More to Life

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"There is more to life than increasing its speed.".... Gandhi

Speed gives us a false sense of accomplishment. So what??? Big deal!!! Life isn't a race; first one to the finish line will receive a trip... that much is true. But the cemetery isn't Disneyland and there are no round trip prizes available. So what's the hurry? It makes much better sense to make every moment count than it does to measure anything human on a mph scale.

Rushing from pillar to post devalues any task we're putting our time and energy into unless we're first responders. If intense motion is something you delight in use it in a positive fashion. Entertain your fellow man on a race track... race toward dangerous situations to rescue them... race them to hospitals for life saving care, but don't break the speed limit getting to the end of the road.

All the running in the world can't equal even one moment spent frozen in wonderment. Life is worth savoring, and that cannot be done at a gallop. Pump the brakes... slow down... and as always... think about it... let it ride... then YOU decide!!!  

 

Where You End Up

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"If you don't know where you're going, you'll end up somewhere else".... Yogi Bera

Simply put, but ohhh sooo very true. Life is all about movement. None of us gets through it motionless. If you don't steer yourself then it only stands to reason that you'll end up wherever chance deposits you. And any gust of wind will have more power over what happens to you than you do yourself.

Don't be satisfied to be just a wind-drifter. Don't let any misfortune be simply an accident of location. Don't willingly be in the wrong place at the right time. Drive yourself, or be forever driven by one slave driver or another. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Ready to Change

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not.".... James Gordon, M.D.

The reason behind change is vital to its final resolution. Why change? Why now? What inspires us to attempt any alteration often foretells its success or failure. If you don't really care all that much about overcoming something, it's foolish to even try.

Determination and commitment are mandatory to achieving any lasting modifications. And these intense emotions accompany only the best of intentions. Luke-warm or half-assed measures are doomed well before the attempt. And anything done for the sake of self-preservation has more pep and zeal than something done for the sake of duty. Knowing and understanding the why at any point is important, but at the time of action it's vital to know what kind of fuel you need and what kind of weapons you possess. Going off half-cocked will more often than not end up getting you shot in the foot, ending all chance of victory.

When you are very lucky those two forces collide to make it possible no matter the difficulty. A physical need coupled with an emotional want inspires an unbreakable determination to alter what ails you. We just often forget  that we are meant to be in a constant state of change and growth. Without the readiness to take the proper steps, it's pointless to even begin the dance. Think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!
I received the following as an email. Read it, enjoy it, and absorb its gentle message.

...Attitude...
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmmm, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had her best day, so far!!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "Yahoo!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Bottom Line: Attitude is everything.
As the saying goes: "The kind of life you will have isn't determined by what happens to you, it's determined by your reaction to what happens to you."
Have a Great Day... and remember...
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...

The Circle of Creation

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.".... Michael Bridg

This quote is very profound and anyone who has ever been witness to or a participant of the circle of creation can relate to the joy expressed here. I know that place very well, I visit often... but mine is as unique to me as everyone else's is to them. Our visions and drives are as individual as snowflakes. And unfortunately without the proper care they melt just as quickly.

None of us dream about or envision things in exactly the same fashion. But each of us works as a creator when we embrace a dream and make it reality. In some of us it's words on paper, or paint on canvas, or notes that demand to be put to memory before a song will stop playing in our head. Some create with food, others with material of every description from fabric to metal and everything in between.

The fact is, anything can be utilized if it's first dreamed. There is a sacred space between image and fact that belongs to us alone. We all have the power to create. We also all have the same ability to recreate reality. Not all of us use the skill, but we all certainly possess it in one form or another.

What we don't always have is the confidence or determination necessary to stay centered there long enough to get the job done. If you've got a dream invest in it. If you've forgotten how rediscover what's been misplaced before all hope is lost. I did... and I'm certainly not all that special. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Our Worst Enemy

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.".... Helen Keller

Self-pity is simply sorrow felt about our own suffering. It's impotent agony. It's a door that leads us deeper into the shadows. It's often used as an excuse for acting out.  It's a maze of negative emotions, with no escape. Most times it's totally self-indulgent, but it's always self-destructive. It's a weakness that inspires more weakness. When life knocks you down, self-pity will keep you prone. 

And it repels our peers, who like to think they'd do a much better job of coping. "Poor me" is a very unattractive pose, akin to total surrender in both intent and effect. Other people hesitate to offer any real comfort, thinking that to do so would only encourage more self-serving sorrow. Feeling sympathy for someone who has locked themselves inside a prison of, "why me" is difficult. A true friend will shake you hard, hug you tight, and ask softly, "why not you."

