Re: [Stay Strong] This too shall Pass!!!

As we deal with our daily battles and struggles, it is critical to put it all in the grand perspective of what it all truly means! 

No matter the trial or challenge we face on this earth, we MUST understand that nothing in this world is permanent and ALL we will leave behind is the good and kindness we do to others!  

That is the only - and the most critical - legacy we could ever dream of leaving behind!!

So lighten up - relax a bit and have some fun!!   Life is short and fleeting!

Please read the passage below in its entirety if you can - it is a good plan of action and I believe it will shape your day - and if remembered -perhaps your life!

Stay Strong!

"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.
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> 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?
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> Do I truly know whence I came or whither I am bound?
>
> Will my concern for this day not seem foolish ten years hence?
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> Why should I permit the petty happenings of today to disturb me in the least?
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> 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?
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> 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.
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> 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?
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> If all things shall pass why should I be of concern for today?
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> I will laugh at the world.
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> I will paint this day with laughter.
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> Never will I labor to be happy; rather will I remain too busy to be sad.
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> I will enjoy today's happiness TODAY!
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> It is not a grain to be stored in a Box. It is not a wine to be saved in a bottle.
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> It cannot be saved for tomorrow. It must be sown and reaped on the same day and this I will do, henceforth!
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> 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!
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> I will laugh at my successes and they will shrink to their true value. I will laugh at evil and it will die untasted!
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> I will laugh at goodness and it will thrive and abound.
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> Each day will be triumphant ONLY when my smiles bring forth smiles from others!
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> 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.
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> ONLY with laughter and happiness can I truly become a success.
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> ONLY with laughter and happiness can I enjoy the fruits of my labor.
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> Were it not so, far better would it be to fail, for happiness is the wine that sharpens the taste of the meal.
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> To enjoy success I MUST HAVE HAPPINESS, and laughter will be the maiden who serves me!
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> I WILL BE HAPPY!
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> I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!
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> I will laugh at the World!"
>
>
> ---Og Mandino, "The Greatest Salesman in the World"

The Key..

"You can have anything you want in life if you just help enough other people get what they want."
- Zig Ziglar

"The purpose of human life is to serve,
and to show compassion and the will to help others."
- Albert Schweitzer

It is a fact that the longer we dwell or focus on anything,  the more it will consume our entire thoughts and lives.

We can all think of a time when this has occurred to us in our lives.

Whether it is a good dwelling or bad  (and most likely it tends to be the negative ones), the more we allow our minds to entertain and continuously process a thought or situation the more likely that other similar thoughts will join in on the fun!!

Some call it the Law of Attraction.

Now this is terrific IF these thoughts are positive,  growth oriented,  and helpful.  But if they are thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear - oh boy are we digging a hole!!!

Be cognizant of the types of thoughts you allow to get your attention during the day.

Since it is almost impossible to monitor every single thought that enters your mind, the easiest way to identify if you are letting too many in is to check HOW YOU FEEL!

If you feel crummy, fearful, depressed or worried,  you have been asleep at the wheel.

The floodgates have been opened and your mind is flooded woth negative thoughts!

This is easily corrected fortunately. 

The mental "sump pump" you can use is to identify this flooding, and immediately interrupt the cascading of negativity.

Shift focus onto a solution or next step of action to address the negative thought!!!

A foolproof way to keep on the positive track is to seek out ways to help others who may need your assistance!

We don't need to become Mother Theresa ( although that would be nice too) but instead just identify someone in need of a pick me up, a smile, a word of encouragement, a compliment,  a sounding board,  or a pep talk.

There are countless opportunities in the day to make a positive impact on someone's day who is in need of a lift!

By shifting focus to that endeavor,  you will automatically stop the flow of negative thoughts and at the very least interrupt the pattern!

It is impossible to help someone and NOT feel better about life in general!

Give it a try today.... it works and it can happen this very second!

Be vigilant with these negative thoughts and if they flood, pump them out immediately! !!

The best tool for this is always at your disposal! 

Make good use of it!!

Stay Strong! !

[Stay Strong] Courage to Start Anew

As the Columbus Day Holiday in the US recently passed, I began thinking of the lessons to be learned from that courageous explorer.
>
> Imagine the prospect facing Columbus as he first embarked on his mission to find the New World way back in 1492.

Leaving behind all he knew and against the advice, warnings, and nay-sayers predictions of doom for him and his equally courageous crews, Columbus soldiered on with a drive and passion that made his life altering discovery possible!
>
> Imagine, not only were there the dangers and fears of the "unknown" world facing them, but many still believed the world was "still flat" and that the ships would simply drop off the cliff of the world into oblivion!
>
> Nonetheless, they undertook this mission and endured horrific and shockingly painful conditions, situations, and bleak, despair-filled visions of their future only to make, in hindsight, one of the greatest discoveries in the history of the World!
>
> How many times do you think they WANTED to turn back, quit, give up, concede defeat and turn heel to head back to the safety and comfort of the world they knew??
>
> How many days did they look over their bow and hope, pray, and sometimes actually think that they saw land???? Only to be severely and punishingly disappointed every time?
>
> Probably every day for many months - which is a severe trial on the mind and soul - and the fact that they persevered and succeeded in incredulous and inspirational!
>
> How many of us have been or are currently in that same exact predicament? Hoping and wanting and wishing for something to happen, only to have our spirits crushed and end up disappointed at each turn?

All of us has have had these moments and some of us are going through these feelings currently!
>
> Well - what are our choices in the face of our own "endless ocean" in front of us with no land in sight?
>
> That is easy - We have 2 choices!!
>
> 1. We simply quit!

