Monday, September 30, 2013

[Stay Strong] Be the Bridge. ...

As I waited on a telephone hold this morning, this song came on. Despite the fact that I have heard this song 50,000 times over my lifetime, I was deeply moved this morning by the lyrics. It was as if I was listening to it for the first time!
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> I think of my own daily struggles with life, trying to find meaning and value and do the right thing for our families and ourselves, and this song really sums up the Source of Strength we all need in our battles!
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> I view this song from not only the voice of friends and family who you know are right there in the thick of these battles with you - Always --- but also from a Spiritual perspective!
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> THIS is what is meant by Faith in whomever you believe in spiritually! 

THIS is what I picture God, or Jesus or Buddha, or Allah, or Virgin Mary, or especially the Holy Spirit communicating to us every morning, day and night!
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> This is what we need to hear and know and TRULY BELIEVE!! 

Remember..There is ALWAYS someone there along side us during the times of solitude, when we feel defeated, beaten up, in despair and Hopeless, lonely and troubled!!
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> I strive to be this person on this earth for my friends and family and often fall woefully short due to my own shortcomings and human frailties.

BUT I feel the pendulum shifting as we speak and I know with my prayers for Guidance and Strength and Courage, I WILL be a better bridge and source of strength for all whom I know are in NEED of it today!
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> For those of you whom I have failed, I apologize -- and WILL make it up to you~!~!
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> The time is NOW for YOU to be that bridge and shelter as well! 
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> Despite all YOU have going on in your lives, there is someone who needs you and whom you can ASSIST TODAY!! 
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> You ARE NOT hopeless - you ARE NOT Powerless -- YOU CAN DO IT  --- starting today!!!
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> Believe it and it will be Truth! 
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> I believe in You!! 
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> Now it is your turn!!!!
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> Read the amazingly beautiful words below and BELIEVE that there is someone PROMISING you this type of protection and shelter and STRENGTH!!! 
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> Because there truly is if you BELIEVE there is!!!
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> Stay Strong!!
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> A Bridge over Troubled Waters
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> When you're weary
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> Feeling small
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> When tears are in your eyes
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> I will dry them all
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> I'm on your side
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> When times get rough
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> And friends just can't be found
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will lay me down
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will lay me down
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> When you're down and out
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> When you're on the street
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> When evening falls so hard
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> I will comfort you
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> I'll take your part
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> When darkness comes
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> And pain is all around
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will lay me down
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will lay me down
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> Sail on Silver Girl,
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> Sail on by
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> Your time has come to shine
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> All your dreams are on their way
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> See how they shine
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> If you need a friend
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> I'm sailing right behind
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will ease your mind
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> Like a bridge over troubled water
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> I will ease your mind
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Friday, September 27, 2013

Re: [Stay Strong] Happy Friday!!!! Walk a Mile...

We have probably heard this saying a couple thousand times in our lifetime.
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> "Do not judge a man until you Walk a mile in his shoes."
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> We hear it and understand it - but it is important that we truly grasp the meaning of this wise and powerful proverb.
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> As we have discussed here many times, it is very simple to get lost in our daily struggles and issues.

When we have challenges and problems, we as HUMANS tend to let those problems consume our every waking moment, overwhelm our thoughts and actions - We simply cannot seem to stop obsesssing on the current strife we battle on a daily basis.
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> We also tend to be quick to judge others who may not share our goals, outlooks, fashion style, lifestyles, etc. It is - unfortunately - human nature to succumb to these judgements.
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> It may be human nature but it DOES NOT mean that we cannot overcome these tendencies with a little mental effort.
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> Without getting too deep into the psychological basis or the "WHY" we tend to do this (insecurity, jealousy, competition, fear, ignorance, upbringing, etc) it is key that we UNDERSTAND and BELIEVE that we can change it if we so desire and choose!
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> Because we can!!!
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> Today try to embark on a new mission - a mission to see EVERYONE we meet today as a Brother and a Sister - not someone in need of a judging.

Endeavor today to stop the normal (for most - not all) pattern of competition inherent in every interaction.
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> Try not to see others from a "how does that compare to me" perspective today and going forward - but instead look at them from a "how much are they hurting" or "what can I learn from them" or "is there anything I can do to assist them in THEIR daily battles and struggles?"
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> Walk a mile in their shoes and put yourself in their place before we jump to conclusions about why they are a certain way - or why they act in a certain manner.
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> Become a solution for them - and you will be pleased by how quickly whatever you are focusing on becomes secondary in nature!
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> It is a step toward fulfillment and joy and it is well within our control to make it a REALITY - starting............. NOW!
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> We never know what a person deals with daily - so provide the benefit of the doubt to those who appear surly, angry, mean, or rude.

They are not this way because they WANT to be (in most cases - lol) - and perhaps, just perhaps your influence in their life can help them get past it and move closer to their God given right to

JOY,
PEACE and
HAPPINESS.
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> You may never know if it worked - but you can be assured that the effort alone will take you closer to those three places above we all strive to reach!
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> Stay Strong!!! Have a terrific weekend!

Thank you Dory OT for the amazing photo!!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

[Stay Strong] Check the Attitude today!!!! Daily Inspiration

"It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term will come."
     ~ Dalai Lama
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> So much in life is attitude, Isn't it?
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> Think about the power your "attitude" holds in your daily life.
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> We are truly slaves to the whims of our minds, thoughts and attitudes.
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> Like the Law of Attraction, we  draw to us that which we think and hold firmly in our minds -whether good or bad..
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> It is not easy to forget our challenges and daily trials and just whistle past the graveyard.

