For most people this is just another Wednesday or the 1st Hump Day of the New Year, but I guess you can say it has another meaning for me. Today is also my 33rd birthday and I can say that only a couple of hours into it I can see that it’s going to be an amazing day. And if you know me at all, you can believe that I am relaxing and enjoying myself with my feet kicked up. The calls and texts that I have received so far have been the perfect gifts that I needed today.(oh and the gift card my brother got me was pretty amazing too) Looking back as a kid growing up I always thought it would take forever to be a certain age, but it seems like the years keep coming faster.
My thirty three years have blessed me with a lot and I am oh so very thankful for my friends, family, and the experiences that have molded me to be the person that I am today. Just when I thought I had 32 figured out, I get to learn about what it means to be 33. That’s probably a normal feeling for most of us, as we leave the old and usher in something new.
A new year has started and set the stage for new opportunities, new changes, new everything, and basically a new you if you take that path. The past is what it is THE PAST, but we can use the experiences, relationships, and people from our past to carry us through the present and to the future.
Some people have this thought that when the New Year hits it means New Year’s resolutions and a new you. And don’t get me wrong it’s not a bad thing as it helps people establish goals and timelines to accomplish things. Often times when we think about something new about ourselves, we tend to think that we have to change something about ourselves. The change we make doesn’t always have to be a big deal, but a simple change of perspective that could bring about a new outlook or even a new view of ourselves. As I mention perspective I have to think about how often we hear others talk about changes that we need to make, but I wonder if they ever thought about changing their perspective on what they see.
So as I prepare to go further into 2011 as a thirty-three year old young man, I asked myself a few questions that may assist with my matriculation into this New Year of my life. I also had to remind myself of the definition of insanity: “DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT!” Remember that in this New Year there are some amazing things on the horizon for you and you just have to be ready for them.
What does new mean to me? What do I have that is old? What am I willing to do in order to see something new? Am I even ready for anything new? People? Relationships? Opportunity? Is my past preventing me from embracing anything new?
“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully have been kindness, beauty, and truth”
Albert Einstein
“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”
“All of the top achievers I know are life-long learners... Looking for new skills, insights, and ideas. If they're not learning, they're not growing... not moving toward excellence.”
-Denis Waitley
“Old ways will always remain unless some one invents a new way and then lives and dies for it”
-Elbert Hubbard
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
-Maria Robinson
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
-C.S. Lewis
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely...”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
“There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.”
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Christmas Thoughts on gifts 12/25/10
There’s no escaping it, Christmas is here and I can only scratch my head as I look at how fast that this year has gone by. For me there was no waking up to the pitter pat of little feet rushing about the house to the Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that so far this Christmas hasn’t been amazing. While, we all have unique experiences I think I love my life so much as I am always able to experience so much Christmas love from all over the world.
I am not sure what time I went to sleep last night, but it may have been around 9:30 as I woke up to missed text messages from around 9:35 pm. All I know is that around 12:30 am my pop picked up the phone and called me from Germany to wish me a Merry Christmas since he was already celebrating. It was like I wasn’t even tired anymore and we talked for awhile to celebrate the day. After talking to my dad, I was able to catch a few more ZZZZZZs and managed to sleep through the many mass Christmas texts that started rolling in from friends and loved ones on the east coast. I can’t lie that you really feel the love from your family and friends during the holidays especially when you are separated by distance.
Even after not getting some of the things that were on my Christmas Wishlist such as an autographed copy of a Blankman DVD or an Alabama Crimson Tide Snuggie. All jokes aside I couldn't be happier because of the gifts that I have realized not just on this Christmas but everyday that I live. When I talked to my mother today she gave me the greatest gift that I could ever receive in telling me that I was an amazing son, brother and uncle. It was in that moment that I was so very blessed to understand the gift that I have been given and the gift I am to those around me.
So as we think about the gifts that we are giving and receiving this holiday season what is the common theme? I am willing to bet that they all contain care and concern for the recipient. The things that were wrapped were material, but this holiday was about the spirit of giving. There was much more given this holiday season that you could never put a price on. There were phone calls and visits that come this time of year that brighten the lives of so many.
