We live in a disposable society.We buy things, use them and then throw them away. Our landfills continue to grow, despite no one wanting garbage in their own back yard. Meanwhile, debt is also growing. People continue to spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need.
We need to come back to reality. We need to focus on growth in our bank accounts, not on growth in the landfills and growth in our debt. So what’s the solution? How can people grow their savings, while shrinking their garbage and depleting their debt?
LOVE is the answer.
We need to learn to appreciate what we already have. We need to love what we have.
If you love what you have, you don’t feel the need for more. If you love what you have, you can easily say no when you’re bombarded with thousands of marketing messages to buy each day. If you love what you have, you’re not going to throw something out once it gets a little used.
People who love what they have are happy. They see the beauty in what they’ve got. When they buy new stuff, they are very selective--because it has to be something they can love. People who love what they have perform proper maintenance, and ensure they get the most out of their purchases.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce the money you spend this year, spend some time admiring what you already have. Love your possessions. Maintain them so they last longer.
Disposable items are always more costly in the long run. Loving what you have costs nothing, but can save you lots of money. It can also save you time. You won’t need to run out and get something new just because you have money in your pocket. Why would you want something new? Save time and money by loving what you already own!
Is it any wonder that the average "millionaire next door" has a car that’s eight years old? People that are rich love what they have. They know the value of quality, and they know the value of getting the most out of their purchases.
Do you spend time dreaming of a new car, or loving the car you’ve got? Do you spend time dreaming of new furniture, a new house or new clothes? Or do you spend some quality time loving the furniture, house and clothes you’ve already been blessed with?
Save your money, your time and your environment this year: love what you have.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
living life to the fullest
Are you living all you can? If so, you are one of the few lucky souls that either was born with an incredible spirit - OR one of us who had to learn it the hard way. You can learn to live life to the fullest. It takes practice to defeat the habits that hold you back.
What keeps most people from living each day, each moment, to the fullest? Three things: Worry, Regret, and Fear.
Worry is living in the future instead of the moment. Worry is a pessimistic approach to life. When you live in worry, you're constantly asking 'what if this happens?', 'and if this happens, what if that happens?'
You trade your life for shadowy possibilities, piling one on top of the next until the weight of 'what if' pins you in your pessimism.
Regret is living in the past instead of the moment. Regret is a shameful approach to life. You look behind you, and wish things were different. You constantly tell yourself 'if only I'd done that differently', and 'if I had done that differently, I'd be there instead of here'.
You trade your life for guilt and sorrow, examining every decision until your second-guessing becomes paralysis and you stop moving forward.
Fear is living in uncertainty instead of now. Fear is a timid approach to life. When you live in fear, you hold back, denying yourself and others a world of possibilities.
The antidote to worry is refocusing on NOW. Right this moment. What do you see, what do you smell, what do you taste, what is in your lap and in your life right this minute? This is what's real.
The cure for regret is two-fold: acceptance and forgiveness. It is what it is. You are where you are. You cannot change what was, you can only build on what is. You did the best you could with all of your resources at that moment. It's what you will do NOW that matters.
The solution for fear is faith. You have been protected and provided for right up to this very minute. It will continue. Do good for others; trust you will receive good in return.
Take an inventory of the things you have to be thankful for, and you will see the big picture.
This moment will never come again. Savor it for all it is NOW. Direct your attention toward the people and places and things you experience NOW.
What keeps most people from living each day, each moment, to the fullest? Three things: Worry, Regret, and Fear.
Worry is living in the future instead of the moment. Worry is a pessimistic approach to life. When you live in worry, you're constantly asking 'what if this happens?', 'and if this happens, what if that happens?'
You trade your life for shadowy possibilities, piling one on top of the next until the weight of 'what if' pins you in your pessimism.
Regret is living in the past instead of the moment. Regret is a shameful approach to life. You look behind you, and wish things were different. You constantly tell yourself 'if only I'd done that differently', and 'if I had done that differently, I'd be there instead of here'.
You trade your life for guilt and sorrow, examining every decision until your second-guessing becomes paralysis and you stop moving forward.
Fear is living in uncertainty instead of now. Fear is a timid approach to life. When you live in fear, you hold back, denying yourself and others a world of possibilities.