But we can control our attitude - and make a meaningful impact on our happiness and peace -  if we cultivate a Faith and Belief that everything is going to be ok.
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> Because if we pray and focus on the positives, all WILL be ok!
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> The first step in any action for us should be to check our attitude. If we are fearful, anxious, negative and worried, we will not be drawing to us the positives we should be seeking in our lives. 
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> We need to reassess and change the attitude every time we feel fearful or worried, and even if you have to fake it, that attitude shift will take us to a place that over a short period of time will eventually become permanent!!
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> We do not appear to control a whole lot on out lives, but we clearly CONTROL our attitudes and thoughts!!!
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> And those two things are the most critical parts to success, happiness, and peace!!
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> How do you feel today? Why???  Can you change your mind and reverse it?
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> Of course you can!  That is from where the phrase "putting our minds to it" derives!!
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> All of us can and must...beginning today!!!! 
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> Stay Strong!!
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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Suffer through it...

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experiences of trial and suffering
can the soul be strengthened,
vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."
- Helen Keller

Without some amount of trials and suffering in our lives, we as human beings cannot fully reach the depths of our character.

Despite the imagery of what the media, commercials and magazines bombard us with constantly,  life is a mix of good with the bad and to believe that we can - or SHOULD - escape it is a pipe dream!

We cannot elude it - but we CAN use it to our advantage as we build our own identity and character - and by helping others who are in the midst of their own battles!!!

When the storm comes, do not cower and do not let it overwhelm you!

Even the most devastating and horrific storms pass!!  And we pick up the pieces and move forward!

Embrace and accept the storms - the reward for sticking it out are too numerous to count!!

You are not alone in your battle!

Stay Strong!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Act!

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear.
Action breeds confidence and courage.
If you want to conquer fear,
do not sit home and think about it.
Go out and get busy."
    - Dale Carnegie

Is there anything worse than waiting around for something to happen?

It is only worse when either fear or anxiety surrounds the situation.

Our minds are the critical puzzle piece to attaining peace and joy.

The mind and what we allow our minds to process  is the most important deciding factor in how our day is going to go, how our week, month,  year, and life will proceed!!

When confronted with a trial or fear of physical harm,  our physical nature is hard wired - either fight or flight! 

The same holds true for our minds!

We have a decision point when confronted with a challenge - we run from it or we take it head on!

Chances are that every single one of us reading this has some sort of trouble, worry,  fear, or challenge that we are facing - at this very moment!

If we choose - and it is OUR CHOICE- to cower and ruminate on the issue over and over again every waking hour in our minds,  we have chosen the flight option! !!

We have decided to let our minds compound and pile on to our one issue ALL other worries and fears that it can conjure up and we are quickly overwhelmed! !!

It can happen in an instant and that cascading of fear and doubt and depair will paralyze us!!

The other option we have at out disposal is Fight - ACTION!!

Fight off the urge to compound the one issue we are facing and instead ask yourself this question:

"What is the worst that can come from this?"

Chances are that the end result of the worst case scenario is not worth the pain and suffering that allowing our minds to open the floodgates of fear will bring upon us!

We must take the offensive - take action - figure out an action plan to solve or address whatever the issue may be!!!

Do not sit and think about the problem - jump on the solution to it right away!

Remember - no problem is eternal and all that we have to deal with will pass!!  It will not matter in 100 years - perhaps not even in 100 days!

Take charge - control your thoughts and exactly what you choose to focus upon - and ACT!

It is the only good choice!  

Stay Strong! !!

Monday, September 23, 2013

[Stay Strong] Give Thanks and Remember.... Doug Millett, 49

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which read:
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> "I am Blind, Please Help."
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> There were only a few coins in the hat.
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> A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.
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> He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words.
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> He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words he had written.
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> Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.
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> That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came by to see how tihngs were.
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> The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?  What did you write?"
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> The man said, "I only wrote the Truth. I said what you said but in a different way. I wrote,
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> 'Today is a Beautiful Day but I cannot see it."
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> Both signs told people that the boy was blind, but the second sign reminded people that they were so fortunate to have their eyesight and should count their blessings.
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> Is it any wonder that the second sign was more effective?
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> Moral of the Story? 

Give Thanks to God for what you have TODAY!
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> Be Creative. Be Innovative.  Think differently and positively.
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> When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile!
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> Face your past without regret and handle your present with confidence. 
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> Prepare for the future without Fear!
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> Remember, the most beautiful thing in the world is to see someone smiling  - and it is even more beautiful knowing that you are the reason behind it!!
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  - Source Unknown
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Today IS a beautiful day and many do not have the blessing of being able to experience it.

Our good friend Doug Millet passed away this weekend after a long and courageous battle with his sinister disease. 

All those who know Doug probably cannot recall him losing any battle against any foe at any time.

He was a fearless competitor, a wonderful human being, and tremendous father and family man!

In Doug's honor today and every day going forward, try to appreciate and give thanks for all we have and the blessing of being able to see just how beautiful this day - and all of our days - actually is!

Doug lived every day of his life this way - and even in the midst of his hard fought battle -he never stopped appreciating all he had and the blessings he had been afforded - especially his wife and boys.

God bless you, Dougie - you are missed already!

Stay Strong and Keep the Faith!

Bloomberg News -
 
Douglas Millett, Who Helped Chanos Bet Against Enron, Dies at 49

Douglas Millett, a portfolio manager who shorted stocks with James Chanos at Kynikos Associates Ltd. and helped expose the hollow underpinnings of Enron Corp. before its collapse, has died. He was 49.
He died on Sept. 21 at Calvary Hospital Hospice in the Bronx, New York, according to his brother, Mike Millett. The cause was adenoid cystic carcinoma, a cancer of the salivary glands, which was diagnosed in May 2012.