As you prepare to enjoy the rest of this wonderful Christmas holiday, I wish you and your family many blessings now and always. My gift to you always will be my friendship and love as that's the greatest gift that I could ever give. Don't forget that you are on the cusp of amazing, but you have to be willing to give of yourself to get there. Now is not the time to be scared and hold back on the things that you can give to those around you. We can never become the best if we are comfortable in the role of the being best there never was. There's no better time than now!!
So I asked myself a few questions as I prepare to end 2010 and get even better in 2011.
What makes a good gift? What is the greatest gift that you have ever given at any point in your life? What is the greatest gift that you have ever received? Are you willing yo share your gift with others? Are you using your gifts in the right way?
“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself”
-Jean Anouilh
“The best gift you can give is a hug: one size fits all and no one ever minds if you return it”
“Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third”
-Marge Piercy
“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”
“I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment”
-Frances Farmer
“Everyone is gifted - but some people never open their package”
“The greatest gift is to give people your enlightenment, to share it. It has to be the greatest.”
-Buddha
I am not sure what time I went to sleep last night, but it may have been around 9:30 as I woke up to missed text messages from around 9:35 pm. All I know is that around 12:30 am my pop picked up the phone and called me from Germany to wish me a Merry Christmas since he was already celebrating. It was like I wasn’t even tired anymore and we talked for awhile to celebrate the day. After talking to my dad, I was able to catch a few more ZZZZZZs and managed to sleep through the many mass Christmas texts that started rolling in from friends and loved ones on the east coast. I can’t lie that you really feel the love from your family and friends during the holidays especially when you are separated by distance.
Even after not getting some of the things that were on my Christmas Wishlist such as an autographed copy of a Blankman DVD or an Alabama Crimson Tide Snuggie. All jokes aside I couldn't be happier because of the gifts that I have realized not just on this Christmas but everyday that I live. When I talked to my mother today she gave me the greatest gift that I could ever receive in telling me that I was an amazing son, brother and uncle. It was in that moment that I was so very blessed to understand the gift that I have been given and the gift I am to those around me.
So as we think about the gifts that we are giving and receiving this holiday season what is the common theme? I am willing to bet that they all contain care and concern for the recipient. The things that were wrapped were material, but this holiday was about the spirit of giving. There was much more given this holiday season that you could never put a price on. There were phone calls and visits that come this time of year that brighten the lives of so many.
As you prepare to enjoy the rest of this wonderful Christmas holiday, I wish you and your family many blessings now and always. My gift to you always will be my friendship and love as that's the greatest gift that I could ever give. Don't forget that you are on the cusp of amazing, but you have to be willing to give of yourself to get there. Now is not the time to be scared and hold back on the things that you can give to those around you. We can never become the best if we are comfortable in the role of the being best there never was. There's no better time than now!!
So I asked myself a few questions as I prepare to end 2010 and get even better in 2011.
What makes a good gift? What is the greatest gift that you have ever given at any point in your life? What is the greatest gift that you have ever received? Are you willing yo share your gift with others? Are you using your gifts in the right way?
“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself”
-Jean Anouilh
“The best gift you can give is a hug: one size fits all and no one ever minds if you return it”
“Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third”
-Marge Piercy
“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”
“I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment”
-Frances Farmer
“Everyone is gifted - but some people never open their package”
“The greatest gift is to give people your enlightenment, to share it. It has to be the greatest.”
-Buddha
Saturday Evening Thoughts on Worth 12/18/10
Relaxing on a lazy Saturday and watching the sunset on what was another beautiful day in the Valley of the Sun. This time next week, we will be in the midst of enjoying the christmas holiday. You can't travel anywhere or talk to anyone without being reminded about the holiday season.
This is a great time of the year to enjoy friends and family. There's probably no shortage of 'Remember the Reason for the Season' comments everywhere you go these days. What is it about the time period from thanksgiving through christmas that makes people remember their giving spirit?
The spirit of giving is running rampant through all of our lives right now. Even when the holiday season is not present, the spirit of giving should always be a part of our lives.
As I started to think about the giving spirit, my thoughts began to revolve around the term worth. It's quite interesting that I have been involved in a lot of conversations lately where people have been questioning their worth and if some things were worth it.