Bad stuff happens to everyone. Tragedy isn't reserved just for the wicked. Pain isn't only dealt to the evil among us. People will disappoint you. Diseases may afflict even the pure at heart. Love can end for even the most lovable. Whatever the sorrow, whice of us gets stuck with some kind of hurt is open to us all. Face the pain, allow it to hurt, then readjust and move past it.  

Wasted breath asking, "WHY ME?" can be better used drawing in strength for whatever comes next. And trust me... something will certainly come. Either you or the situation will overcome. Why be a willing victim? Sorrow is stressful. Stress kills. Self-pity will dig a grave, for anyone who holds onto it for long enough.

If you feel the need to feel pity at all, invest it in someone else. Let it move you to ease their sorrow and be worthy of the ache. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can always govern our reaction. Think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Everyday Inching

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Everyday do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.".... Doug Firebaugh

Any improvement NO matter how small is always a giant step in the right direction. Each new day offers the same chance to rearrange ourselves or our situation into a better version of yesterdays reality. And there is ALWAYS room for improvement. For every excuse you can think of to put off what needs doing there are countless reasons why waiting is a very bad idea. Absolutely nothing gets easier to correct when all that the pausing really does is fill us with dread. I wish I'd realized so many things, so many years ago... but I know them now and paying it forward is my feeble attempt to spare someone else a hard tumble.

Nobody can fix you, EXCEPT you... you can't fix anyone else either... but the struggle to adjust to that simple fact is ongoing throughout our lifetime. Tweak what's twisted inside of you and those repairs may encourage change in others, but never depend upon that... and that's a fact. You may outgrow a person, or a place if a tug of war occurs over who has the right to be ruler of your three-feet of personal space. Together it's possible to cultivate a deep love and mutual respect. But unless you both row in sync the boat will simply spin in endless circles before it sinks. So seek true intent and beware of hidden agendas before you climb on board.

The end result of any remodel hinges upon all the tiny deliberate steps YOU take with careful attention to detail. And truly the sky is the limit... as long as you move forward there will forever be a forward to follow. Growth doesn't require a certain age to begin and there are no cut off retirement limits either; if you're breathing class is in session. Choice of seating is important too. I like to sit in the back... not to hide, but to absorb all that goes on around me as I dwell on the lesson. I have no need to sit up front to show how eager and bright I am... with nothing to prove I save my give a shit for any lesson well learned. The little things add up so delightfully.   


A penny may not buy much, but save a few each day and soon you'll have a fist full... then a pocket full... etc. etc. etc. The same can be said for inches closer to a better tomorrow. Each day add an small measure of depth to what you do for the sake of the future and before long you will possess one of much greater value than the one that you have now. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!

Step by Step

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Progress, however, of the best kind, is comparatively slow. Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk, step by step.".... Samuel Smiles

Humans crave instant gratification and in every way imaginable the world is set up to comply with almost any of our sudden whims and most of our daily necessities. But things weren't always as they are now, speed wasn't always such a sought after condiment. I like to think we valued time more when we had less of it, and using it wisely is still very important in my book.

Building something truly solid takes time, energy, and preparation. Personal growth cannot be done at the hyper speed of modern day life. We would explode under the pressure of rearranging internally at the speed of light. Slowing down to a comfortable stroll is the only way to avoid sensory overload. Pace yourself wisely, because anything worth having is worthy of the time it takes to do it right. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

One Degree at a Time

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"If you want to sail your ship in a different direction, you must turn one degree at a time." Brian Tracy

Every change in direction demands some sort of alteration in the way we steer. The best way to accomplish that with the least amount of stress is one degree at a time. Measured changes have a much better chance of success than anything done too quickly or for the wrong reason.

One tiny twist followed by another in a measured streams will eventually turn even the largest vessel in the opposite direction. And human beings can turn things around in the same fashion. One degree at a time is always just the right speed. Fast enough to keep a steady pace forward, yet slow enough for any necessary attitude adjustments.