He lived in Armonk, New York, with his wife and two sons.

A graduate of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Millett worked from 2010 to 2012 as co-portfolio manager and director of research for the Perella Weinberg Partners Sustainable Resources funds, focusing on alternative energy, water, agriculture and other investments prone to scarcity. His last professional affiliation was with First New York Securities LLC., a brokerage firm.

His 10 years at Kynikos, the New York-based investment company, immersed him in short-selling, or betting that shares of a given company will fall. Chanos is regarded among the best in that field, in part because of his early and accurate public doubts about Enron, a Houston-based energy company, before its fraudulent accounting was exposed and it plunged into bankruptcy in December 2001.

As head of research, Millett was part of Kynikos's Enron team, along with Chanos and Charles Hobbs, Chanos said yesterday in an e-mail. Chanos credited Millett with originating the oft-quoted description of Enron as "a hedge fund sitting on top of a pipeline."
Questioning Enron
Millett and Chanos worked with journalist Bethany McLean on what became her March 2001 article for Fortune magazine that questioned the fundamentals beneath Enron's soaring share value.

In "The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron" (2003), co-written with Peter Elkind, McLean recalled Millett asking her, "Would you put your money in a hedge fund earning a 7 percent return?" She said Chanos added, "Read the 10-K and see if you can figure out how they're making money."

Also during his time at Kynikos, Millett led an expansion that quadrupled the firm's research staff and acted as the liaison to the firm's biggest client, New York-based Ziff Brothers Investments LLC.
Highest Qualities
"I am sorry to inform you that one our best friends, and ex-partner, Doug Millett, lost his battle with cancer," Chanos wrote in an e-mail to colleagues. "There is no one who ever met Doug who was not impressed with his rock-solid integrity, towering intellect, and unmistakable sense of humor. He in all ways embodied the qualities we hold dear, but more importantly, was simply a good person. We will miss him terribly."
Douglas Tyler Millett was born on May 20, 1964, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Allan R. Millett, a longtime professor of history at Ohio State University who is now director of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans, and the former Sarah Tyler.
He played football at Upper Arlington High School in Ohio and then at Yale, where he received a bachelor's degree in economics in 1986.
His first job was as a stock broker at Robinson-Humphrey Co. in Atlanta. He worked from 1988 to 1991 as a proprietary trader at the Gelber Group, a Chicago-based firm specializing in algorithmic trading.
He was an analyst at Kynikos from 1991 to 1993, left to join the now-defunct investment bank Robertson Stephens & Co. in San Francisco, then returned to Kynikos in 1995, rising to partner and chief operating officer.
Brief Venture
In 2004, with backing from Kynikos, he left to form Currahee Capital Management, a fund manager that lasted only a year. According to an article in the New York Sun, Millett said the 11-employee firm, with $30 million in startup funding, struggled with the costs of Securities and Exchange Commission rules, accountants and third-party research.
"We simply could not run the fund well with that capital base, given the structure that regulators and investors demand," Millett said, according to the newspaper.
Millett spent a year as head of short selling research at Select Equity Group, then nine months as a managing director at J.P. Morgan Securities, before joining Perella Weinberg Partners, all in New York.
Big deals weren't the only things he liked to land. On his LinkedIn Corp. profile page, Millett added a photo of himself holding an enormous striped bass, with the Manhattan skyline incongruously behind him. His brother said Millett, who got into fishing because of his sons, caught the fish in the East River near the United Nations.
In addition to his parents and brother, survivors include his wife, Joanne McElligott, and their sons, John, 13, and Daniel, 8.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Re: [Stay Strong] Stressed Out? Worried? Depressed? Solution: Remember what truly matters!

Apologies in advance for the length of this entry - but I hope you can stick it out!  ;)

As a kid of about 6 years old, I remember vividly having this epiphany regarding life in general and it ranked up there with one other enlightening moment that brought me a sense of relief.
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> The other light bulb that went off in my mind and brought me such "whewwwwwww" relief was that as a Man, I would not have to endure childbirth!

That whole prospect freaked me out and after asking my Dad (who must have really been concerned about my state of mind back then) and receiving the definitive word that I could actually skip that experience due to my gender, I was so relieved.

And now having witnessed 2 of my own births up close and personal since that time, I know now that I had every right to be relieved! Lol
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> My respect and awe remains and grows daily for my lovely wife and all you women!
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> The other concept that struck me at that very young age was "We all end up in the same place".
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> I remember vividly grasping this notion while in my sister's room after Church and thinking that no matter what I do or become, I will end up in the same ending spot as everyone else on the planet.

I remember that moment like it was yesterday!
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> Whether I am President or homeless, a zillionaire or a pauper, ALL of us will arrive at the same end!

I remember thinking that "Nothing" I do in my life can change that - spare me the grave, or alter this FACT!
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> It was pretty heady stuff at that age but it is a truly insightful concept to remember as adults when you are down about your job, your relationships, your family, situation, your life, etc.
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> We all have unlimited potential to build a joyous and happy life while we are on Earth - but remember that when the final bell or buzzer (or horn for you hockey afficianados) sounds for each of us - we are ALL arriving at the same place - back from whence we came!
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> From the wealthiest, most powerful person to the most destitute and humble - it does not matter!!
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> So how can and does this knowledge help us in our daily lives?
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> This understanding should give us peace and take some pressure off of us in our stressful, hectic lives whereby we scrap and struggle and aim at goals that we feel will make us happy - only to find that no matter how high you rise, or how much money you have, or the amount of power you wield, we ALL are going to end up in that same resting spot!
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> What we need to focus upon instead is HOW we live this life!
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> Do not get me wrong - I am all for ambition, success, wealth, etc.... There is absolutely nothing wrong with these and I seek them myself.
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> However, in the end what truly matters is what kind of friend you were, what kind of co-worker, neighbor, spouse, parent, sibling, offspring, etc.