We call it a day - "twas was a good effort, but life's victories are not for me - I do not have it in me to be successful - everyone else is better suited than me to be happy, successful, etc. I am going back in my hole and hope that things get better someday.' We roll over and weakly give into our fears and live our lives without passion or joy and in constant fear!!
>
> 2. We rely on our FAITH that by staying in the game, believing in a Higher Power who guides us, doing the right thing with other people's happiness in mind, WE WILL PREVAIL!!
>
> If you believe that others were put on this earth with better this, better that, etc than you than you are discounting your own worth and prospects! 

It is ludicrous!
>
> No one is going to do it for you - and you possess the POWER to change your life NOW!! TODAY!!!
>
> The Power of your Mind is limitless - the only challenge for you is BELIEVING it!!!
>
> So today remember Columbus - WE ALL possess the same vision, ambition, passion, courage, and PERSEVERANCE as he did back in 1492!!
>
> Now go, cast off the lines from the bow and "discover" the Joy and Happiness and Peace that are yours to enjoy!! 

That are simply WAITING for you to set sail aftef them!!

Only YOU can make it a reality and it all starts with BELIEVING! !
>
> Stay Strong!!

Ask and expect!!

These days there is a seemingly over-abundance of negative news swirling around our heads!!

EVERYWHERE you turn it seems more bad news, negative situations, and Gloom & Doom commentary is being bandied about to the point of really affecting even the most positive person in a negative way!

We must be very careful to avoid this trap in these troubling and challenging times!

It is far too easy to allow our minds to fall in line with this overwhelmingly negative sentiment that has us in it's grasp!

This is a classic example of the negative "thought compounding" trap we have been discussing all this time and it is imperative that we identify it and snuff it out ASAP!

It is an amazing feeling to know that no matter how bleak things look, no matter how dark and gloomy the present and future appears-- THERE is NOTHING TO FEAR!!!!

Yesterday I caught myself in a spontaneous, joyous and light mood walking in midtown Manhattan at lunchtime - I didn't have a true, specific, identifiable reason to feel that way at that exact moment but the mood overtook me in spite of my current challenges, stresses, and everyday battles.

Now sure, I know I am blessed as you all are - with health, love, a great family and tremendous friends in my life -these things are a wonderful and powerful source of STRENGTH and JOY to me indeed!

However, there are many days that we simply fail to reflect on the adundance of all our blessings and allow ourselves to develop into a little rut and feel down, apprehensive, fearful, even depressed!

It happens to the best of us!

But remember it is only temporary and we can manage these emotions and overcome ANY OBSTACLE if we just confront it head on and focus on stemming the tide of negative thought!!

I know that my joyous and spontaneous mood yesterday stemmed from my morning prayer asking for strength and guidance to take on the day's trials! 

I know for a fact that if we simply ASK for it, it will be delivered to us!

EVERY TIME!!! Without a doubt!

Take 5 quiet minutes when you are stressed and do your best to ASK for Strength daily - ask for assistance and aid when in fear or doubt or trouble!

But most of all, KNOW that you will be OK - no matter the circumstance you face, the situation in which you find yourself embroiled, or the lack of light you perceive at the end of that dark tunnel!!

IT WILL PASS!!

ALL OF THIS darkness will pass!!

Happiness is inevitable and unstoppable if you ASK for it, Embrace it, and Accept it as your God Given Right - literally!

Because guess what - it is!!

Stay Strong!!

Re: [Stay Strong] Choices

It sounds trite but when it all boils down to it, life is nothing more than a series of choices followed closely by the outcomes and effects of those choices on our lives.
>
> Pretty simple really. All we have to do is make the RIGHT choices every time we are faced with a decision point!
>
> How hard can that be?
>
> Impossible, of course, is the answer and no matter how much we analyze, study, prepare, investigate, and research our choices, inevitably - at some point- we are going to make what is perceived to be the WRONG choice!
>
> No one is immune to it!
>
> But think about HOW MANY choices we make in a day. Sure, some of them seem trivial in the grand scheme of life, but even trivial choices and decisions we make every single day (sometimes hundreds a day) can impact our lives in a major way!
>
> How often have you heard horror stories about someone making a seemingly small choice during their day only to have that choice be the difference between life and death? (Think Sept 11, 2001)
>
> Or how often have you heard of someone's choice saving or impacting someone else's life by what appears to be sheer happenstance? (Think September 11, 2001)
>
> If we break it down like that it can be overwhelming and downright frightening to think that "what time" I leave to catch my train can have lasting ramifications on my life and the lives of others!
>
> Overwhelming, scary, paralyzing, and also fascinating!
>
> Well, I have a way to avoid being overwhelmed, paralyzed, or scared by the cavalcade of decisions we face daily:

DO NOT WORRY and follow your heart!
>
> I can hear you now - "What does that garbage mean?". " That is a bunch of BS, etc....
>
However,  I truly believe we have a guidance system in all of us and that guidance system is operated by a higher Power!

Call it what you will! God, the Universe, Holy Spirit, Karma, etc.
>
> I believe that the choices WE SEEM to make, and decisions WE SEEM to choose are actually chosen for us!
>
> Sometimes however we do not listen to the right choice in our hearts.
>
> Sometimes we do not even know we CAN listen to the right choice and completely miss it!
>
> As Bono of U2 sings "How can you stand next to the Truth and not see it...."
>
> Well, that is often us and it is because we do not ask for the right choice to be shown to us!
>
> I will take it one step further too. I believe there are NO WRONG choices in light of what are lives are supposed to be!
>
> A dear friend of mine just made a life altering decision with her career. I happen to believe that she made the RIGHT decision, yet others when given the facts may disagree based on their own life situations, value systems, fears, and opinions.
>
> So was it the right choice to make?
>
> I say ANY decision made with a pure heart of love, Faith and Trust is the RIGHT choice to make!
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> I believe that if you ask for the answer and you choose in Faith, you WILL NEVER make the wrong choice!
>
> Sure, it may seem wrong at times, but you must look at the big picture and elongate the results before you know if it is "right" or "wrong".
>
> We are led down paths - not by our own doings - but by a higher Power!

