Monday, November 30, 2009

SECRET TO UNDERSTANDING FOR LIFE

Unconventional standard power plug - “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”

It was the late 1940s. Eastern Airline's chair, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, had a prob­lem. Cus­tomers were complaining because the airline was mishandling luggage far too often. When nothing else seemed to work, he decided to take drastic ac­tion.

Rickenbacker called a special meeting of the management personnel in Miami. Eastern's man­agement flew to Miami and was told their baggage would be delivered to their hotel rooms. Instead, Rickenbacker had the luggage stored overnight.

It was summer, the weather was hot and humid and the hotel had no air-conditioning. The various managers showed up to the meeting the next morning unshaven, teeth unbrushed and wear­ing dirty clothes.

There was no sign of the baggage all that day. But that night Rickenbacker had it delivered, at 3:00 a.m., with a great pound­ing on all the doors.

He opened the next morning's session by saying, "Now you know how the customer feels when you mishandle his luggage." He knew his team would be ineffective until his people empa­thized with their customers!

The same is true with us. Until we under­stand another's problem, we will never be effec­tive in business or relationships. And the deepest understanding occurs when we actually sense what the other is feeling. When husbands and wives, parents and children, friends, colleagues, and as­sociates will take time to feel what the other is feeling, something wonderful is likely to happen.

Sounds to me like a chance worth taking!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Saturday, November 28, 2009

THINGS OF VALUE FOR LIFE

Delicious food for lunch - “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

You've heard the question asked, "If your home were on fire, what you try to save?" Most people answer that they would rescue people and pets and as many photographs and memories as possible.

The question we faced was similar. We were forced to consider, "If we have to evacuate our home, what should we take with us?" Or, put another way, which of our possessions could we live without?

Our area was just a few miles from largest wildfire in Colorado's history. We were on "evacuation alert." If we got the call to evacuate, we would have to grab whatever we could save and leave immediately.

We packed suitcases with a few clothes and toiletries and set them by the door. Though these things were not valuable, time was. We moved the computers ... I made a living with my computer. We cleared out books we sold from our home office. Those books represented our livelihood. We packed financial records - who wants to hassle with the government for years over missing documents?

Now, what else? We snatched family pictures from the walls and packed scrapbooks in boxes. These were truly valuable and could not be replaced. I grabbed a few sentimental objects from my childhood and stuffed them in a box.

Then we took a hard look at all that remained. There was a lamp that belonged to my great grandmother. A piano my wife Bev learned to play when she was a little girl. A hutch that belonged to her grandmother. A large rug we spent months saving for and bought for our mountain home. Bedroom furniture we wanted to pass down to our children someday. There were handmade quilts and gifts from dear friends and family. It was impractical to move everything from our home and store them for an indefinite time. Some important items would have to stay behind.

I never thought that my "things" meant much to me. I prided myself in believing that I would never let myself get attached to possessions, for things of the spirit were all that truly mattered. But these particular "things" pulled within. Those "worthless" coins and memorabilia from my childhood - what was that about? The furniture we inherited or grew up with - why did it call out to me so? Or that rug we bought together? Or the many items that decorated our house given to us by friends and family over the years?

The answer, of course, is that these things represented our love as a couple and a family. They also signified all of those people over the years we have loved and who loved us. And each had stories to tell. They told of all we'd been through together and where we were headed. They spoke in the voices of generations past - parents and grandparents.

We could not take the piano, but we could visualize how Bev, as a baby, learned to walk clutching the edge of that piano bench. We smelled the "old" and pleasant scents of grandparents' homes as we heard the wind-up clock chime or ran our fingers over a mahogany hutch we refinished years ago. We were flooded with memories as we gazed upon items given to us by cherished friends over a lifetime.

Some of these possessions of a life told stories about the people who first owned them. Stories of how they faced hardship together, how they raised their children and how they lived their lives. These "things" were not just things - they were memories, no less valuable than the photographs. They told stories about where we'd been, where we presently were and where we were going. They told stories of friends, of family and of love.