How kind were you to others, helpful, compassionate, merciful. How did you ACT - not what did you DO. These are subtle but dramatic differences.
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> I believe that the greatest resume' in the world will not matter a lick when the final buzzer sounds, but the "report card" that matters is how did we help, treat, assist, nurture, console and comfort each other?
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> I read a story a while back about a child (since grown) who visited his Dad's work one day. He recalls in his later years that what struck him the most back then as he met his Dad's co-workers was NOT his reputation for being a high performer, top producer, or 8 time Sales Champion-- what struck him then and still resonates with him 40 years later is the "way my Dad's co-workers spoke of him as a person". "What a great man". "A KIND boss". "A great friend". "Supportive - kind-compassionate".
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It was clear that his Dad's co-workers liked and respected him not only for his accomplishments but mostly for the way he acted and treated others. It was a lesson for him and it should be a lesson for all of us indeed!
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> So stop beating yourself up over your career, financial situation, number of sales awards, relationship struggles, the lack of car, houses, money, gadgets!
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> It is ok to KEEP striving for all of this success - Just do not replace WHAT TRULY brings us all happiness and peace with that trap of a constant drive to succeed and collect material goods at all costs!!
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> Balance is key!
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> As Mother Teresa pointed out:
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> "Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush - anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that parents have very little time for their children. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the HOME begins the disruption of the Peace of the World."
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> Remember what matters! We all have a purpose - we all have a responsibility to love, care for, and comfort one another!
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> We are all in this TOGETHER and we ALL end up in the same place in the end - so LOVE, LOVE , LOVE!

Seek out each other and provide the STRENGTH and KINDNESS that others may need TODAY - and that elusive peace and joy will inevitably be yours!!

That is a fact!
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> Stay Strong and Keep up the good fight!
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Thursday, September 19, 2013

[Stay Strong] Back to Basics

It is amazing how life can become so complicated so quickly - often in the blink of an eye!
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> That is why it is so important to prepare mentally - in advance -for the overwhelming events life can throw at you.
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> It is critical to keep positive in both your mind as well as your heart.
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> Our minds are the control room of our emotions! Think about it - the old saying "ignorance is bliss" is not just a saying - It is a guiding principle in behavior and emotion!
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> I am not saying bury your head in the sand and ignore life's curveballs and you will be thrilled - but I am saying that there are people in this world who have nothing at all to be joyful about in their lives - I mean downright tragedy and misery - yet they walk around as if they do not have a care in the world!!
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> How do they do this?? How do people with psychiatric issues seem and actually are happy and joyous? Why can't we do this???
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> The Mind. Period!
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> We can control our happiness and emotion if we can train our minds to focus on the positive! Focus not on a current problem but on the solution.
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> Get back to the basics - recall what truly matters to you -not shoes, cars, clothes, jewelry, etc- not those material goods that will disappear as quickly as they come (as will their allure). I mean getting back to why it is we exist - to assist, and support, and love one another!!
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> Focus your mind of being there for others, on what is next after the storm, the joy that is sure to follow the pain you may have now -- because it always comes back to love!! Always!!!
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> And we know for a fact that the storm ALWAYS passes and provides us all an opportunity to be Stronger, Wiser, Kinder, more compassionate, caring, and loving!!
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> With every ounce of pain there are pounds of happiness and joy and peace that will follow -you just have to know it, Believe it - and see it through!!!!
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> You will get there - and back to the heart of who you are!!!
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> God Bless and Stay Strong!
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Harness the Power of Positive Emotion and Thinking!

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of Positive attitude is certainly no exception.
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>I apologize for it's length but urge you to read it in its entirety if possible!

> "Success is in the blood.

There are men whom fate can never keep down they march forward in a jaunty manner, and take by divine right the best of everything that the earth affords. But their success is not attained by means of the Samuel Smiles-Connecticut policy.
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> They do not lie in wait, nor scheme, nor fawn, nor seek to adapt their sails to catch the breeze of popular favor. Still, they are ever alert and alive to any good that may come their way, and when it comes they simply appropriate it, and tarrying not, move steadily on.
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> Good health! Whenever you go out of doors, draw the chin in, carry the crown of the head high, and fill the lungs to the utmost; drink in the sunshine; greet your friends with a smile, and put soul into every hand-clasp.
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> Do not fear being misunderstood; and never waste a moment thinking about your enemies. Try to fix firmly in your own mind what you would like to do, and then without violence of direction you will move straight to the goal.
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> Fear is the rock on which we split, and hate the shoal on which many a barque is stranded.

When we become fearful, the judgment is as unreliable as the compass of a ship whose hold is full of iron ore; when we hate, we have unshipped the rudder; and if ever we stop to meditate on what the gossips say, we have allowed a hawser to foul the screw.
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> Keep your mind on the great and splendid thing you would like to do; and then, as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing the opportunities that are required for the fulfillment of your desire, just as the coral insect takes from the running tide the elements that it needs.
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> Picture in your mind the able, earnest, useful person you desire to be, and the thought that you hold is hourly transforming you into that particular individual you so admire.
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> Thought is supreme, and to think is often better than to do.
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> Preserve a right mental attitude the attitude of courage, frankness and good cheer.
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>
Darwin and Spencer have told us that this is the method of Creation.