Growing pains come in all different shapes and sizes. It isn't what you carry, it's how you carry it that matters most. See the hard things as tests you must pass to step up another degree. The thought of such a reward for all the bull-shit makes it worthy of our time and effort. Learn what you're made of... one degree at a time... and as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Careful Planning

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Plan your progress carefully; hour-by hour, day-by-day, month-by-month. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are the wellsprings of your power.".... Paul J. Meyer

Some of us plan vacations much more carefully than our ordinary daily directions and goals. Some plot meals more deliberately than anything else. Some drift where the wind blows; other's sink roots in the first dirt pile they roll across, without any more rhyme or reason than it's a convenient location.

Some make endless lists, then misplace them. Some make lists and follow them religiously, yet never really feel in control. Some never list and very rarely do anything worth jotting down. People in this category are often satisfied with the little or nothing they possess.

Most of us know where we would like to be, but those among us who research what steps are needed to get there are much more likely to succeed. Pick a goal, list its tasks, commit to seeing it through, and before long it won't be an obstacle in your way. It'll be a beloved landmark on the road to your journeys end. And as always.... Think about it.... Let it ride.... Then YOU decide!!!!

One Castle Door

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must. Otherwise you'll just be arranging furniture in rooms you've already been in".... Anne Lamott

I know all about castle doors, and this quote gives some very practical advice. Even the most beautiful castles can become prisons if we act as jailers by refusing to escape or fearing to explore. If someone else has you on lock-down truly think about the cost of loving them and escape before you're emotionally and physically bankrupt. If it's you that struggles with leaving the safety of a self-imposed solitary... keep struggling. Either way it's always a good thing to remember that you possess all the power, if you're only willing to use it.

The prison may seem huge at first, but even the largest of cages eventually begins to pinch its inhabitant. Sealed doors have no place in any refuge and if our home isn't a refuge then simply rearranging the furniture won't improve anything. Explore! Escape if need be! But really live. Be the keeper of the keys, so no matter where you're at there won't be any locks to keep you trapped. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Just Be

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.".... Dr. Suess

This makes perfect sense, yet many who matter to us will be too critical sometimes. I've learned to be satisfied with myself and let that be the very least I do to make peace with the world. If I can face the mirror without flinching then I can overcome any obstacle.

Being yourself is very liberating, but it can scare the thunder out of people if they're not used to the real you. I know many who changed the way they looked at me once I altered the way I viewed myself. I wish that I'd spent more time on earth being me.

There's no way to recover all my lost opportunities, the best I can do is to avoid missing any more. Glory in reality... be you and at peace with whatever that entails... spend more time self evaluating and less on self destruction. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

The Truth About Age

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.".... Groucho Marx, 1890-1977, American Comedian

Aging takes no special talent, just hang out and it'll happen eventually. Agelessness is an art form, but simple aging is little more inspired than any other habit. Spirit age seems the real decider, because numbers upon paper say nothing about us worth hearing.

Be as young as you're able and no older than you must... that's my chosen plan of action, as well as very sound advice. Give to life only the price demanded and not even one wrinkle more. Trust me if you live long enough you'll have a fair share. Refuse to donate any face-space for wadding up when you can avoid it.

Remembering a few simple facts can cut down on the deep creases dug by any heartache. A broken heart mends much easier than a broken spirit. Chest wounds are inevitable, but a crushed soul only occurs if its master allows the pressure. Face facts. It is what it is. A wish will never change truth, no matter how pure its intention.

Make peace with reality. Know the difference between what is real and what is simply hoped for. When seen clearly it can be dealt with in the same fashion. The truth may cause a much deeper injury to the heart, but the soul will be safe. What is real from your point-of-view is your reality. 

Each person sees from a different vantage point. Always place more trust in actions than in any words spoken. Deceitful facts can be easily hidden behind pretty lyrics we need to hear. Love may be unconditional, but trust needs proving. Never invest more faith in others than you spend upon yourself.

Life isn't always as it seems at first glance. What is visible to the masses often has little or nothing to do with our reality. Love isn't always as trouble free as it should be, or as equally balanced. Like the song say, "every point of refuge has its price.

And the price of paying too much is a face that shows the miles traveled in the lines traced there. Worry deposits more, yet gains nothing in return. Stress leaves its mark, as well. By taking a careful look at reality we can make decisions or adjustments that minimize the damage we suffer. Putting things into perspective creates better facial restoration than plastic surgery ever could. Keep your soul healthy and your face will age gracefully. Think about it... let it ride... then YOU decide!!!