The antidote to worry is refocusing on NOW. Right this moment. What do you see, what do you smell, what do you taste, what is in your lap and in your life right this minute? This is what's real.
The cure for regret is two-fold: acceptance and forgiveness. It is what it is. You are where you are. You cannot change what was, you can only build on what is. You did the best you could with all of your resources at that moment. It's what you will do NOW that matters.
The solution for fear is faith. You have been protected and provided for right up to this very minute. It will continue. Do good for others; trust you will receive good in return.
Take an inventory of the things you have to be thankful for, and you will see the big picture.
This moment will never come again. Savor it for all it is NOW. Direct your attention toward the people and places and things you experience NOW.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
You're a Beautiful Person
I wish that I could tell every person that I meet that he or she is a beautiful person--and have them believe it. I wish I could look them in the eyes and tell them of their beauty and have them accept the words for what they truly are--the truth, plain and simple.
You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.
You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.
You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.
And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.
Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.
You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.
You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.
You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.
And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.
Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.
Creating your own life
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there; they serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be; your roommate, neighbor, professor, long-lost friend, lover or even a complete stranger who, when you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
Sometimes things happen to you and at the time they may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower or heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests - whether they are events, illnesses or relationships - life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. Safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the successes and downfalls you experience, create who you are; even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart to.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally; not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love, and they are opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself; for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you, either. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
Sometimes things happen to you and at the time they may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower or heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests - whether they are events, illnesses or relationships - life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. Safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the successes and downfalls you experience, create who you are; even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart to.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally; not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love, and they are opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself; for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you, either. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
How Do We Treat Others
When others are angry with you, loving to you, critical of you, and so on, do you treat them the same? We tend to treat others, except those in a position of authority or power over us, the same way they treat us.
Let's say you enter a restaurant expecting great service and a tasty meal. The waiter or waitress is snarly and literally throws the food on the table. You ask for a glass of water to go with the meal and they act as though you had asked for something impossible.
Our first reaction is to be unkind in return and also decide that they will not receive a tip. Is this the right reaction in this or in any situation?
Perhaps they have just been informed a loved one is seriously ill and in a hospital, or they haven't the money to pay their rent and are facing eviction from their home, or they have a severe headache. This list could go on endlessly.
The problem we face is that we have no way of knowing what the other person is going through at that point in their life. Even the finest people are sometimes so overwhelmed by circumstances they act rashly. And who is to say we wouldn't act the same way in similar circumstances?
The next time you begin to treat another as badly as they have treated you, try to put yourself into their circumstances. We can never put ourselves into the exact position of another, but it will help us to be more understanding.
By always doing our best to treat others as we would wish to be treated, we make things better for ourselves and others with whom we come in contact.
Let's say you enter a restaurant expecting great service and a tasty meal. The waiter or waitress is snarly and literally throws the food on the table. You ask for a glass of water to go with the meal and they act as though you had asked for something impossible.
Our first reaction is to be unkind in return and also decide that they will not receive a tip. Is this the right reaction in this or in any situation?
Perhaps they have just been informed a loved one is seriously ill and in a hospital, or they haven't the money to pay their rent and are facing eviction from their home, or they have a severe headache. This list could go on endlessly.
The problem we face is that we have no way of knowing what the other person is going through at that point in their life. Even the finest people are sometimes so overwhelmed by circumstances they act rashly. And who is to say we wouldn't act the same way in similar circumstances?
The next time you begin to treat another as badly as they have treated you, try to put yourself into their circumstances. We can never put ourselves into the exact position of another, but it will help us to be more understanding.
By always doing our best to treat others as we would wish to be treated, we make things better for ourselves and others with whom we come in contact.
I Believe
I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his or her right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
I believe that the law was made for people and not people for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.
I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no person a living but that it owes every individual an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business, or personal affairs.
I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order.
I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that one's word should be as good as one's bond; that character--not wealth or power or position--is of supreme worth.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of humankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
I believe that the law was made for people and not people for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.
I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no person a living but that it owes every individual an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business, or personal affairs.
I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order.
I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that one's word should be as good as one's bond; that character--not wealth or power or position--is of supreme worth.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of humankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over.
life is like a book
Life is a book of mysteries. You never know which page will bring a good twist. So keep on reading because happiness comes suddenly.