Each animal has evolved the parts it needed and desired. The horse is fleet because he wishes to be; the bird flies because it desires to; the duck has a web foot because it wants to swim.

All things come through desire and every sincere prayer is answered.
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We become like that on which our hearts are fixed.

> Many people know this, but they do not know it thoroughly enough so that it shapes their lives.

We want friends, so we scheme and chase 'cross lots after strong people, and lie in wait for good folks or alleged good folks hoping to be able to attach ourselves to them. The only way to secure friends is to be one.

And before you are fit for friendship you must be able to do without it. That is to say, you must have sufficient self-reliance to take care of yourself, and then out of the surplus of your energy you can do for others.
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> The individual who craves friendship, and yet desires a self-centered spirit more, will never lack for friends.
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> If you would have friends, cultivate solitude instead of society. Drink in the ozone; bathe in the sunshine; and out in the silent night, under the stars, say to yourself again and yet again, "I am a part of all my eyes behold!" And the feeling then will come to you that you are no mere interloper between earth and heaven; but you are a necessary part of the whole.

No harm can come to you that does not come to all, and if you shall go down it can only be amid a wreck of worlds.
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> Like old Job, that which we fear will surely come upon us.
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> By a wrong mental attitude we have set in motion a train of events that ends in disaster. People who die in middle life from disease, almost without exception, are those who have been preparing for death. The acute tragic condition is simply the result of a chronic state of mind a culmination of a series of events.
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> Character is the result of two things, mental attitude, and the way we spend our time.

It is what we think and what we do that make us what we are.
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By laying hold on the forces of the universe, you are strong with them. And when you realize this, all else is easy, for in your arteries will course red corpuscles, and in your heart the determined resolution is born to do and to be.
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> Carry your chin in and the crown of your head high. We are gods in the chrysalis.
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> Bill McRea is the publisher of Living Inside Yourself and Living Life. Both sites are dedicate to providing useful information about life and self improvement.
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> Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_McRea
>

STAY STRONG!!!!!
>
>
> --
> Posted By CIM to Stay Strong at 10/27/2009 10:29:00 AM

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Proof.....

As we mark the Five (5) year Anniversary of the Global Financial meltdown, it is a perfect opportunity to illustrate what we constantly hammer home - everything passes!!

No matter your career, job, industry or situation,  five years ago the world flipped upside down! 

Try to remember back to the feelings the entire world was experiencing at that disastrous time!

Fear, worry, anxiety, panic, and
rampant uncertainty had gripped the entire world and things truly looked bleak!

Fast forward five years and sure, things look vastly different for so many people - lives were changed,  careers ruined, lifestyles and what used to be the norm for many have morphed!

But guess what - it passed! 

All the fear and worry and doom bought us nothing meaningful - and we all survived!!!!

Remember this next time things look bleak or you are panicked about something.

It always works out - we just need faith and perseverance to carry us through the storm! 

Below is a re-print of one of my favorite pieces - it is a bit long but I feel the message is well worth the time! 

Drink it in and endeavor to follow it's direction!!

Stay Strong - get off the back of your heels and take the offensive!  

Do it Now!! 

Because it is never too late but it IS later than we think! 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "CIM" >
Date: Sep 5, 2008 2:48 PM
Subject: [Stay Strong]  This too shall Pass!!!
To: <douglas.flaherty@gmail.com>
Cc:

> "I will laugh at the World.
>
> No living creature can laugh except man.
>
> Trees may bleed when they are wounded, and beasts in the field will cry in pain and hunger, yet only WE have the GIFT of laughter and it is ours to use whenever we choose.
>
> Henceforth I will cultivate the habit of laughter.
>
> I will smile and my digestion will improve; I will chuckle and my burdens will be lightened; I will laugh and my life will be lengthened for this is the Great Secret of long life and now it is OURS!!!
>
> I will laugh at the World!
>
> And most of all, I will laugh at myself for man is the most comical when he takes himself too seriously.
>
> Never will I fall into this trap of the mind.
>
> For though I be nature's greatest miracle AM I NOT STILL a mere grain tossed about by the winds of time?
>
> Do I truly know whence I came or whither I am bound?
>
> Will my concern for this day not seem foolish ten years hence?
>
> Why should I permit the petty happenings of today to disturb me in the least?
>
> What can take place before this sun sets which will not seem insignificant in the river of centuries?
>
> I will laugh at the World.
>
> Yet - HOW can I laugh when confronted with man or deed which offends me so as to bring forth my tears and my curses?
>
> FOUR WORDS I will train myself to say until they become a habit so strong that immediately they will appear in my mind whenever good humor threatens to depart from me.
>
> These words, passed down from the ancients, will carry ME - US - through every adversity and maintain my life in balance.
>
> These four words are:
>
> THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
>
> I will laugh at the world.
>
> For all worldly things shall indeed pass. When I am heavy in heartache and worry I shall console myself that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
>
> When I am strangled in poverty and despair I shall tell myself that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
>
> When I am puffed with success and burdened with wealth I shall warn myself that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
>
> Yea, verily, where is he who built the pyramids? Is he not buried within it's stone? And will the pyramid, one day, also not be buried under sand?
>
> If all things shall pass why should I be of concern for today?
>
> I will laugh at the world.
>
> I will paint this day with laughter.
>
> Never will I labor to be happy; rather will I remain too busy to be sad.
>
> I will enjoy today's happiness TODAY!
>
> It is not a grain to be stored in a Box. It is not a wine to be saved in a bottle.
>
> It cannot be saved for tomorrow. It must be sown and reaped on the same day and this I will do, henceforth!
>
> I will laugh at the world.
>
> And with my laughter all things will be reduced to their proper size. I will laugh at my failures and they will vanish in CLOUDS OF NEW DREAMS!
>
> I will laugh at my successes and they will shrink to their true value. I will laugh at evil and it will die untasted!
>
> I will laugh at goodness and it will thrive and abound.
>
> Each day will be triumphant ONLY when my smiles bring forth smiles from others!
>
> So long as I laugh I will never be poor. This then is one of nature's greatest gifts, and I will waste it no more.
>
> ONLY with laughter and happiness can I truly become a success.
>
> ONLY with laughter and happiness can I enjoy the fruits of my labor.
>
> Were it not so, far better would it be to fail, for happiness is the wine that sharpens the taste of the meal.
>
> To enjoy success I MUST HAVE HAPPINESS, and laughter will be the maiden who serves me!
>
> I WILL BE HAPPY!
>
> I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!
>
> I will laugh at the World!"
>
>
> ---Og Mandino, "The Greatest Salesman in the World"
>
>
> --
> Posted By CIM to Stay Strong at 9/05/2008 02:48:00 PM