Simple Pleasures

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"A hot dog at the ball park is better than steak at the Ritz.".... Humphrey Bogart, 1899-1957, American Actor and Film Legend

The pleasures that we enjoy in comfy settings are some of life's deepest joys. Simple things comfort the soul in such a unique way; other things may be more exciting, but nothing else is more satisfying. And nothing comes to us more abundantly, or holds such promise. The value of a delight that costs very little, if anything, cannot be measured by the outward world. But our soul certainly knows its worth and validates it as priceless. We should always let that be our guide.

Be very grateful for the small stuff. Humans have a much bigger portion of little pleasures than they ever do large. Getting the most out of life depends more on tiny details than on large agendas... bigger just isn't always better. Own every precious moment. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride... then YOU decide!!!!

Slumbering Possibilities

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Within every adversity lies a slumbering possibility.".... Robert Schuller

Every negative has a positive slant to it somewhere. The up side of down isn't always easy to find, but it's certainly always worth the search. Sometimes the lesson gives a special honor to whatever strife is teaching so well by example. If we can't discover any other positive this one is noteworthy.

Gazing at our troubles in the right light keeps us from just automatically adopting the role of victim. We may not be able to control the shit that happens to or around us, but we can surely manipulate our reaction. Take note of the ways life's burdens strengthen and clarify our priorities. Value should be measured by what is eared from the struggle and not only by the ease of travel. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Unfold And Reflect

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Look for things to feel good about, and watch how everything in your life will unfold to reflect that good-feeling vibration.".... Abraham-Hicks

We mostly find whatever it is we are looking for; we all too often assist a dreaded outcome into reality by having more faith in its power than we do in our own. It does no good to say, after the fact, that any aide given was unintentional. We over-think our options until the time for action has passed. We may pray that our intense contemplation will save us from heartache, but often it only feed our dread and twisted our point of view. And we suddenly find ourselves drowning in a sea of misery created by our own worst fears.

Once something is rooted inside our mind it alters how we view reality and a rolling snowball quickly becomes an avalanche. We often see our mistake before we are buried, but backpedaling is mostly futile. After we unleash a monster inside our space then stop, drop, and roll are our only defenses. Damage control is certainly necessary when the dust settles... but... awareness of how it all began is mandatory to keeping the same thing from happening over and over and endlessly over again. Once we know where our switches are located it's much easier to use them in a healthy fashion.

Climb down off that merry-go-round! Try looking at things a bit differently. Readjust how you react until your actions are anchored in a solid foundation of truly factual information,... not simply what is imaginable. Look for the bad and that's what you'll surely find, whether it really exists or not. Seek good and it'll appear like magic, tint your space a soothing pastel, and bring blessed peace and contentment inside your orbit. Why not feel as good as possible???? And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Enlightened Happiness

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Try to be reasonable in the way you grow, and don't ever think it is too late. It is never too late. Even if you are going to die tomorrow, keep yourself straight and clear and be a happy human being today. If you keep your situation happy day by day, you will eventually reach the greatest happiness of enlightenment.".... Lama Thubten Yeshe, The Bliss of Inner Fire

The greatest happiness of enlightenment! WOW! Reasonable growth? Exactly!!!! That makes perfect sense; controlled expansion factors in the time needed to adjust to each new measure of fullness before continuing on to the next level. It affords the space necessary to assimilate knowledge into action. It allows difficult lessons to sink in soul-deep before any brutal testing of cognitive content.

We humans waste so much time and energy craving things of little or no real importance. If people only realized what peace and contentment comes from self knowledge they'd hunt there for real answers. And they'd find them too, I certainly discovered much more than I ever dreamed possible.

I was astonished by all the things I didn't know about myself until I took the time to really get acquainted. I knew what others wanted from me. I was hyper-aware of what they felt and why, but I was totally clueless inside myself. I attempted to live up to certain expectations and tried hard to live down others, but I never got it just right. I didn't realize that by using this recipe there was never any hope for success. I just kept trying harder.

I believed the problem was some sort of lack on my part. The effort I put into fashioning myself from someone else's pattern was viscous punishment for my heart, mind, and soul. It almost did me in, leaving me standing at the brutal crossroads of really live or be satisfied to die. My awakening happened in the blink of an eye, and I haven't done much nappin' since this journey began.

Well, I suppose it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which fork in the road I chose to travel.The rebirth began long ago, (10-30-93)... but it's far from over. As long as I breathe I'll continue to grow with measured steps whenever possible. And when growth is on a pause I'll use that time for reflection of lessons learned and goals yet to master. Any roots will be encouraged to form, by design, inside my soul and not under my feet or in my mind. A pause is never an invitation to settle there and build a monument to a job well-done. This job is never done, whatever the results so far.