Mainly these conversations have been centered around relationships on many levels: casual friendships, employer/employee, boyfriend/girlfriend, and husband/wife. As I continued to listen to the conversations, I began to think that a lot of people don't really understand the concept of worth.
There aren't many things that we do in life that don't involve some sort of giving. We have to do a better job of understanding the worth to ourselves as the giver and what it is worth to the recipient. As you think of giving, most people will think of giving of money, time, and love first. Looking at our lives there is so much that we are able to give that the list encompasses almost everything, but we have to be careful in our giving because we can often be disappointed in a lack of appreciation shown.
Giving of yourself to anyone or anything is probably one of the greatest things that we can give to the world, and you have to remember that the world only gets what you allow it to have.
Do you know your worth? Do others know your worth? What is your time worth? Have you ever thought about what you give to others and the worth of the gift? Have you ever given something to someone/something that wasn't worthy? Is where you are headed in life worth the trouble? Lastly, is the juice worth the squeeze?
As you enjoy your weekend and prepare for a safe holiday season, I remind you that amazing is just around the corner so be ready for it.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
-Beverly Sills
“Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.”
-Oscar Wilde
“What makes life worth living is knowing that one day you'll wake up and find the person that makes you happier than anything in the whole world. So don't ever lose hope and give up, everything turns out okay and the good guy always wins.”
“Only a life lived for others is worth living”
-Albert Einstein
“Our choices in life are made according to our sense of our own worth”
-Kaylan Pickford
“Among Life's precious jewels, Genuine and rare, The one that we call friendship Has worth beyond compare.”
“Worry not that no one knows of you; seek to be worth knowing.”
-Confucius
“Somewhere there's someone who dreams of your smile, and finds in your presence that life is worth while. So when you are lonely, remember it's true: Somebody, somewhere is thinking of you.”
This is a great time of the year to enjoy friends and family. There's probably no shortage of 'Remember the Reason for the Season' comments everywhere you go these days. What is it about the time period from thanksgiving through christmas that makes people remember their giving spirit?
The spirit of giving is running rampant through all of our lives right now. Even when the holiday season is not present, the spirit of giving should always be a part of our lives.
As I started to think about the giving spirit, my thoughts began to revolve around the term worth. It's quite interesting that I have been involved in a lot of conversations lately where people have been questioning their worth and if some things were worth it.
Mainly these conversations have been centered around relationships on many levels: casual friendships, employer/employee, boyfriend/girlfriend, and husband/wife. As I continued to listen to the conversations, I began to think that a lot of people don't really understand the concept of worth.
There aren't many things that we do in life that don't involve some sort of giving. We have to do a better job of understanding the worth to ourselves as the giver and what it is worth to the recipient. As you think of giving, most people will think of giving of money, time, and love first. Looking at our lives there is so much that we are able to give that the list encompasses almost everything, but we have to be careful in our giving because we can often be disappointed in a lack of appreciation shown.
Giving of yourself to anyone or anything is probably one of the greatest things that we can give to the world, and you have to remember that the world only gets what you allow it to have.
Do you know your worth? Do others know your worth? What is your time worth? Have you ever thought about what you give to others and the worth of the gift? Have you ever given something to someone/something that wasn't worthy? Is where you are headed in life worth the trouble? Lastly, is the juice worth the squeeze?
As you enjoy your weekend and prepare for a safe holiday season, I remind you that amazing is just around the corner so be ready for it.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
-Beverly Sills
“Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.”
-Oscar Wilde
“What makes life worth living is knowing that one day you'll wake up and find the person that makes you happier than anything in the whole world. So don't ever lose hope and give up, everything turns out okay and the good guy always wins.”
“Only a life lived for others is worth living”
-Albert Einstein
“Our choices in life are made according to our sense of our own worth”
-Kaylan Pickford
“Among Life's precious jewels, Genuine and rare, The one that we call friendship Has worth beyond compare.”
“Worry not that no one knows of you; seek to be worth knowing.”
-Confucius
“Somewhere there's someone who dreams of your smile, and finds in your presence that life is worth while. So when you are lonely, remember it's true: Somebody, somewhere is thinking of you.”