We MUST have faith, COURAGE, confidence and Trust that we will be led to where we belong!
>
> I KNOW my friend had been led there and I am proud of him!
>
> And I know he KNOWS it too...
>
> So choose with these qualities in your heart and NO amount of FEAR can ever lead you astray!
>
> Stay Strong and God Bless!
>

Strength of Spirit..... Happy Crisp October Monday!

"Every trouble is an opportunity to win the grace of strength.

Whatever else trouble is in the world for, it is here for this good purpose - to develop strength!

For a trouble is a moral and spiritual task. It is something that is hard to do.

And it is in the spiritual world as in the physical, strength is increased by encounter with the difficult.

A world without any trouble in it would be, to people of our kind, a place of spiritual enervation and moral laziness.

Fortunately, every single day is crowded with care.  Every day to every one of us brings it's questions, it's worries, and its tasks, brings its sufficiency of trouble.

Thus we get our daily spiritual exercise.

Every day we are blessed with new opportunities for the development of STRENGTH OF SOUL!"

  - George Hodges

Stay Strong!

Action time!! The Critical Importance of Goals!

"People excel, thrive, and are ultimately happier when they have a higher standard to look to and strive for.
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> I have NEVER encountered a situation in which a goal didn't flood my spirit with Hope, fill my mind with Determination, and generally bring out the best in me!"
>
       - Matthew Kelly
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> Wake up time!!!!!
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> No more talking about it! 
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> No more excuses!
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> If we have learned anything in our lives it is that life is too darn short and that if we don't take action NOW we will never take action!
>
> Here is my challenge to all of you today!!
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> There must be something, one thing, one goal that you have had bouncing around in your head for some time now that has been derailed for a multitude of reasons! 
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> Excuses are very easy to accommodate as we grow older and that is why TODAY we are going to identify that one goal we have always wanted to pursue and we are going to COMMIT to pursuing and achieving it!!! 
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> No excuses....put it down in writing!!!

Make it THE most important thing to do in your life right now!
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> Understand, This is a crucial crossroads for us right now!!!  

It is not so much the actual achieving of the goal that matters - but the fact that we are going to ACCOMPLISH it, whatever that goal may be!!
>
What are you going to commit to pursuing today?
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> Do it - add that special goal and pursuit to your daily life and it will quickly add energy, fire, enthusiasm and purpose to your days!
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> Trust me..a life without purpose and a goal to achieve is stagnation and as growth-seeking beings, we cannot afford NOT to do this RIGHT NOW!!
>
> What is it that is going to change your life today???

Be sure to WRITE THE GOALS DOWN! There is something magical and formal to seeing the goals in writing! !

BELIEVE! 

WHATEVER YOU TRULY WANT CAN AND WILL  BE YOURS!
>
> Stay Strong!!

[Stay Strong] We shall see...

Sorry for the length of this one but please try to get through it in its entirety - if you can!!  :)   

No matter how Strong we are, NONE of us are immune to periodic lulls in Joy, Pockets of doubt, moments of sadness and despair, or bouts with melancholy, despondency, or depression at some points in our existence.
>
> The difference between those who Stay Strong and those who spiral deeper and deeper into the Darkness is really one of controlling your thoughts and focus!
>
> Sounds simple - I know - but it takes real effort and it can mean the difference between rebounding back to the positive state of Joy - or sinking deeper into the sands of negativity, doubt, and despair!
>
> It is truly a slippery slope!

We must understand that no matter what we encounter in our lives, no matter what life throws at us - NOTHING is permanent!
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> Nothing - both good or bad - that happens to us will stay in that same state for long!
>
> Do not be too quick to judge life's events as they can, and often will, change very quickly and make you look at the past events differently!
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> So when times are tough, the tendency is to say - "Woe is me - this event is absolutely terrible and a horrible thing".
>
> Hold on!

We do not know at that point WHAT the event means in our life!

Only the passing of time and subsequent events will truly teach us exactly what the event meant to us in the long journey of twists and turns that comprise our lives!
>
> So do not despair after a break-up, a divorce, a loss of a loved one, a loss of a job, a setback or disappointment, etc!
>
> It will pass and the next event will shed more light on why it occurred - and perhaps show it in a positive light in the grand scheme of things!!!
>
> Do not get caught up in any single moment in time - but instead give the event time to pass and see what it really means!
>
> Put your faith in the positive - believe and keep HOPE alive and close in your hearts and minds!
>
> Avoid judging events as "terrible" as you never know what the next event to unfold will transform that past incident into!!
>
> I will leave you with a wonderful story and nice illustration of this point.

Enjoy and remember this as it tends to assuage many heartaches and much pain!
>
> Stay Strong!
>
> We Will See......
>
> Once upon a time, there was a farmer in the central region of China. He didn't have a lot of money and, instead of a tractor, he used an old horse to plow his field. 
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> This horse was his only tool and his source of income.
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> One afternoon, while working in the field, the horse dropped dead.
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> Everyone in the village said, "Oh, what a horrible thing to happen."
>
> The farmer said simply, "We'll see."