Life is like a book, each day a new page with adventures to experience, lesson to learn & good deeds to replicate. Have a color page everyday.
Your life is like a book. The title-page is your name. The preface is your introduction to the world. The pages are a daily chronicle of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, ambitions, and achievements. The principal subject of your book may be business, romance, tragedy, comedy, poetry, science, literature, or religion.
Life is like a book; some chapters sad, happy or exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Life, in so many ways, is like a good book. You are happy when you get to read it. But so very sad when you put it down.
Life is like a book because a book is a movie in your head but in real life the movie is you!!!
Life is like a book. Each day is a new page. May your book be a bestseller with adventures to tell, lessons to learn and tales of good deeds to remember.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss the fun of getting there. Life is not a race, so take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain. Just remember, there was never a cloud that the sun couldn't shine through.
When you born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
The happiest person doesn't have the best of everything in life. Perhaps he is just good in making the best of everything that life brings along his way. Stay happy always!
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be... because of you. God Bless!
No one can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start from now and make a happy ending.
When you find a dream inside your heart, don't ever let it go.... for dreams are the tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow.
Remember - you are worth not for what you have, not even for who you are, but for what others have become because of you. Wish you the best!
Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. So enjoy life every moment as none of them will happen the same way again.
Life can give you a hundred reasons to cry, but you can give life a thousand reasons to smile.
Smile when in leisure. Smile when in pain. Smile when troubles pour like rain. Smile when someone hurt your feelings, because you know, smiling always starts the healing!
It's not the possession of good things that bring happiness. It is the ability to enjoy what comes. Happiness is an attitude.
Why do we close our eyes when we sleep, when we cry, when we imagine, when we kiss? Because the most beautiful thing in the world is unseen.
Life they say is touch and go. Some people you know may only be there for a time. Some may go away but people who find you special will always find ways to stay.
Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed as evidence of your success or failure. What you will record on the remaining pages of your book is of vital importance. Hour by hour the record is being made which must stand for all time.
One day the word “Finish” must be written. Let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well done.
Life is like a book with many different chapters, some tell of tragedy and others of triumph. Some chapter are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a tough chapter. Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.
Life is like a book, each day a new page with adventures to experience, lesson to learn & good deeds to replicate. Have a color page everyday.
Your life is like a book. The title-page is your name. The preface is your introduction to the world. The pages are a daily chronicle of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, ambitions, and achievements. The principal subject of your book may be business, romance, tragedy, comedy, poetry, science, literature, or religion.
Life is like a book; some chapters sad, happy or exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Life, in so many ways, is like a good book. You are happy when you get to read it. But so very sad when you put it down.
Life is like a book because a book is a movie in your head but in real life the movie is you!!!
Life is like a book. Each day is a new page. May your book be a bestseller with adventures to tell, lessons to learn and tales of good deeds to remember.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss the fun of getting there. Life is not a race, so take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain. Just remember, there was never a cloud that the sun couldn't shine through.
When you born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
The happiest person doesn't have the best of everything in life. Perhaps he is just good in making the best of everything that life brings along his way. Stay happy always!
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be... because of you. God Bless!
No one can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start from now and make a happy ending.
When you find a dream inside your heart, don't ever let it go.... for dreams are the tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow.
Remember - you are worth not for what you have, not even for who you are, but for what others have become because of you. Wish you the best!
Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. So enjoy life every moment as none of them will happen the same way again.
Life can give you a hundred reasons to cry, but you can give life a thousand reasons to smile.
Smile when in leisure. Smile when in pain. Smile when troubles pour like rain. Smile when someone hurt your feelings, because you know, smiling always starts the healing!
It's not the possession of good things that bring happiness. It is the ability to enjoy what comes. Happiness is an attitude.
Why do we close our eyes when we sleep, when we cry, when we imagine, when we kiss? Because the most beautiful thing in the world is unseen.
Life they say is touch and go. Some people you know may only be there for a time. Some may go away but people who find you special will always find ways to stay.
Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed as evidence of your success or failure. What you will record on the remaining pages of your book is of vital importance. Hour by hour the record is being made which must stand for all time.