Friday Evening Thoughts - What's below the Surface 12/10/10
There's really only one way for me to start this off and that's by saying, "Another beautiful day in the land of the living!" I couldn't think of any other way to start off because I am so
thankful to see another day and have yet another opportunity to get this thing we call life right. Waking up this morning I knew that I wasn't going to have all the right answers or say the right things, but if/when I do wake up I am going to put my best foot forward.
Before, I move to far forward, I do want to thank you for the prayers sent up for my family and extended family with the recent passing of a loved one. Even in the midst of grieving there are still positives that seem to come out and provide comfort.
It really doesn't take much for my mind to get running and after a few conversations/interactions with a few people my mind is going full speed. As we are in the holiday season I am starting to see people who are preaching the good will towards all men and thinking of other mantra. I often wonder when I see this from certain people where was this attitude in the middle of March or July. The holidays always tend to bring the caring nature out of people. I wonder how different the world might be if the attitudes we have during the holiday season managed to carry over throughout the entire year. Hmmmm
As I continued to let my thoughts roam a little more the term surface got stuck in my head. I started to think about my experiences growing up and the holiday season. I wonder how many times as a child I became overly excited about a gift that appeared to be wrapped in a better package or in a bigger box. How often was I disappointed because I focused on what I could see on the surface because the real treasure was beneath the surface.
As I think about it, most of our decisions are based on what we are able to see on the surface and it's at that point when we determine if we want to see what's below the surface. We have to remember the iceberg concept as we deal with people and situations as there is only so much that we can see at any given time. For example, I have been asked again about finding a special person to spend my life with and I have a new answer to the question. I can be easily impressed by what I can see on the surface in a person's appearance, but can I close my eyes having a conversation with them and still be impressed with their personality, attitude, and spirit. When I find someone like that I will definitely excited about the future.
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I want to remind you to always take a couple of moments to look beyond the surface if you feel it's warranted. Amazing is just around the corner and every now and then you need to look just a little below the surface to find it.
When you meet people does what you see stop at the surface? What is it that makes you curious about what's below the surface? Have you ever been mistaken by what you were able to see on the surface? When people look at you, what do they see on the surface?
“Character is like the foundation of a house - it is below the surface.”
“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”
-Michael Caine
“Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find.”
-Colin Powell
“Behavior which appears superficially correct but is intrinsically corrupt always irritates those who see below the surface”
-James Bryant Conant
“Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly, with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your profession”
-Isaac Watts
“Few people even scratch the surface, much less exhaust the contemplation of their own experience.”
-Randolph Bourne
“There are two sorts of curiosity - the momentary and the permanent. The momentary is concerned with the odd appearance on the surface of things. The permanent is attracted by the amazing and consecutive life that flows on beneath the surface of things.”
-Robert Lynd
thankful to see another day and have yet another opportunity to get this thing we call life right. Waking up this morning I knew that I wasn't going to have all the right answers or say the right things, but if/when I do wake up I am going to put my best foot forward.
Before, I move to far forward, I do want to thank you for the prayers sent up for my family and extended family with the recent passing of a loved one. Even in the midst of grieving there are still positives that seem to come out and provide comfort.
It really doesn't take much for my mind to get running and after a few conversations/interactions with a few people my mind is going full speed. As we are in the holiday season I am starting to see people who are preaching the good will towards all men and thinking of other mantra. I often wonder when I see this from certain people where was this attitude in the middle of March or July. The holidays always tend to bring the caring nature out of people. I wonder how different the world might be if the attitudes we have during the holiday season managed to carry over throughout the entire year. Hmmmm
As I continued to let my thoughts roam a little more the term surface got stuck in my head. I started to think about my experiences growing up and the holiday season. I wonder how many times as a child I became overly excited about a gift that appeared to be wrapped in a better package or in a bigger box. How often was I disappointed because I focused on what I could see on the surface because the real treasure was beneath the surface.
As I think about it, most of our decisions are based on what we are able to see on the surface and it's at that point when we determine if we want to see what's below the surface. We have to remember the iceberg concept as we deal with people and situations as there is only so much that we can see at any given time. For example, I have been asked again about finding a special person to spend my life with and I have a new answer to the question. I can be easily impressed by what I can see on the surface in a person's appearance, but can I close my eyes having a conversation with them and still be impressed with their personality, attitude, and spirit. When I find someone like that I will definitely excited about the future.