> He was so at peace and so calm, that everyone in the village got together and, admiring his attitude, gave him a new horse as a gift. 
>
> Everyone's reaction now was, "What a lucky man."
>
> And the farmer said, "We'll see." 
>
> A couple days later, the new horse jumped a fence and ran away. Everyone in the village shook their heads and said, "What a poor fellow!"
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> The farmer smiled and said, "We'll see."
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> Eventually, the horse found his way home with 7 other horses for the farmer!,
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> Everyone again said, "What a fortunate man."
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> The farmer said, "We'll see."
>
> Later in the year,  the farmer's young boy who was responsible for breaking and training the horses went out riding on the horse and fell and broke his leg.
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> Everyone in the village said, "What a shame for the poor boy and the farmer. Without the young boy to break the horses, they will not be able to make any money on his farm."
>
> The farmer said, "We'll see."
>
> Two days later, the army came into the village to draft new recruits for a war that was going on.
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> When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they decided not to recruit him.
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> Everyone said, "What a fortunate man. We all lost our Son's to the Army but you still have yours"
>
> The farmer smiled again -  and said
>
> "We'll see."
>
> Moral of the story: There's no use in overreacting to the events and circumstances of our everyday lives. Many times what looks like a setback, may actually be a gift in disguise.
>
> And when our hearts are in the right place, all events and circumstances are gifts that we can learn valuable lessons from.
>
> As Fra Giovanni once said:

"Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me... the gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence"
>
- Anonymous Proverb

Stay Strong!!!

Give All to Get All....

None of us can do anything worthwhile alone!

Whether we recognize it or not, We all NEED each other to reach Peace and Joy!

We are all tied together as Brothers and Sisters and we cannot reach our Goal of Peace and Joy without helping our Brothers and Sisters get there as well!

So often we get so mired in our own little worlds, our own dramas and problems that we close ourselves off from the rest of the World!

We make our own trials and tribulations the centerpiece of our existence and remain so focused on these things that we miss the Big Picture!

Think about it - when our earthly bodies are dead and buried, or in those last few moments of our earthly lives before we pass to the Father's Kingdom - is there any real thought of a mortgage payment, a car payment, credit card bills, job, career or work worries?

No - of course not!

All these things that consume our daily thoughts and create endless worry, anxiety, and pain for us and everyone around us WILL PASS and to be blunt DO NOT MATTER IN THE END!!

They really do not matter in the Grand Scheme of things and even though I get that they are a fact of life, we cannot let these things overwhelm our lives!

"Give All to Get All" is a simple concept.

Shift all of your focus from your problems and ceaseless worry to HELPING someone else with THEIR problems and issues!

There is no more of a sure thing to jolt you out of worry and fear than to set your mind, heart and soul to HELP mode and reach out to a Brother or Sister in need of comfort, a laugh, a smile, an ear, or a shoulder to lean on as they fight their daily battles!!

Give ALL to get all!

It works wonders and puts things into perspective!!!

Try it today - and you will be amazed at how great you will feel - regardless of your curent state of mind!

Mr. Edgar Sanz... Rest in Peace. This man gave all and got all!

Stay Strong!!

[Stay Strong] Count those Blessings!! Daily Inspiration

"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."
> ~ Lao Tzu
>
> Boy, if only this were easy to accomplish would all of us be joyous, happy, giddy and walking around with smiles from ear to ear!
>
> Well, it may not be easy per se, but as my Dad often quoted to me, "Nothing easy is worth accomplishing anyway".
>
> When we step back and take inventory of our lives, our current state and what we have going for us RIGHT NOW, it is truly amazing just how blessed we all are!!

Yet we all tend to skip this inventory in favor of harping on what we DON'T have!!
>
> The problem we face in our society is that we tend to focus on what we LACK as opposed to all we HAVE in our lives today..even as we speak!!! 
>
> We chase the almighty dollar and measure our success by the size of our bank accounts, cars, houses, careers, status symbols, etc.

None of us is immune to this status creep in our society - hard as we try not to be!
>
> What a sad and futile effort and game we are in if these are the rules!!!
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> We should all be ashamed of ourselves for allowing ourselves to get caught up in this WINLESS game!!
>
> It is impossible to win that game because there will always be someone with more this and more that than us, no matter how much we have in material possessions or how high we climb in pointless stature.
>
> Right now..this very second, in our lives riddled with fear, disappointments and worry, we have so many blessings and gifts that none of us should EVER allow a smile to leave our faces !!!
>
> Yet we consciously CHOOSE to focus and measure ourselves and everybody else on the lack of things we perceive we OUGHT to possess!!
>
> Take time right now,( and do not stop either), to assess and count your blessings as they say!!!! 

Truly count them and you will come to realize just how great and amazing our lives are right this moment!
>
> Even at the height of my challenges and everyday worries, I am jolted back to reality and to my blessings when I kiss my son and daughter goodbye in the morning, or tuck them in at night!!  When I come home and see my wife, speak with my family and friends, witness a sunrise or sunset, give thanks for all of our health, have my dog be so excited to see me come home, etc.

These are all I will ever need and with that as a building block, how can anything bring me down?

You are no different!!
>
> We all have blessings we overlook and discount on an hourly basis and we need to step up and re-assess them right now!
>
> Focus on forgetting the "lack", all that matters is what we have today and where we are headed!! 
>
> We are all wealthy beyond our means in that singularly most important category - and that my friends is the only TRUE WEALTH that really matters!
>
>Stay Strong and God Bless !!
>

[Stay Strong] 3 Proven Steps to "Dig Out" in no time...

We are all susceptible to that creep of despair, uncertainty, anxiety, fear and worry no matter how strong we fashion ourselves to be.
>
> Even more frustrating is the fact that we can feel absolutely invincible - on top of the world one week (or day) - only to find ourselves in the throes of doubting and anxiety the very next!!
>
> It can be maddening indeed!

At least until we get more consistent with our "mind work".
>
>Critical to avoiding this trap and shortening the periods of time between the peaks and valleys of our moods and attitudes is the ability to "snap back" or "dig out" of the trough!
>
> This can be done relatively easily but it takes some practice before it becomes second-hand!
>
> Here are some tips on mastering this important catalyst:
>
> 1. Ask for Guidance! In Catholicism, The Holy Spirit is at our disposal for guidance and assistance in achieving Joy and Peace! This is His only mission, objective and goal! The only "catch" is that WE have to invite Him! He will not impose Himself on us but once we ask - He will DELIVER. Therefore, take the time daily to ask for guidance!  Invite whomever you rely on for spiritual asssitance into your life and hand over all your fears, worries, and anxieties to Him!