One day the word “Finish” must be written. Let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well done.
Life is like a book with many different chapters, some tell of tragedy and others of triumph. Some chapter are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a tough chapter. Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.
Like a pencil
It occurs to me that I have a lot in common with a pencil. That’s right – a simple and humble little pencil. Not the fancy mechanical kind. That’s too high maintenance for me. And I'm not as showy as a plume pen or as smooth as a ball point. I don’t live in bold strokes like a heavy marker. But I'm a lot like a pencil.
Like a pencil, I have a built-in eraser. I can correct my mistakes. No, I can't change the past, but I can make it right again. And if I can't erase history, I can at least erase a great deal of guilt and anger with forgiveness.
Like a pencil, I do better if I'm sharpened once in a while. My mind and skills grow dull without occasional honing. Even my spirit and attitudes need refining if I'm to be at my best. And there is something else, too. I find that the difficulties of life wear away at me, and they can either grind me down or shape me into a person who is more capable and creative. The sharpening I get from living through tough times is often painful, but I know it can make me a better person.
Like a pencil, I can do some pretty terrific things with a little guidance. Other people bring out the best in me, and with the help of others, I can do far more than I ever can alone.
Like a pencil, I should leave my mark whenever possible. I too often underestimate my influence on another. I have daily opportunities to leave something good behind. That is what it means to leave my mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people I love, people I have touched or nurtured, or even in incidental conversations struck with strangers. But, I have a mark to leave and should use every opportunity to leave something good behind.
Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters. A pencil without lead is useless. And a yellow pencil will not do when a black or red pencil is called for. What is on the inside is all important. My outer appearance matters less than I probably think, while it’s the stuff on the inside that folks notice about me. Whether it is understanding or intolerance, love or bitterness, peace or unrest, kindness or self-centeredness, hope or despair, courage or fear, what is on the inside matters most.
Like a pencil, It will never leave its mark on water and will wear itself down against a mirror. I do best knowing my strengths and limitations. I can’t do everything well and that is okay. There is still plenty of good to be done by doing what I do best.
Like a pencil, the biggest part of my purpose in this life can be summed up in three words: to be useful. When I’m too broken to hold it together, when everything is ground away or worn down, when I no longer have anything to contribute, I know my life is coming to an end. But until then, my job is to be useful.
Like I said, I have a lot in common with a pencil.
Like a pencil, I have a built-in eraser. I can correct my mistakes. No, I can't change the past, but I can make it right again. And if I can't erase history, I can at least erase a great deal of guilt and anger with forgiveness.
Like a pencil, I do better if I'm sharpened once in a while. My mind and skills grow dull without occasional honing. Even my spirit and attitudes need refining if I'm to be at my best. And there is something else, too. I find that the difficulties of life wear away at me, and they can either grind me down or shape me into a person who is more capable and creative. The sharpening I get from living through tough times is often painful, but I know it can make me a better person.
Like a pencil, I can do some pretty terrific things with a little guidance. Other people bring out the best in me, and with the help of others, I can do far more than I ever can alone.
Like a pencil, I should leave my mark whenever possible. I too often underestimate my influence on another. I have daily opportunities to leave something good behind. That is what it means to leave my mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people I love, people I have touched or nurtured, or even in incidental conversations struck with strangers. But, I have a mark to leave and should use every opportunity to leave something good behind.
Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters. A pencil without lead is useless. And a yellow pencil will not do when a black or red pencil is called for. What is on the inside is all important. My outer appearance matters less than I probably think, while it’s the stuff on the inside that folks notice about me. Whether it is understanding or intolerance, love or bitterness, peace or unrest, kindness or self-centeredness, hope or despair, courage or fear, what is on the inside matters most.
Like a pencil, It will never leave its mark on water and will wear itself down against a mirror. I do best knowing my strengths and limitations. I can’t do everything well and that is okay. There is still plenty of good to be done by doing what I do best.
Like a pencil, the biggest part of my purpose in this life can be summed up in three words: to be useful. When I’m too broken to hold it together, when everything is ground away or worn down, when I no longer have anything to contribute, I know my life is coming to an end. But until then, my job is to be useful.
Like I said, I have a lot in common with a pencil.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)