Monday, September 16, 2013

[Stay Strong] Take inventory of your blessings and snap out of it!!!

Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have.
   - Dale Carnegie
>
> Mr. Carnegie nailed it as always!!! 
>
> Snap out of your pity party and get on with living your life ...a life filled with blessings, gifts and wonderful privileges that some people will only dream of achieving or experiencing!!!
>
> Stop focusing on what is WRONG in your life and shift attention to what is beautiful and blessed!!! 
>
> Help others solve their problems and you will be amazed at how quickly the last call for the pity party arrives!!
>
> Stay Strong!!!

Friday, September 13, 2013

[Stay Strong] Help is available...the price? Just Ask!

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can,  Begin it.
> Boldness has genius, power and magic in it,
Begin it now."
>   
>   - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
>
> We have all heard the old adage, if you have to ask how much it costs, you cannot afford it.
>
> Well, that adage does not apply when it comes to the cost of receiving help or assistance in your most desperate time of need.
>
> I have recently discovered that no matter what it is that you need, whatever problems or troubles or Rocky Ground you are traveling over at this moment, there is a strength, a lifeline, a solution and a helping hand always readily available to you.  Always!
>
> It is always there waiting for us and all we need to do - the only effort or cost of this assistance and immense source of strength and faith is that we ASK for it!
>
> That is it.  We Ask for it. Period.
>
> It seems so simple that it becomes unbelievable and laughable to most of us!  And often as a result we do not even bother to try and ask for help!
>
> But have you really tried?  Have you really asked?  Do you really believe that your request will be granted as you ask it?
>
> I hold many sources of strength that I go to regularly in order to ask for Help and Peace and Guidance.
>
> They all work but for me most recently the Holy Spirit is who I rely on to provide me the strength and faith to carry on forward!
>
> I will let the rest be told by Charles Stanley, author of "Relying on the Holy Spirit".
>
> "What must we do to receive the Holy Spirit's help?
>
> We need to ask for it.

Ask for His help before you pray.

Ask for his help as you pray.

Do not allow yourself to be discouraged. When you are most discouraged about prayer, don't give in - THAT is the very time when you need to pray!
>
> Jesus promised that our Helper is always available and is instantly accessible. He is never out of the officr when we need Him.
>
> The Holy Spirit understands everything you think, feel, or experience. Paul says the Spirit searches our hearts and knows the mind of the Father.
>
> As we pray, the Holy Spirit reveals the plan of God to us. We pray for what we can think of and then we pause and listen for God to speak to us.

We very likely will not hear Him speak with an audible voice, but suddenly we think of additional things to pray about.
>
> We continue this process  and we begin to receive the knowledge from the Holy Spirit. We have a sense of resolution and Peace.
>
> We have a deep assurance that God is answering us and that He is in control.

At times we may have clear direction -we know what to do, when to take action, and how to pursue God's answer.
>
> "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." Paul (1 Cor. 2:12)"
>
> All this ..all the peace and comfort and guidance and hope and love, all this just by Asking!??
>
> Not a bad deal if you ask me!! 
>
> Give it a shot!
>
> Stay Strong!
>

Thursday, September 12, 2013

[Stay Strong] Compassion

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
> - Philo
>
> Does not matter who you are or where you are in your life, everyone has their own challenges, battles and obstacles to battle every day.
>
> Try to hold your tongue and your judgement when a situation arises.
>
> Keep this in mind in your daily travels today and going forward.
>
> Kindness and compassion are sorely needed in this world and it all begins with each of us taking the initiative upon ourselves.

Practicing this compassion can really change our overall outlook and modify how we measure and approach our own daily battles! 

And we all know that how we react and deal with our own trials makes the difference between peace and consternation in our lives!
>
> Lead the way starting today!! It is contagious! !
>
> Stay Strong!!!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Remember.......

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious
privilege it is to be alive -
to breathe,
to think, to enjoy, to love."
   - Marcus Aurelius

Today is a day of Remembrance.

We remember and pray for all those souls who passed 12 years ago - and also pray for all the hundreds of thousands of people whose lives were impacted that beautiful sunny Septembrr day as a result of hatred.

Today should also be a day to reflect on and validate the fact that as we always say - life does indeed go on.