It NEVER fails.
>
> 2. Shift focus from what YOU want and need to helping out another person in need!! Seek out those who are suffering, confused, or facing a battle of their own! You will be shocked how quickly YOU feel better helping someone else with their own struggles!  There is never a shortage of people in need of your support, smile, shoulder to lean on, or kind words!!
>
> 3. Focus on the NEXT Thing to come - not on your current situation! The surest way to stay stuck and mired in your present strife is to remain focused on it! Stop right now and close your eyes! Forget about your financial woes, your lack of whatever you want or need, and instead picture what you WANT!! What would make you happy right now if it were to be your present state? What do you WANT to become, do, visit, etc?? Focus on how that future state of joy and peace makes you feel!  Feel it and you will obtain it!
>
> Now take that future state of joy and peace you can almost taste and apply a PLAN to getting there! ATTRACT people and circumstances into your life by remaining faithful and positive on what it is you WANT - not where you are now!!
>
> If you do these 3 steps - you will be amazed at how much easier and less complicated your life will become, how much more fulfilling life will be - and how quickly Peace, Love, Happiness and Joy come into your reality!
>
> Clear the clouds of illusion your mind and ego have created and embrace your new Reality!!

It is waiting for you!

> Stay Strong!

Re: [Stay Strong] Give it up!

How many of us struggle daily with the seemingly overwhelming burdens we place on ourselves in the form of worry, anxiety and Fear?
>
> How many of us continually pile problem atop issue atop worry atop fear and carry this gigantic weight of problems around on our shoulders every single day??
>
> How do we handle these issues?
>
> Usually we do 1 of 2 things:
>
> 1. We ignore them and hope they go away. We simply stick pour heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich and hope when we peek back out at reality that the problems will have simply disappeared.
>
> Or we:
>
> 2. Allow the enormous weight of our issues to force us into attacking them one by one - using our own frame of reference of reality as a guide.
>
> We should know from past experience that neither one of these actions or inactions deliver the results we seek - which is Peace and Joy!
>
> So - what can we do to reach that goal??
>
> It is simple - Just Give it Up!!
>
> Give up your problems, fears, worries, and anxieties to God, the Universe,  the Holy Spirit, or whomever you rely upon spiritually!
>
> You may ask as I certainly did - "What does that mean exactly??"
>
> It means that all of our efforts to gain peace and remove fear fail when we try to do it ourselves!

We cannot do it alone!!
>
> Why do we think that after so many attempts to remove this Fear on our own, with our own perspective and limited knowledge, that simply doing the same thing repeatedly will yield different results?
>
> Afterall - that is the definition of "insanity" - is it not?
>
> Try this tonight -- either lying in bed prior to falling asleep or find a quiet spot without any interruptions.

Summon to your mind ALL of your current worries, fears, concerns, troubles, problems, etc.

Be specific - really feel the fear and worry that these thoughts bring to your awareness.
>
> Then simply "Give Them Up" to your Higher Power!
>
> That is right - Ask your Higher Power to assume and take over these issues for you!
>
> Turn them all over to Him and allow Him to take care of them for you!!
>
> Literally say to Him  "Please take these fears and worries from me and deliver me Peace - I trust in your guidance" - and BELIEVE that they are no longer your worry!!!

Because they are not!!
>
> Say it numerous times if you must although only one invitation to Him is necessary!
>
> I guarantee that after sincerely turning over all of your worries and fears to Him, you will have the most peaceful sleep you ever have experienced and wake up in a state of peace!
>
> Just Give it Up!

He is waiting for your invite! It will not happen unless you open it up to Him!
>
> Believe!!
God Bless!   Stay Strong!

Live in the present....

"These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones;

they are for what they are;

they exist with God today.

There is no time for them.

There is simply the rose;

it is perfect in every moment of its existence.

But man postpones or remembers;

he does not live in the present, but with reverted eye laments the past, or heedless of the riches that surround him, stands on tiptoe to forsee the future.

He cannot be happy and strong until he too lives with nature in the present, above time."

―Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Essays and Lectures" (New York: Penguin, 1983), 270.

So much time wasted on analyzing the past, ruminating on decisions,  mistakes, missed opportunities and failures.

Too much time wasted on regret and "what ifs" - as if by torturing ourselves with the past we could somehow change the past!

Think of how silly and wasteful that exercise is for all of us!

If we knew exactly how many hours we had left in this fleeting time here on earth,  do you think we would waste a second lamenting past experiences and mistakes??

Of course not.

We need to live in the NOW - and give Thanks for the Blessings we have today! 

Because sooner or later we are going to realize that neither the past nor the unknown future matter much - it is TODAY that matters and the actions and acts we do today that have the greatest impact in our lives!

"Heedless to the riches that surround him"  --- Don't let Emerson be talking about YOU!

Happy Sunday - Stay Strong!!!!

Photo courtesy of Brad Burton ..Manhattan Beach CA.. Thank you!

[Stay Strong] Don't Fight it - and still Overcome it!

The battle to stay positive, upbeat and happy is a constant one - every minute seems to matter as forces in our own minds tend to perpetually attempt to remind us of worry, fear and anxiety.
>
> We struggle, battle and fight against this onslaught in an effort to stop from being overwhelmed and overrun by negative emotion.
>
> Quite frankly, it is exhausting!
>
> Well, it does not have to be exhausting if we grasp and understand one thing -- the battle and presence of these negative thoughts will always be there BUT we can ride them out and resist their urges each and every time!
>
> We do not have to flail and continually fight back against each and every negative thought - but instead we can ACCEPT that we will be challenged and allow them to bounce off of us!
>
> KNOW you will be faced with these negative emotions and KNOW that they will pass - that you have the POWER to let them roll off of your backs!
>
> Often we are confronted with overwhelming pressure and we panic or overreact!
>
> Be cool in the face of these enemy thoughts -- Be waiting for them and laugh them off!!