Just when you think you really know all there is to know about yourself something will happen that alters the landscape enough to change you without warning. Your hands on the wheel will control the direction of the alterations and pumping the brakes will control your speed enough for a full recovery from any skid. Just factor in the inevitable and realize that no matter what happens around you that you remain in total control of what goes on inside of you.

I highly recommend the trip. A hunger for knowledge should include all available subject matter. What better course of study could be more worthwhile to be an honor student of than the workings of self? Travel at your own speed. You won't need baggage, you'll find plenty of that without carrying more. Unpack as you go and repack with whatever will further your footsteps. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Heroism

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Heroism consists in hanging on one minute longer.".... Norwegian proverb

Humans are such stubborn creatures. This trait can be very positive when we attempt the impossible. Dreams brought to life require fortitude as well as aptitude. And brawn power is every much as important to success as brain matter. Thinking something to the point of reality is exciting, breathing life into it can be as brutal as childbirth. It doesn't end in mere hours and then you possess a sweet smelling infant. Some labors take a whole lifetime.

Never giving up demands a stamina of the spirit that everyone possesses but too few utilize. Many have dreams, but lack the strength or desire to fulfill them. Other's don't even bother dreaming. Going through the motions can imitate real life, but it's such a poor substitute.

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes, each one as precious as the next. One person may hunger for power, another may just want peace. Your neighbor might wish for fame and you may wish for glory. My mother wanted one thing and I've longed for yet another. Not all of us will get our hearts desire, but the ones who do will be the ones who kept trying no matter what obstacle was tossed in their path.

Working on attainable things, like changing something about yourself that needs alteration, helps build the right kind of strength for dream breathing. Once that is mastered, turn it up a notch and change something about your life for the better. Then dream bigger and it won't seem like such an impossibility. Victory of any sort builds confidence in battle. And really living is a war without ending.

Dream vividly, trusting any vision that come from soul depth. Get excited about something, anything at all will do as long as it's worthy of the time it'll surely demand. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

The Angry Ember

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.".... The Buddha

If we don't exercise complete control over what we allow to penetrate our defenses and settle inside us we shouldn't be shocked if an asshole or two finds their way inside. If we never exercise our power of eviction we shouldn't bitch about what or who occupies our space, but we do. Power is a pointless tool unless it's utilized. We grasp any invaders of our own free-will and can let them go in the same fashion. The things we dwell upon quickly build a dwelling wherever they sit. Any squatters residing in our mind, heart, or soul quickly take over  and before too long they are ruler by default. Without thinking we invite them in... without thinking we make them welcome... and without thinking we struggle under the extra weight and expense of their residency.

Uninviting a guest may seem rude, but allowing them full-range inside of our sacred space is foolhardy. I'd rather be viewed as a possible bitch than a certain fool. Others do enough damage without harboring thoughts and emotions that will poison all it touches. Holding any kind of negative always leaves a wound, expecting otherwise is pure foolishness. For some it seems far easier to simply assign blame and attempt retribution than it is to drop it like its hot and grow stronger from the exercise.

Hate is a cancer, infecting everything it flows through. Bitterness is a tumor that grows until it bursts and like alum it shrinks whatever it touches. Mistrust and jealousy make a bloody mess of our emotions, until believing in anything good and healthy isn't even a possibility. So be very careful what you hold on to or it will take control and play havoc with your health and happiness. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!

Go With The Flow

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Today I know that I cannot control the ocean tides. I can only go with the flow… When I struggle and try to organize the Atlantic to my specifications, I sink. If I flail and thrash and growl and grumble, I go under. But if I let go and float, I am borne aloft.".... Marie Stilkind

This quote is so profound and full of visual stimuli that will keep us firmly rooted in times of rushing waters and deadly undertows. We struggle against what we can never hope to control, wearing ourselves weak and unable to make a safe landing on shore.

All we need to do is drift, keep our head above water, and watch for an opportunity to escape to safe ground. Any thing else is simply wasted motion and will only add to the stormy conditions.

It's hard to just trust and float, but when the only alternative is to sink and drown it becomes a no-brainer that anyone can accomplish. Do what must be done to stay afloat, struggle ashore asap, then try to stay in the shallows next time it floods. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Other People's Faults

Today's Quote:
"Other people's faults are like bees if we don't see them, they don't harm us."... Luis Vigil

The only faults we should pay attention to are the ones we own; any others are not ours to either censure or correct. People who are constantly critical are some of the unhappiest and most ill-adjusted humans on earth. 