Having been a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero that horrific morning and witnessing up close all that unfolded that day and the days that followed, I would have been hard pressed to have thought that life could go on. Especially as we walked home from Battery Park in a sea of papers, floating debris and a blanket of white covering virtually everything the eye could see - and that rivaled any winter blizzard in NY. The smell from the burning fires is a smell I cannot describe but will never ever forget.

However, 12 years later and we see that life does indeed go on regardless of the events, the actions and the circumstances that impact us.

It is sad and difficult and painful - but guess what, we survive and we move forward! 

It is all we can do!

Remember that lesson when you are confronted with something so challenging,  incomprehensible, and daunting that you cannot imagine getting through it!

Trust me - as long as you don't quit you will ALWAYS get through it!!

Stay Strong and God Bless!!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The Road... travelled......

It is good to have an end to journey towards;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.
- Ursula K. Le Guin

It has become a bit cliche but it remains a truth - the destination pales in comparison to the actual trip and journey.

Whatever the goal, whatever the aspiration and desire, all that really matters is what happens on that road to the golden ring!

This is why we must embrace - not fear or avoid our daily trials and struggles!!

Wake up each morning with the expectation that life will most likely throw you a curveball at some point - but do not lament this likelihood!

Recognize it as an inevitable piece of our final puzzle and one that we NEED to make us into the person we are striving to become - the person we are intended to be.

Accept the challenge with a determined, calm and confident smile and attitude and you cannot go wrong!

Sure, the idea of sitting on a yacht in the Mediterranean sipping champagne and relaxing all day can have it's appeal to many. However,  even luxury can have it's drawbacks!

We will most likely not look back on our moments of relaxation and boredom all those years from now as important parts of our lives - instead it will be our BATTLES AND TRIUMPHS over adversity and trouble that will define who we are and what we did during this short period here on earth!

And think about it - as long as we keep rising to meet the bell when we are put down on our rear ends by some of life's left hooks, we WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH!!

ALWAYS! 

This is a fact!

Enjoy the short journey - the roses and the thorns both have their roles to play in it!

Stay Strong!!!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Joy!!

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."
- Marianne Williamson

Take true stock of all that you have and the countless blessings we take for granted!

To prove it - actually write them down when you have a free moment and you will be astounded by the volume of blessings and riches you possess - and scarcely even acknowledge or remember!

Choose to focus on these - not the things we don't have that will never matter!!

Stay Strong!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

[Stay Strong] Wasted Worry

"If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying."
> - Dale Carnegie
>
It seems like there is an awful lot of material written on this topic of "worry"- and with good reason.

Worry is the single most criminal and insidious emotion or activity that we could ever have the misfortune of buying into as humans! !

It robs us of so much joy and peace on a daily basis that I am convinced that if we could remove just one aspect of our behaviors - removing worry can and DOES change lives!!!

Imagine a life where you do not worry about anything! 

A life whereby our focus is on our blessings and our service to others is all we need ne concerned!

A life whereby we have complete trust and faith that no matter whatever happens to us,  we KNOW there is a reason for it and that regardless - all will be ok!

A life without FEAR - but instead trust and faith that we are not in this alone!!!

We can all have this life TODAY if we simply believe and choose to respond to fear and worry with faith, love and trust!!!

Banish Fear and Worry!  Commit to it!!

Remember that 99% of what we waste our time worrying about NEVER OCCURS!

Push back - reject those thoughts as they pop into our heads and BELIEVE that it is all going to work out and be fine!!

Because it always does!!  ;)

Happy Sunday!

STAY STRONG!!
>
>

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Forgive to be forgiven... Please read this.. line by line ...slowly.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

—Francis of Assisi. Quoted in A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom, edited by Whitall N. Perry (Simon & Schuster, 1971)

Stay Strong!!

Friday, September 6, 2013

[Stay Strong] The Power to Create your own Reality!!

"Reality is what you believe it to be. It's what you put your thought and energy into, because your hands physically manifest thought.
>
> So your world becomes what you feel and what you think."
>  
      - Anonymous
>
> I know it is not easy work, but if we could just convince ourselves that our minds, our daily thoughts and our directed mental focus, are the driving forces to creating our own circumstances, how easy and fulfilling would life become?
>
> Every one of us controls this power and we choose to create either positive or negative circumstances based on what thoughts we allow to run through our minds!!
>
> Strive to eliminate old habits, old negative beliefs, and past failures and old labels!!!
>
> Replace them with positive and healthy thoughts of what you want to become, what you would like to be and experience - and lo and behold, THAT will become your reality!!!!
>
> It is our choice!! Choose it today!!!
>
> Have a Great Weekend and Stay Strong!!
>
>
>
> --
> Posted By CIM to Stay Strong

Thursday, September 5, 2013

[Stay Strong] Wisdom...everything will pass.....

"I am now seventy-eight years old, and have seen so many, many things during my lifetime.
>
> So many young people have died, so many people of my own age have died, so many old people have died.
>
> So many people that were high up have become low.
>
> So many people that were low have risen to be high up.
>
> So many countries have changed.
>
> There has been so much turmoil and tragedy, so many wars, and plagues, so much terrible destruction all over the world.
>
> And yet all these changes are no more real than a dream.
>
> When you look deeply, you realize there is nothing that is permanent and constant, nothing, not even the tiniest hair on your body.
>
> And this is not a theory, but something you can actually come to know and realize and see, even, with your very own eyes."
>
> —Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Courtesy of Rigpa: Glimpse of the Day, March 2nd,
>

Let that sink in!

Whatever your current trial, obstacle or challenge,  it will also pass!!!