Accept that they will nag at your mind and try to drag you down - and then HIT them with your FAITH,  or simply respond with a prayer - recite it over and over a few times and you will be amazed how quickly these cowardly thoughts retreat!
>
> THEY know they cannot beat you when you identify and UNDERSTAND them and their intentions! And they disappear and wait to hit you again at another vulnerable time!
>
> Forewarned is forearmed they say .. And it is true with our mind and thoughts!
>
> Thought is SUPREME indeed and when you can control and have power over your thoughts - Happiness, Peace and Joy are inevitably yours!!
>
> Stay Strong!
>

The Value of defeat..... Happy Friday!!!

"You have been disappointed.
You have undergone defeat.
You have felt the great heart within you crushed until it bled.

Take courage -  for these experiences have tempered the spiritual metal of which you are made - they are assets of incomparable value.

Remember too that all of those who succeed in life get off to a bad start -and pass through many  heartbreaking struggles before they "arrive."

The turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their "other selves."

How many of us have felt that defeat, that despair, that heartbreaking struggle?

We all have - at some point - to varying degrees and it is important to realize the "value" of having lived through these painful trials and challenges!

Whether you are trying to understand why it happened to you,  or perhaps you are smack dab in the midst of it as we speak, the key is to know that it will pass and that you will come through it stronger and better for it!

There is a true value to struggle and trials, painful as they may be, and understanding that the experience will only serve to make us stronger,  better, and more readily able to cope with anything life throws at us is a very empowering feeling indeed!

Keep your chin up and keep moving forward! 

You are not alone! You are never alone!

Have faith that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this given moment - forget the past mistakes and errors - and focus on today!

Every minute that passes is a true chance at a fresh start!!  

What are you waiting for???

Stay Strong!

[Stay Strong] Stress....Worry's homely cousin!!

> Stress is not what happens to us. It's our response to what happens. And response is something we can choose.
> ~ Maureen Killoran
>
> Who knew there were so many smart people in this world? 
>
> Not me!!
>
> Think about the quote above and put it into context with what we all seem to be experiencing lately.
>
> We have been harping on the FACT that worry is a wasted, useless, fear-based effort that does absolutely no good for anyone or any situation.
>
> So too have we tried to show that worry can be controlled and marginalized if we recognize it for what it is and take evasive action against it!
>
> Now we come to find that the end product of worry, the partner in crime to fear, STRESS is also avoidable and controllable.
>
> We are the authors and Captains of our lives and of our emotions.
>
> How often do you hear someone say, "I could have never held my anger back like you did."
>
> Or "I do not know how she is so happy after all that she has been through".
>
> These are examples of situations where we control or orchestrate our own emotions and reactions to events.
>
> People do it all the time.  These people are no different than you and me, except they have found the secret before we did!!!
>
> Well, guess what? We have caught up now!!!
>
> Recognize the fact that we do indeed have power over how we react to negative issue, challenges, and trials.
>
> The key is to be ready to control tour reaction when something bad occurs, and make a conscious effort to guide your emotions away from stress and into peace and comfort in your faith.
>
> Keep prayers handy to distract yourself and literally, verbally,  acknowledge turning all of your problems over to God and the Holy Spirit whenever you feel fearful or anxious.
>
> This too shall pass for all of us struggling with any issues, and we will emerge from all of this better, wiser, and stronger!!!
>
> That is God's will..
>
> Stay Strong!!!
>

Photo courtesy of Bobby OToole.. thank you!

[Stay Strong] Defeat Worry ....Daily Inspiration

"If something is wrong, fix it if you can.  But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."
>   ~ Ernest Hemingway
>

Now I know Hemingway did commit suicide in Ketchum, Idaho. However, despite his personal "solution", his quote and the associated message was so compelling to me and so appropriate that I could not avoid including it here.
>
> This quote goes right to the heart of the need for "action" instead of worry and stewing about our current challenges.
>
> Worry adds absolutely no value whatsoever to any situation and it is a fear based behavior laden with "what-ifs" and speculation about events that usually do not ever occur anyway.
>
> Think about how ridiculous and useless worrying really is for us.
>
> We can train ourselves to become free of worry with some repeated actions and steps and we must do it now!
>
> Worry sucks the life and soul out of us, for no reason whatsoever, and leaves is worse than when we started worrying about something!!
>
> Release yourself from this dangerous but defeatable behavior asap!!
>
> If you have a problem, focus like a laserbeam on fixing it - identify the solution and set to making that a reality---and do not let one second be wasted on worry or fear!!
>
> You can do it!!!  You are not alone in your battles!!
>
> Stay Strong and Keep the Faith!!
>
>
>
> -

[Stay Strong] Why Worry...??

"One who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever."
>      - Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
>
> I love this quote as it succinctly hits the entire point and concept of Faith.
>
> I remember as a child trying to prove to my parents that I was maturing and becoming a responsible person and being so aggravated when they would not trust or have faith that I could do a task, or carry out their instructions because of my age.
>
> The same must hold true for God when you think about it.
>
> Here we have our whole religion as Christians based almost entirely on "Faith" that we can trust God has our backs, has a plan based on His will that is best for us, and that He is Our Father who will protect us.
>
> So if we truly believe this, how can any of us waste a single second worrying or anxious about ANYTHING that happens to us during our time on this planet??
>
> How disappointed God must be with us when we discount His protection, His will, His plan for us by making ourselves sick with worry and fear and anxiety as if He is powerless or absent from our troubles!
>
> What an insult that must be to Him!
>
> Next time you find yourself worrying about some challenge or phase or issue in your life, take a second and draw on our Faith that it MUST BE happening for a reason and trust that God has a plan, that He does have our backs, and that to worry or fret over it is a complete waste of time!!
>
> How liberating and freeing is it to KNOW that someone else you can trust will handle this issue??!!!
>
> Pray?  Yes.  

