"NOTHING GREAT WAS EVER ACHIEVED WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM." RALPH W. EMERSON
BEST POEM EVER by Maya Angelous
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month..and a year...
Below
is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty
tips."
For attractive
lips, speak words of kindness...
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than
things, have to be restored,
renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;
never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever
need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older,you
will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.
Heaven's Grocery Store
As I was walking down life's
highway many years ago
I came upon a sign that read
Heaven's Grocery Store.
When I got a little closer
the doors swung open wide
And when I came to myself
I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels.
They were standing everywhere
One handed me a basket and said
"My child shop with care."
Everything a human needed
was in that grocery store
And what you could not carry
you could come back for more.
First I got some Patience.
Love was in that same row.
Further down was Understanding,
you need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom
and Faith a bag or two.
And Charity of course
I would need some of that too.
I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost
It was all over the place.
And then some Strength and Courage
to help me run this race.
My basket was getting full but
I remembered I needed Grace,
And then I chose Salvation for
Salvation was for free
I tried to get enough of that
to do for you and me.
Then I started to the counter
to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had everything
to do the Masters will.
As I went up the aisle I saw
Prayer and put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside
I would run into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful,
the last things on the shelf.
Song and Praise were hanging near
so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel "Now how much do I owe?"
He smiled and said "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again I asked "Really now, How much do I owe?"
"My child " he said, "God paid your bill a long
long time ago.
Many people will walk in and
out of your life,
But only true friends will
leave footprints in your
heart.
To handle yourself, use your
head;
To handle others, use your
heart.
Anger is only one letter short
of danger.
If someone betrays you once,
it is his fault.
If he betrays you twice, it is
your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He who loses money, loses
much;
He, who loses a friend, loses
much more;
He, who loses faith, loses
all.
Beautiful young people are
accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are
works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of
others.
You can't live long enough to
make them all
yourself.
Friends, you and me....
You brought another friend....
And then there were 3....
We started our group....
Our circle of friends....
And like that circle....
There is no beginning or
end....
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone.
9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back,
you'll be able to enjoy a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
Do all you can to create a tranquil, harmonious home.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.
Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other
exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Call your mother.
20. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
This is from someone who recently returned from India. Her group met
with the Dalai Lama for several days. The meetings focused on dialoguing
what they believed were the 5 most important questions to be considered
moving into the new millennium. The group were asked to come up with five questions
before meeting with the Dalai Lama. They were asked:
* How do we address the widening gap between rich and poor?
* How do we protect the earth?
* How do we educate our children?
* How do we help Tibet and other oppressed countries/peoples?
* How do we bring spirituality - deep caring for each other - through all disciplines
The Dalai Lama said all the questions fall under the last one. If we
have true compassion, our children will be educated, we will care for
the earth, and for those who "have not".
He asked the group: Do you think loving on the planet is increasing or staying the same?
His own response was, "My experience leads me to believe that love IS increasing."He shared a practice with the group that will increase loving and
compassion in the world, and asked everyone attending to go home and
share it with as many people as possible.
The Practice1. Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of each day remembering we all
want the same thing (to be happy and loved) and we are all connected.
2. Spend 5 minutes cherishing yourself and others. Let go of
judgments. Breathe in cherishing yourself, and breathe out cherishing
others. If the faces of people you are having difficulty with appear,
cherish them as well.
3. During the day extend that attitude to everyone you meet - we
are all the same, and I cherish myself and you [do it with the grocery
store clerk, the client, your family, coworkers, etc.].
4. Stay in the practice, no matter what happens.
A SIMPLE PRAYER:
May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your
SOUL the freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the
sun. It is there for each and every one of you.
* God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so
that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
* When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so
long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.
*The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with,
never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
* It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also
true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.
* Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades
away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to
make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.
*May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you
strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to bring you joy.
*Always put yourself in another's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it
probably hurts the other person, too.
*The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they
just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
*The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't
get on well in life until you let go of past failures and heartaches.
*When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
SOMEBODY is thankful for the support you have provided.
-somebody wants to hold your hand.
-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
-somebody wants you to be happy.
-somebody wants you to find him/her.
-somebody is celebrating your successes.
-somebody wants to give you a gift.
-somebody thinks that you ARE a gift.
-somebody hopes you're not too cold, or too hot.
-somebody wants to hug you.
-somebody loves you.
-somebody admires your strength.
-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.
-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.
-somebody wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun.
-somebody thinks the world of you.
-somebody wants to protect you.
-somebody would do anything for you.
-somebody wants to be forgiven.
-somebody is grateful for your forgiveness.
-somebody wants to laugh with you.
-somebody remembers you and wishes that you were there.
-somebody is praising God for you.
-somebody needs to know that your love is unconditional.
-somebody values your advice.
-somebody wants to tell you how much they care.
-somebody wants to share their dreams with you.
-somebody wants to hold you in their arms.
-somebody wants YOU to hold them in your arms.
-somebody treasures your spirit.
-somebody wishes they could STOP time because of you.
-somebody praises God for your friendship and love.
-somebody can't wait to see you.
-somebody loves you for who you are.
-somebody loves the way you make them feel.
-somebody wants to be with you.
-somebody wants you to know they are there for you.
-somebody is glad that you're his/her friend.
-somebody wants to be your friend.
-somebody stayed up all night thinking about you.
-somebody is alive because of you.
-somebody is wishing that you noticed him/her.
-somebody wants to get to know you better.
-somebody wants to be near you.
-somebody misses your advice/guidance.
-somebody has faith in you.
-somebody trusts you.
-somebody needs you to send them this letter.
-somebody needs your support.
-somebody needs you to have faith in them.