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I want to remind you to always take a couple of moments to look beyond the surface if you feel it's warranted. Amazing is just around the corner and every now and then you need to look just a little below the surface to find it.
When you meet people does what you see stop at the surface? What is it that makes you curious about what's below the surface? Have you ever been mistaken by what you were able to see on the surface? When people look at you, what do they see on the surface?
“Character is like the foundation of a house - it is below the surface.”
“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”
-Michael Caine
“Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find.”
-Colin Powell
“Behavior which appears superficially correct but is intrinsically corrupt always irritates those who see below the surface”
-James Bryant Conant
“Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly, with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your profession”
-Isaac Watts
“Few people even scratch the surface, much less exhaust the contemplation of their own experience.”
-Randolph Bourne
“There are two sorts of curiosity - the momentary and the permanent. The momentary is concerned with the odd appearance on the surface of things. The permanent is attracted by the amazing and consecutive life that flows on beneath the surface of things.”
-Robert Lynd
Friday Evening Thoughts on Gratitude 12/3/10
Friday evening and I am in the midst of enjoying some of my best times. It's not surprising that I find myself the happiest when I am not at work and in the company of people that genuinely care about me. The day was pretty relaxing as I didn't have to work today.
Today I managed to put a smile or two on the faces of a few people. There could be a few more, but I can only account for some of my actions that directly resulted in a smile or two. Like most mornings, I started my day with a little reflection on where my life is currently and found some quotes to share with those in my circle. When I first started sending the daily quotes out several years ago, I never envisioned the impact that they would have years later. It's gotten to the point that there are people that look forward to receiving them and the quotes have become a part of their day.
As I look back at some of things that I do, people remind me of how they appreciate me being a nice guy. I can only say thanks as its a product how of I was raised and what I learned from those that I spend a lot of time with. I talked on the phone to my Aunt Loretta today and she was just calling to tell me thanks for calling just to say hi every now and then. She said thanks for the quotes and she just appreciated me for who I am.
So as I started thinking about talking to my aunt and seeing the smile on my friend's face when I surprised her by bringing her lunch the made me realize that its okay to be a nice guy. I can honestly say that I try my best to treat people like I want to treated. I don't take actions based on any potential reciprocation.
So I found myself sitting here with thoughts of gratitude and asked myself a few questions.
What does gratitude mean to you? Are you nice because you want people to show gratitude toward you? If people don't show you gratitude are you no longer nice? What are you doing that you would expect people to show gratitude toward? How are you showing gratitude? Why?
At the end of the day, I would like to think that these questions that I posed to myself along with the quotes below may inspire something within you as I know it already has in me.
As you move forward and prepare to enjoy your weekend, I trust that you will embrace the opportunity to have many amazing moments. Enjoy life to the fullest and don't let any opportunities slip out of your hands since tomorrow has the potential to not be like today was.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”
-Sarah Caldwell
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.”
-Gladys Browyn Stern
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
-Brian Tracy
“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”
-Eileen Caddy
“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep”
-Felix Frankfurter
“Gratitude preserves old friendships, and procures new.”
Today I managed to put a smile or two on the faces of a few people. There could be a few more, but I can only account for some of my actions that directly resulted in a smile or two. Like most mornings, I started my day with a little reflection on where my life is currently and found some quotes to share with those in my circle. When I first started sending the daily quotes out several years ago, I never envisioned the impact that they would have years later. It's gotten to the point that there are people that look forward to receiving them and the quotes have become a part of their day.
As I look back at some of things that I do, people remind me of how they appreciate me being a nice guy. I can only say thanks as its a product how of I was raised and what I learned from those that I spend a lot of time with. I talked on the phone to my Aunt Loretta today and she was just calling to tell me thanks for calling just to say hi every now and then. She said thanks for the quotes and she just appreciated me for who I am.
So as I started thinking about talking to my aunt and seeing the smile on my friend's face when I surprised her by bringing her lunch the made me realize that its okay to be a nice guy. I can honestly say that I try my best to treat people like I want to treated. I don't take actions based on any potential reciprocation.