Worry?  No way!! 

Why??  Why bother??!

God has our backs even if we cannot see it and as I constantly try to teach my son and daughter, ask yourself, "what is the worst that can come of my current worry"? 
>
> The answer is normally more manageable than you may think!! And we all know that 99% of what we worry about NEVER comes to fruition anyway!

Do you think that is a coincidence?
>
> Stay Strong --- these storms we are experiencing will surely pass and we will always make it safely to the other side of the lake -

Better for the experience and Stronger for our Faith in God!!!
>
>

[Stay Strong] The Rules

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
>   - The Buddha
>
> Imagine being invited to participate in a game whereby you aren't specifically told the duration or the objective.
>
> Not only that, you aren't told the exact rules of the game nor do you know the way to win or by what criteria you will be judged at the end of the game to even know if you won of lost!
>
> The only way to figure out the rules is to either listen to people who are also playing the game and have been playing it longer than you, or just gather information and decide what rules to follow on your own - chasing an objective that you decide to follow!
>
> So you play this game based on your own judgement of what the rules of the game are and ONLY AFTER the game is over do you find out if you played the game correctly!
>
> Sounds crazy but this is exactly how life works, isn't it?
>
> The rules of this life game are really up to us to choose to follow based on our beliefs, goals, other's input, and data we process as we go along!
>
> And only AFTER we play the game out completely will we realize whether or not we played by the "right" rules.
>
Therefore it is imperative that we choose wisely the rules we want to follow and craft our lives around the right principles!
>
> Everyone is playing this same game along side us and operating under different rules and strategies, but do not be swayed and follow the wrong ones that will fail to bring you joy or happiness!
>
> Have faith that you are on or will find the right path and trust you will be ok when the game is finally over!

Because whether we win or lose the game does not matter as much as the way we play it on a daily basis - and everything works out if we follow our hearts!

This too shall pass....

> Stay Strong!

Photo courtesy of Brad Burton!! Thank you!  Amazing! !

Happy Sunday!! Safekeeping!

Safekeeping

"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear;

Rather look to them with full Hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them.

He is your keeper.

He has kept you hitherto.

Do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things;

And, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow in fear.

Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it."

- St Francis De Sales

So a question:

What are we worried about????

Stay Strong!!

Amazing photo courtesy of Brad Burton.. Manhattan Beach.. Thank you, Brad!

Fail... it is ok. - the more the better!!!!

I love to use Abe Lincoln as an example of what life is all about when I chat with my two kids - especially when they face tough lessons and struggle with the normal bumps of becoming young adults!

However, Good Ole Honest Abe is not just for the youngins!

I believe we are conditioned in this country - where we incessantly exalt all successes, and riches and accomplishments by celebrities, rock stars and sports heroes and yet one mistake or failure is seen as an insurmountable disappointment and embarrassment!

Let's take a look at Good Old Abe -- arguably one of the most successful, courageous and impactful leaders in all of HISTORY!!!

As you read this resume below, I ask you to honestly think about at which point - you or I or most people today would have thrown in the towel and called it quits!   

Abe Lincoln's Road to the White House:

1831  - Failed in his own business
1832 - Defeated in run for Legislature
1833 - Failed in second attempt at his own business
1836 - Suffers a Nervous Breakdown
1838 - Defeated in run for Speaker
1840 - Defeated in run for Elector
1843 - Defeated in run for Congress
1848 - Defeated in 2nd run for Congress
1855 - Defeated in run for Senate
1856 - Defeated in run for Vice President
1858 - Defeated in 2nd run for Senate
1860 - Elected President of the United States

Lincoln should have changed his name to Persistence Lincoln!!!! 

I mean really??!!  Are you freaking kidding me?

I am probably calling it quits after the Nervous Breakdown if not earlier!   lol   
As Napoleon Hill pointed out in his fantastic MUST READ "Napoleon Hill's A Year of Growing Rich" (1993):

"Abraham Lincoln's greatness revealed itself at its highest level when he was faced with problems which would have eclipsed the souls of smaller men. 

"The failures, defeats and adversities of his early life were were transmuted into a degree of intelligence which the average man rarely experiences. Lincoln had the RARE TRAIT OF BEING ABLE TO TURN ON MORE WILLPOWER INSTEAD OF QUITTING WHEN THE GOING WAS HARD AND SUCCESS WAS NOT IN SIGHT.

Anyone can quit or change his mind by turning his attention to something else when failure overtakes him; this is precisely what most people do under adverse circumstances.

If you aspire to the higher planes of success in life, you should become better acquainted with that great, powerful, positive self who lives in your body. It can be the creator of all joys you desire, all the material riches you need for peace of mind and happiness, and it can keep your body free from ailments."

Amazingly true --- but here is the kicker:

"This unseen entity that dwells in your body can carry out to the finest detail THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU GIVE IT, but you must take the initiative and let it know what you want from life. You are a FREE AGENT in the eyes of your positive self, AND YOU HAVE BEEN GIVE THE PRIVILEGE OF DIRECTING IT TO ENDS OF YOUR OWN CHOICE!

TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR POSITIVE SELF AND IT WILL PUT YOU ON THE SUCCESS BEAM THAT YOU MAY RIDE TRIUMPHANTLY TO WHATEVER HEIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENT YOU DESIRE!"

Pretty powerful stuff and so very true!