From the perception above, it seems silly to get ourselves all worked up and crazy over most of the issues we face in our lives given the fact that everything changes and you will get through it just fine!!

Step back and view it all with a wider lens! 

Perhaps using this filter and focusing on the big picture can help us work through some of the daily struggles we have in a lighter and more optimistic manner?

Is it worth a shot?

Stay Strong!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Re: [Stay Strong] Resistance is Futile

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."
   - Lao Tzu

Do not waste too much time trying to fight what our lives throw at us.

When we understand that there is indeed a plan and a mission for us all, we CAN - we MUST - accept the hard times, the challenges, the disappointments, and welcome all the blessings that we take for granted each day!!!!

We don't need to understand it. Stop resisting reality and all it's storms and tests!!

We just need to know AND TRUST that we will get through whatever we are going through as long as we don't quit!!!

Seek what it is you are here to be doing in this short time and it will become apparent very quickly!!!

Persevere...Trust .... and soldier on with a positive attitude - and this is key - FOCUS on what you WANT as opposed to what you are up against!

Solutions and next steps are where you want to channel all your efforts - not on repeating the problem or challenge over and over in your head!

Remember that none of us is alone in our daily battles - even if it seems that way at times!!

Stop feeling weak and overwhelmed - instead take the OFFENSIVE here and accept the challenge! 

You are not unique in your fear or your battles - so what are you going to do about it???

Quiver in fear? 

Or will you lift your head high,  hold your shoulders up,  and tackle your trials with confidence and Faith???

The choice of "how we react" to any situation is ALWAYS our very own - and it is ALL we truly control!!

This too shall pass...what matters is HOW we choose to ride out the storm!

Stay Strong!!!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

[Stay Strong] A Life of Value ?

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
>    - Albert Einstein
>
> What a true and insightful quote, but what do you expect from a genius anyway?? Lol.
>
> We are all chasing that pot of gold and pursuing things that we may not really understand why we are doing so and the effect it has on our lives and those close to us.
>
> We are trying so earnestly to become men and women of success, yet at the same time we tend to abandon all that is truly of value in our lives in this pursuit.
>
> In my Dad's last days on this earth, I got such joy amidst the sadness in seeing that my Dad finally realized his true value on this earth, his deep impact and the people he truly affected and touched just by being a man of  integrity, understanding and love - a man of true value!!
>
> He was also very successful as a man by the earthly measurements, but there is no comparison to what he felt and realized as his value was recognized by the outpouring of love he witnessed toward the end, as opposed to his material possessions and bank account statements.
>
> There is nothing wrong with having both things, don't get me wrong, but looking back as we lay dying in our beds many many years from now, would we trade all we have materially for that realization that we added real value to our friends, family and the world? 

That we had a true and lasting impact on our brothers and sisters lives??
>
> Think about that as we go about crafting our goals and pursuits.

Think about that as we lament our daily "problems" and challenges!

It is quite a question to have answered.
>
> Stay Strong!!
>
>
>
>
> Posted By CIM to Stay Strong at 3/14/2012 08:20:00 AM

Monday, September 2, 2013

[Stay Strong] Count your Blessings!! And there are many!!

Happy Labor Day!!!  

Count them all today!!!  :)

Stay Strong!

On Oct 24, 2011 5:51 PM, "CIM" <douglas.flaherty@gmail.com> wrote:

I received this from my brother-in -law today.  It came at the exact perfect time and it changed my day immediately and dramatically!  Thanks, Tim!

Enjoy, please do yourself a favor and act on this, and Stay Strong!!!

"To realize The value of a sister/brother: Ask someone Who doesn't have one.

To realize The value of ten years: Ask a newly Divorced couple.

To realize The value of four years: Ask a graduate.

To realize The value of one year: Ask a student who Has failed a final exam.

To realize The value of nine months: Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize The value of one month: Ask a mother Who has given birth to a premature baby

To realize The value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize The value of one minute: Ask a person Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize The value of one second: Ask a person Who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend or family member: LOSE ONE

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when You can share it with someone special."

The origin of this letter is unknown, But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Remember.... Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Do not keep this letter. Send it to friends & family to whom you wish good fortune. And don't forget the one who sent it to you!



--
Posted By CIM to Stay Strong at 10/24/2011 05:51:00 PM

Sunday, September 1, 2013

[Stay Strong] Measure "abundance" properly....

Happy Sunday!!  ;)

"Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." - - - Epicurus

Life can be so hard and challenging, or it can be easy and light if we decide upfront what we will use as a measurement of our success and happiness!

We are pre-conditioned by society to chase the gold ring continuously and few people seem to slow down and enjoy the true abundance they already have in their lives.

Very few people ever reach the Billionaire $$ status and live outrageously lavish lifestyles, yet we all seem to wish for that and want that type of abundance. 

If we use this measurement  of wanting and desire to determine our success or happiness, how can we not be disappointed and full of despair???

Choose wisely what you want to use as a measurement of your accomplishments and hence your fulfillment and you will find that happiness and joy will follow.

True achievement is not your net worth or your social status, it is what you do for others, what you do to make life easier and more palatable for others, what you bring to the table to assist and support those in need.

Mother Teresa never graced the cover of Forbes or Fortune yet would anyone argue that her net worth is practicably unobtainable by most souls??

Cut yourself some slack and be sure to pick and use the right criteria as you judge yourself and your station in this life!

Count your blessings..trust me you are full of abundance, you are simply looking at the "bottom line" the wrong way!!!

Stay Strong!!!

--
Posted By CIM to Stay Strong at 4/18/2012 08:48:00 AMl