So I found myself sitting here with thoughts of gratitude and asked myself a few questions.
What does gratitude mean to you? Are you nice because you want people to show gratitude toward you? If people don't show you gratitude are you no longer nice? What are you doing that you would expect people to show gratitude toward? How are you showing gratitude? Why?
At the end of the day, I would like to think that these questions that I posed to myself along with the quotes below may inspire something within you as I know it already has in me.
As you move forward and prepare to enjoy your weekend, I trust that you will embrace the opportunity to have many amazing moments. Enjoy life to the fullest and don't let any opportunities slip out of your hands since tomorrow has the potential to not be like today was.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”
-Sarah Caldwell
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.”
-Gladys Browyn Stern
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
-Brian Tracy
“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”
-Eileen Caddy
“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep”
-Felix Frankfurter
“Gratitude preserves old friendships, and procures new.”
Thanksgiving Thoughts on Grateful 11/25/10
I woke up this morning and all I could say was thank you and that I am grateful for the opportunity to see another day. I barely opened my eyes this morning and I was able to see how many people were able to get up before me and wish me a happy thanksgiving. It’s amazing how the holidays roll around and you are reminded about all the things and people that you are grateful for in our lives.
In our daily lives we are often so busy or so involved in things that we forget to take a moment to appreciate everything that our life is comprised of. I couldn’t help but think about being grateful for the opportunities that we have to make a difference in the lives of others. Several things happened so far today that gave me a different perspective not just on thanksgiving, but how I celebrate everyday of my life.
Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with food and football, and today is no different. Although, if you were watching football earlier there was a story on Chris Henry (former football player for the Cincinnati Bengals) who passed away last year talking about his life. While it was a very unfortunate event losing a loved one, the story centered on what his mother did in the face of the tragedy. At the time of his passing his mother made the decision that based on her son’s physical condition his organs could help give some others a second chance. There were some individuals who had been waiting on the transplant lists for quite a while and she was able to help four individuals by donating the Chris’s lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The story became very touching as they showed her meeting the families for the first time and saying that they were now a part of her family as the spirit of her son was living through them now. While a tragic loss, Chris’s mother turned this experience into a positive for others because she was grateful that her son was in the physical condition he was to help these individuals that he never had the chance to meet.
So after a conversation I had with a friend of mine this morning as they were telling me how thankful that they were for my friendship I continued to think about a few things.
What does it mean to be grateful? What are you grateful for? Are you taking advantage of the things that make you grateful? Are you grateful without action?
At this very moment, I can tell you that I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad. The bad things actually are a blessing since they really make you realize how grateful you are for the learning experiences and opportunity to stay humble.
On this Thanksgiving 2010, I am grateful that you are a part of my life and that I can share my thoughts with you. Have a blessed holiday while enjoying the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy today for what it is, as you don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
“A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.”
-William Arthur Ward
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”
-Anthony Robbins
“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
-Marcel Proust
“When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life. On the other hand, when we are ungrateful, we tend to shut ourselves off from the good we might otherwise experience.”
-Margaret Stortz
“Given the amount of unjust suffering and unhappiness in the world, I am deeply grateful for, sometimes even perplexed by, how much misery I have been spared.”
-Dennis Prager
In our daily lives we are often so busy or so involved in things that we forget to take a moment to appreciate everything that our life is comprised of. I couldn’t help but think about being grateful for the opportunities that we have to make a difference in the lives of others. Several things happened so far today that gave me a different perspective not just on thanksgiving, but how I celebrate everyday of my life.
Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with food and football, and today is no different. Although, if you were watching football earlier there was a story on Chris Henry (former football player for the Cincinnati Bengals) who passed away last year talking about his life. While it was a very unfortunate event losing a loved one, the story centered on what his mother did in the face of the tragedy. At the time of his passing his mother made the decision that based on her son’s physical condition his organs could help give some others a second chance. There were some individuals who had been waiting on the transplant lists for quite a while and she was able to help four individuals by donating the Chris’s lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The story became very touching as they showed her meeting the families for the first time and saying that they were now a part of her family as the spirit of her son was living through them now. While a tragic loss, Chris’s mother turned this experience into a positive for others because she was grateful that her son was in the physical condition he was to help these individuals that he never had the chance to meet.