As you face your daily trials and tribulations, recall the list of Lincoln's failures above and know that if he was able to persist and fight and this is key - NEVER QUIT AND BELIEVE IN HIS IMMINENT SUCCESS - so can all of us! 

Why not us?

If you want success, happiness, peace, wealth, a better job, marriage, - a better life - you need to BELIEVE it can be had and PERSIST until you get whatever you seek!

You will meet dozens of people - sometimes even your own loved ones - who will try to derail you or take you off your path (sometimes out of love and concern for us) - especially as you hit the hurdles and the TEMPORARY failures!  

BUT DON'T QUIT!!!!!   Just don't quit!

Because the tide WILL turn - and the reward is all the sweeter when you have worked and struggled and OVERCOME everything you encountered in order to reach your GOAL!!

Lincoln was not special when you think about it -- he just refused to be denied of his goal!!!

You and I can do the same thing today!!

Now go get that life you want!!!

Stay Strong

[Stay Strong] The Darkness will lift...

Some nights last longer than others it seems.
>
> Sometimes the night appears to linger on for days.
>
> But no matter the length or the duration of the darkness, LIGHT inevitably, undoubtedly, miraculously appears!!!
>
> It is a given - a true blessing indeed! And one that we must remember when the night's darkness seems to endure and drag on in our lives!
>
> LIGHT always breaks up the darkness - no matter how dark or how bleak the night seems!
>
> It is ONE thing we can all count on when times get tough, when life takes a bad turn, or you feel overwhelmed!
>
> Take a deep breath - step back and remember that regardless of how bad things seem to be at that moment - the LIGHT is coming to dissolve the darkness!
>
> It always does and it always will!!!
>
> Ask for it to come - pray for it to come!
>
> "This too shall pass" is a phrase we use and hear often, but it is one of the most accurate and true phrases ever uttered!
>
> The Night does not last!!

The Light is on it's way so STAY STRONG and hold on for it to arrive!

Uplift....

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you,
whose presence calls forth your
best."
- Epictetus

It is a bit impractical to believe we can completely avoid people with a negative attitude in this busy world.

However, we CAN make a conscious decision to consistently seek out friends and people who have uplifting qualities and positive and enthusiastic attitudes similar to our own goals!

We do not need to ostracize or shun people with negative, doom and gloom outlooks on the world - in fact we ought to try to help them come out of it wherever possible.

However, do not get dragged into the negative mire and web that we so often fall easy prey to on a daily basis. 

Be vigilant in recognizing these interactions that drain us, and derail all the hard work we put into rising to a level of faith, positivity and enthusiasm!

Help out where possible,  but as with a person who needs rescue and fears drowning, be careful not to be dragged down to the bottom in your rescue attempts!

Eventually we can build a resistance to the constant bombardment of negativity,  worry and fear - but it takes consistent effort and hard work!

Stick with it - the payoff is well worth it and it is closer to obtainment than you think!

Stay Strong!!

[Stay Strong] Shift Focus!

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
   ~ Mother Teresa
>
> The beautiful quote from Mother Teresa above really embodies the POWER we hold over other's lives!!
>
> We have the INATE ability and wonderful gift of making someone else's life happy --at our disposal!! 

Even if it is simply one interaction or moment, it is meaningful and extremely powerful!!
>
> Operate under this knowledge and you will find your own life becoming happier, more peaceful, and adding enhanced meaning!!
>
> Take the focus off of your own problems and challenges, seek out and help others as they struggle and you will undoubtedly improve your own life!!! 

Immediately!!

> Stay Strong and have a great week.

Amazing photo courtesy of Kevin Johnson!!!  Rye Beach ...09/13..Thank you, KJ!

Edward J. Flaherty RIP October 1, 1998

My Dad passed away 15 years ago today! 

It seems like yesterday! 

Not a day goes by that I do not miss him and wish he were still with us to share in all of our lives!

But I know he is watching over all of us and we will meet again!!!

Count your Blessings and be sure to cherish the time you have with your loved ones!  :)  It is fleeting indeed..

Every moment is a blessing!

Stay Strong!!

[Stay Strong] Perspective is the KEY

We all know how easy it is to become inundated with life's daily minutiae and how quickly one negative thought can become a cavalcade of misery -at least in our minds!
>
> We have to be able to identify that one negative thought that starts the entire process rolling!
>
> Recognize it as it changes our moods to anxiety, fear, sadness, worry, or depression!
>
> And stop it dead in it's tracks!!!
>
> Nothing -and I mean NOTHING - is as bad as it seems!
>
> Focus on your Mental Ace in the Hole (MAITH) when you feel your mood change - FOCUS on action, planning, implementation of what you WANT to do next - NOT on the current situation!
>
> Hope is a powerful thing - and Hope keeps all of us alive, either barely alive or thriving!

It does not matter to what degree - All that matters is that we keep Hope close to our hearts, on our lips, and NEVER doubt it's power to deliver us to peace, joy and love!!!
>
> Have a crummy job, or no job? FOCUS on what is next - NOT on the current state!

VISUALIZE yourself at your next job - feel it, taste it - and take the steps necessary to put you in that direction!!
>
> Nothing stays the same - so why convince yourself that you will always be in the spot you are today??
>
> Set the GOAL - VISUALIZE the outcome - and take ACTION to make it a reality!
>
> You are not alone - you always have someone willing to help - guide, support, and see you through to your goals!
>
> Change the attitude you have - if necessary FAKE HAPPINESS!!
>
> That is right - FAKE it as if you were on Broadway - but behind that facade KEEP THE SPIRIT OF HOPE and CHANGE alive!

It will transform into reality if you simply keep it in your heart and have FAITH!!
>
> More people than you know care about you - want you to succeed, and are there for you in time of need!
>
> And you WILL succeed!!

It is inevitable!!
>
> Stay Strong!