Don't take to heart their bitter complaints, but pray for their understanding that at the end of the day the only faults we will be asked to answer for will be our own.
I received the following in an email. Thank you, JuneBug for the words I place here to remind all women of their unique power. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.. An angel appeared and said,"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride.
"The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
And she is!
Women have strength that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness,love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR OWN WORTH.

Thicker Love

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Blood may be thicker than water, but love is thicker than anything.".... Goldie Nash

Love makes the world go around... or love makes the world stand still. Which is true? Both? Neither? It's a roller coaster ride most times, yet everyone wants at least one ticket and some crave at least a fist full before they're even close to satisfied.

We all have it in some form or another, but if one sort or another is missing we search until it's found. Even when we aren't really looking it seeks us if the time is right. Freely given it's heaven, having it returned... paradise. But love can be as hurtful when it's not right as it can be blissful inside of the opposite situation.

Being hurt doesn't keep us from trying to reach the shelter that only love can bring, although it does slow us down some. It's the most powerful, profound, and unmanageable emotion we possess. Cherish it in every form, give it without restraint and accept it with grace. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Absolute Determination

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.".... Gerry Sikorski

If you're doing something just for fun it takes no determination to enjoy the experience. If you're doing out of duty or need it sometimes requires a mountain of determination to find any pleasure. But it's always there someplace, hidden under the debris that just naturally piles up in life. Look behind the resentment. Lift some spite, there's bound to be something hidden there. Searching among the negatives and finding any pleasure in the mundane takes deliberate forethought and planned actions.

Our best tool is attitude. Getting to the point where adjustments happen almost automatically takes a lot of practice, but they last a lifetime. Seems quite a bargain when what you end up with is better control and understanding of how you function. With that knowledge comes both power and responsibility.

Knowing I possess the ability to make myself more serene makes it impossible to stay agitated. I remember not having a clue and that time was filled with what others made me feel. Now I feel for myself and when I need an adjustment to find pleasure in every moment I own then I happily adjust.

If something has to be done what gain is there in adding to the torture? Face chores cheerfully and they don't stay chores for very long. It's our reaction that sets the tone so hum a snappy tune and get er' done then take pleasure in marking it complete if no other joy can be found. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

Disgust And Resolve

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Disgust and resolve are two of the great emotions that lead to change.".... Jim Rohn

Being fed up always leads directly to growth and gives us energy to implement changes as they occur inside of a suddenly made up mind. And it's the measure of our determination that dictates the speed at which we travel. The more fed up... the heavier the foot... the faster the acceleration... and the easier the change. It's never effortless, but with the right mind-set it takes much less effort.

Some alterations are left undone for longer than is seemly; wearing things when they are hopelessly out of fashion or no longer fit like they ought to is a common human failing. Making excuses may stall the inevitable, but once awareness sets in there is no turning back. Getting it done isn't really a problem, it's the getting started that's difficult. Disgust of self or situation is about the most powerful human igniter and it's totally self-produced. Aren't we just the most magical of creatures?

Too often we either don't realize or simply forget there really is an up side of down; negative emotions can (and should) be utilized in the most positive ways possible. Try using them instead of letting them use you. Get good and fed up. Let it build then blow as is its nature, but choose wisely the direction of your flight. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!

The Thing That Matters

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"The thing that matters is not what you bear, but how you bear it.".... Seneca

The way we carry any burden defines its weight. We either have a firm hold or it does, half measures have no place in the art of load elevation. We can and should lighten every load by tossing out everything that doesn't function toward a final solution to our dilemma.

No amount of worry helps... toss it out. Feeling sorry for yourself won't resolve anything... toss it too. I could keep listing, but now that you have the idea make a list of your own. Mark down what isn't needed, but also recognize what is mandatory to achieve final closure. The right tools can make all the difference; make certain you have weapons that equal the battle.

There is nothing worse than pulling out a knife and hearing the "click" of a gun. And a slingshot has no chance of overpowering a cannon. Rocks are missiles of a sort, but upgrade every chance you get. Updating is as important in humans as it is on computers.

Everyone carries something, none of us gets through life baggage free. Redistribute the weight, alter your perspective once and awhile, and don't tote trouble any further than necessary. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then YOU decide!!!!