and concentration.

I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well modulated voice, and be courteous and considerate.

I will not find fault with a friend, relative or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.

I will have a programme. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies:
hurry and indecision.

I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it will not count.

I will do two things I don't want to do, just for the exercise.

I will believe in myself. I will give my best to the world and feel confident that the world will give it's best to me.

Anonymous

In Life’s Garden

Count your garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall.

Count your days by the golden hours, don't remember the clouds at all.

Count your nights by the stars, not by shadows.

Count your life with smiles not tears, and with joy through all your life.

Count your age by friends not years.

Anonymous

Life is...

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfil it.
Life is a sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Mother Theresa

Winners

Winners take chances like everyone else,
They fear failing, but they refuse to let fear control them.

Winners don’t give up,
When life gets tough, they hang in until the going gets better

Winners are flexible.
They realise there is more than one way and they are willing to try others.

Winners know they are not perfect.
They respect their weaknesses while making the most of their strengths.

Winners fall, but they don’t stay down.
They stubbornly refuse to let a fall keep them from climbing.

Winners don’t blame fate for their failures,
Nor luck for their successes.

Winners accept responsibility for their lives.

Winners are positive thinkers who see good in all things.
From the ordinary, they make the extraordinary.

Winners believe in the path they have chosen even when it’s hard,
Even when others can’t see where they are going.

Winners are patient.
They know a goal is only as worthy as the effort that’s required to achieve it.

Winners are people like you.
They make this world a better place to be.

Nancye Sims

Press On

Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance.

Talent will not; Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.

Genius will not; Unrewarded genius is almost legendary;

Education will not; The world is full of educated derelicts.

Perseverance and Determination alone are omnipotent.

US President Calvin Coolidge

Don’t Quit!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
when he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst, that
You Must Not Quit.

C. W. Longenecker - another favourites quotes read decades ago

Thirty-Six Stratagems

Deceive the heavens to cross the ocean

Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao

Kill with a borrowed knife

Leisurely await for the laboured

Loot a burning house

Make a sound in the east, then strike in the west

Create something from nothing

Openly repair the roads, but sneak through the passage of Chencang.

Watch the fires burning across the river

Hide a knife behind a smile

Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree

Take the opportunity to pilfer a goat

Stomp the grass to scare the snake

Borrow a corpse to resurrect the soul

Entice the tiger to leave its mountain lair

In order to capture, one must let loose

Tossing out a brick to get a jade gem

Defeat the enemy by capturing their chief

Thirty-Six Stratagems

Remove the firewood from under the pot

Catch a fish while the water is disturbed

Slough off the cicada's golden shell

Shut the door to catch the thief

Befriend a distant state while attacking a neighbour

Obtain safe passage to conquer the state of Guo.

Replace the beams with rotten timbers

Point at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree.

Feign madness but keep your balance

Remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended to the roof

Deck the tree with false blossoms

Make the host and the guest exchange roles

The beauty trap

The empty fort strategy.

Let the enemy's own spy sow discord in the enemy camp

Inflict injury on one's self to win the enemy's trust

Chain stratagems

If everything else fails, retreat.

Classic Chinese Stratergy Study - Personal Favourite

Go Rin No Sho

• Do not think dishonestly.
• The Way is in training.
• Become aquainted with every art.
• Know the Ways of all professions.
• Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
• Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
• Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
• Pay attention even to trifles.
• Do nothing which is of no use.

Miyamoto Musashi - Classic Japanese study.

You Can If You Think You Can!

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is 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 are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.

C W Longenecker - been pondering on above for decades.

The road not taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Poem by Robert Frost - Have we never ask this question?

The Remembrance Technique

This is a Buddhist method for tapping into the problem solving power of your brain. It is used to overcome the feeling of hopelessness that can immobilize a person when facing a difficult situation or be used to solve tough problems.

The idea is that when you are trying to decide what to do or to solve a problem, you tell yourself to remember the solution. Say to yourself "Remember! How did I solve this problem?"

This essentially tells your brain that there is a solution, and that the answer is somewhere in there. The brain responds to this assumption by searching for the "solution" or to search for "tools" around you. Our brains are more powerful than we realize - sometime we just need simple "tricks" like this to go beyond our self-imposed limitations.

stumble upon above in Dan Brown book and the brainpower newsletter in the net, so fascinating.

Russian Proverb

Every road has two directions.

Failure teaches you more than success.

Take time to smell the roses.

Yiddish Proverbs

If things are not as you wish, wish them as they are.
Talking comes by nature, silence by wisdom.
Beautiful is not what is beautiful, but what one likes.

Turkish proverbs

If and When were planted and Nothing grew.

He that conceals his grief finds no remedy for it.

Tomorrow is another day.

Lessons From Great Mind

1. Realize Your Dreams - Lawrence J. Peter

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
2. Overcoming Fear - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
3. Intention and Desire - Guatama Buddha

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”

4. Happiness - Benjamin Franklin

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
5. Self Acceptance - Jesus

“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

6. Appreciation and Gratitude - Helen Keller

“So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.”
7. The Art of Simplicity - Blaise Pascal

“I made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it short.”