So after a conversation I had with a friend of mine this morning as they were telling me how thankful that they were for my friendship I continued to think about a few things.
What does it mean to be grateful? What are you grateful for? Are you taking advantage of the things that make you grateful? Are you grateful without action?
At this very moment, I can tell you that I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad. The bad things actually are a blessing since they really make you realize how grateful you are for the learning experiences and opportunity to stay humble.
On this Thanksgiving 2010, I am grateful that you are a part of my life and that I can share my thoughts with you. Have a blessed holiday while enjoying the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy today for what it is, as you don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
“A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.”
-William Arthur Ward
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”
-Anthony Robbins
“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
-Marcel Proust
“When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life. On the other hand, when we are ungrateful, we tend to shut ourselves off from the good we might otherwise experience.”
-Margaret Stortz
“Given the amount of unjust suffering and unhappiness in the world, I am deeply grateful for, sometimes even perplexed by, how much misery I have been spared.”
-Dennis Prager
Friday Afternoon Thoughts on Being Better 11/12/10
The end of another week is here and I am preparing to enjoy the weekend. Seems as it gets closer to the end of the year the weeks drag on a little bit. Even with that I still find a lot to gain from all of my experiences. Everyday it seems I am learning more and more to embrace all the situations that I encounter as they are all learning experiences. As long as each and every one of us has an opportunity to see another day, we will be presented with an opportunity to learn at some point. Whether one chooses to or not depends on the individual.
I am starting to see my own growth right before my eyes in my decision making and self-awareness. The self-awareness piece has become quite a big deal for me as often times other people's perception of you becomes their reality. As I recently was reminded through my conversations with my baby sister that she was always watching. Sometimes we forget that we are always on stage regardless of the time of day or the place that we are at. Those around you can see you and often have a critique of what they think can make you better. At the end of the day, its all about growth in our lives.
Probably wondering where I am headed with all this, but some thoughts and questions started to form in my head.
Are you okay with being good or are you ready to be better? Are you willing to do what it takes to get better? Are you getting better for yourself? Others? Are you aware of what can be better? Are you taking an active role in making others better?
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I ask that you try to make it better than your last. I also ask you to look at ways that you can make things even better for those around you as there are young people that are in need you sharing your experiences with them. I know that I am a better person because people cared enough to want me to be better in many aspects of my life.
I am leaving you with some quotes to enjoy and asking you to pray for a friend of mine along with their family and extended family with the recent loss of a loved one.
“If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.”
-Albert Einstein
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be”
-Marcel Pagnol
“Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.”
-Jim Rohn
“Better the man that conquer a thousand thousand men is the one who conquer one, himself.”
-Buddha
“Love what you do. Believe in your instincts. And you'd better be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.”
“It is better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up”
“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
-Jim Rohn
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
-Buddha
I am starting to see my own growth right before my eyes in my decision making and self-awareness. The self-awareness piece has become quite a big deal for me as often times other people's perception of you becomes their reality. As I recently was reminded through my conversations with my baby sister that she was always watching. Sometimes we forget that we are always on stage regardless of the time of day or the place that we are at. Those around you can see you and often have a critique of what they think can make you better. At the end of the day, its all about growth in our lives.
Probably wondering where I am headed with all this, but some thoughts and questions started to form in my head.
Are you okay with being good or are you ready to be better? Are you willing to do what it takes to get better? Are you getting better for yourself? Others? Are you aware of what can be better? Are you taking an active role in making others better?
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I ask that you try to make it better than your last. I also ask you to look at ways that you can make things even better for those around you as there are young people that are in need you sharing your experiences with them. I know that I am a better person because people cared enough to want me to be better in many aspects of my life.
I am leaving you with some quotes to enjoy and asking you to pray for a friend of mine along with their family and extended family with the recent loss of a loved one.
“If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.”
-Albert Einstein
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be”
-Marcel Pagnol
“Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.”
-Jim Rohn
“Better the man that conquer a thousand thousand men is the one who conquer one, himself.”
-Buddha
“Love what you do. Believe in your instincts. And you'd better be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.”
“It is better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up”
“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
-Jim Rohn
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
-Buddha
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