-somebody will cry when they read this.
-somebody needs you to let them be your friend.
-somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.
A Friend....
(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust "be" with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality
NATURAL HIGHS
* Falling in love.
* Laughing so hard your face hurts.
* A hot shower.
* No lines at the Super Wal-Mart.
* A special glance.
* Getting mail.
* Taking a drive on a pretty road.
* Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
* Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
* Hot towels out of the dryer.
* Walking out of your last final.
* Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.
* Chocolate milkshake.
* Having your mother-in-law say "it's lovely"
* A bubble bath.
* Giggling.
* A good conversation.
* A care package.
* The beach.
* Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
* Laughing at yourself.
* Running through sprinklers.
* Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
* Laughing at an inside joke.
* Friends.
* Falling in love for the first time.
* Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
* Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
* Being part of a team.
* Playing with a puppy.
* Sweet dreams.
* Hot chocolate.
* Road trips with friends.
* Swinging on swings.
* Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.
* Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree while eating cookies and drinking eggnog.
* Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
* Going to a really good concert.
* Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person.
* Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
* Winning a really competitive game.
* Making chocolate chip cookies!
* Spending time with close friends!
* Running through the fountains with your friends.
* Riding a bike downhill.
* The feeling after running a few miles-an accomplishment!
* The feeling you get the first time you step on stage.
* Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends...
* Holding hands with someone you care about.
* Wearing your loved one's shirt that still smells like them.
* Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
* Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time.
* Riding the best roller coasters over and over.
* Hugging the person you love.
* Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.
* Kisses on your forehead from the first and only boy you have ever loved.
* Watching the sunrise.
* Dog kisses
* Warm chocolate brownies
* Smell of popcorn at the movie theater
* Mom telling you she loves you......no matter how old you are !
* Listening to an approaching thunderstorm.
* Waking up to smell fresh coffee that someone else made for you!
* Smell of fresh mown grass.
* Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
TODAY
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock
strikes Midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or...
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or...
I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely
and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or...
I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was
growing up or...
I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or...
I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or...
I can eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...
I can feel honored because I have shelter for my mind, body, and SOUL.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY... unless you have other plans.
I Wish for You . . .
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life..
A BEAUTIFUL STORY: A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white
beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think
I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."
"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.
"No", she said. "He's out."
"Then we cannot come in", they replied.
In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell
them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited the men in.
"We do not go into a House together," they replied.
"Why is that?" she wanted to know.
One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of
his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love."
Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in
your home."
The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed.
"How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let
him come and fill our home with wealth!"
His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"
Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with
her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be
filled with love!"
"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."
The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in
and be our guest."
Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed
him.
Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you
coming in?"
The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of
us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, Wherever He goes, we go with him.
Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"
OUR WISH FOR YOU...
Where there is pain, we wish you peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubting, we wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work
through them.
Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, we wish you understanding, patience, and renewed
strength.
Where there is fear, we wish you love, and courage.
Once there was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew
it was a long trip to where God lives, so he packed his suitcase with
Twinkies and a six pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had
gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park just
staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He
was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked
hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
His smile was so incredible that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a
root beer. Once again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all
afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how
tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned
around, ran back to the old man and gave him a hug. The old man gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised
by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You
know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to
his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "Father, what did
you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But
before his son responded, the added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest
compliment of the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust your Highest Power.
That you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love
that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your SOUL the
freedom to sing, dance and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
The following is something to ponder..............
If you woke up this morning with more health than
illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of
imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are
ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of
harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three
billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on
your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of
this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and
spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's
wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still
married...you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly
thankful...you are blessed because the majority can,
but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the
shoulder...you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a
double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you
are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at
all.
Have a good day and count your blessings.
Just Me
Accept me as I am-I have no guarantee.
A claim to perfection I have not.
Perfect I cannot be.
I, like you.....am human.
Prone to make mistakes.
Failure is not a character flaw,
Just a part of the human makeup.
I live, I laugh and I also learn.
My knowledge is incomplete.
I am searching all the time,
in waking hours as well as sleep.
I have a long road to travel,
as well as you do.
We learn our lessons on the way.
Wisdom we shall acrue.
Accept me as I am
Because I am ....me.
And You are you.
No one like me in the world.
That is my only guarantee.
REMEMBER...........................
1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.
2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do.
6. When your ship comes in.... make sure you are willing to unload it.
7. You will never "have it all together."
8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want, I will be happy."
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
11. I've learned that ultimately, 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.
12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.
13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want the most.
15. He or she who laughs......lasts.
16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.
17. Look for opportunities...not guarantees.
18. Life is what's coming....not what was.
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20. Now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong....don't go with them.
Facts of life:
1. At least 5 people in this world, love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you, in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. Without you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique, in your own way.
9. Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned it's back on you, take a look, you
most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you probably
won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later will get it.
13. Always remember complements you received, forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them, you will feel much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Important Part of the Body
My mother used to ask me what is the most important
part of the body. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy." She said "No--Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will
ask you again soon." Several years passed before she asked me again. Since
making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy,
sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes." She looked at me and told me, "You are
learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind." Stumped
again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my young child." Then last year, my
grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that
especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My mom looked at me when it was our
turn to say our final goodbye to Grandpa. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my
son?" I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me.
She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have
really lived in your life. For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you was wrong and I
have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson." She
looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, "Son, the most
important body part is your shoulder." I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it
is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to
cry on sometime in life, my son. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have
a shoulder to cry on when you need it." Then and there I knew the most important body part is not
a selfish one--it is sympathetic to the pain of OTHERS. You are a friend and whenever you want, you may cry on my shoulder!!!
People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did.
But, people will never forget how you made them feel.