Most of our memories would be left in the house if it burned - we'd never have enough time to save the furnishings. And looking around at all we might lose, I found it difficult to say good-bye. But strangely, I also felt fortunate that I had been surrounded with objects that tell such warm and wonderful stories. Valuable objects; perhaps not in the world's eyes, but valuable nevertheless. The worth of all these things would never be measured on a ledger sheet. Though they were possessions, they were still things of the heart.

Someone wisely said, "There are people so poor that the only thing they have is money." And now I know. I am indeed rich. I am rich in friends and family. Rich in memories. Rich in everything that has ever really mattered to me. I am wealthier than I ever believed possible.

It took a fire to teach me.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, November 26, 2009

FILLING UP YOUR LIFE

Presentation projector table - “They expect a professional presentation, so they expect to see a ''professional.'' Dress appropriately for the occasion, but don't be one of the crowd.”

We can live a long time without thinking about such things as "meaning" and "purpose" in life. But happy and healthy living requires that we visit these words from time to time

I have heard that Ralph Barton, a cartoon­ist of a former generation, left this note pinned to his pillow before taking his life: "I have had few diffi­culties, many friends, great successes; I have gone from wife to wife, and from house to house, visited great countries of the world, but I am fed up with inventing devices to fill up twenty-four hours of the day."

Whatever psychological problems may have afflicted him, Ralph Barton suffered from an empty life. He tried to fill it up -- with relation­ships and things and busyness. He was no doubt successful in his work. And probably well liked. His problem was that he felt his life had no meaning.

Educator Morrie Schwartz helps us put meaning into our lives. In Mitch Albom's audio book TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (Grand Haven, MI: Nova Audio Books, Brilliance, 1997), he chronicles the final months of Morrie's life, as his former teacher slowly dies of Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Morrie, that irrepressible lover of life, says this: "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep even when they are busy doing things they think are im­portant. This is the product of chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to lov­ing others, de­vote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating some­thing that gives you purpose and meaning."

Do you want to be happy? Do you want a life that matters? Then fill it up with loving and caring for those around you! I guarantee, it will never seem empty again!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

PASSIONATE LIVING FOR LIFE

Scotch-brite mouse decor display - “Never play cat and mouse games if you're a mouse.”

One man quipped: "It's not that I'm afraid of dying. It's just that I've been alive for as long as I can remember, and I'm kind of set in my ways."

Some people ARE afraid of dying. Others are not concerned about their death ... but they worry about how they're going to get there. Will illness linger? Or will it be sudden?

I can't even guess how or when I might die, but knowing this present existence will end has actually helped me to live passionately. Others have discovered the same phenomenon.

Journalists Bill and Judith Moyers did a documentary on death and dying in the U.S. They learned that many of the terminal patients they interviewed were peaceful about their impending deaths. In fact, many of them found greater meaning and beauty in life after learning that they would die!

According to Moyers, one man lived four years past his doctor's prognosis. In that time, he learned to cherish every moment of life. As he said, "If you are told you will never see spring again, and you live to see spring, spring takes on a whole new life." ("Modern Maturity," Sept./Oct. 2000)

Psychologist Abraham Maslow had a similar experience. After his first heart attack he realized that his remaining days on earth were short. He wrote about it to a friend: "My river never seemed so beautiful (Maslow lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the Charles River). The confrontation with death -- and reprieve from it -- makes everything look so precious, so sacred, so beautiful and I feel more strongly than ever the impulse to love it, to embrace it, and to let myself be overwhelmed by it...." Can you imagine feeling that way about death? He ends with this remarkable statement: "Death, and its ever present possibility makes love, passionate love, more possible. I wonder if we could love passionately, if ecstasy would be possible at all, if we knew we'd never die."

But we DO know we'll die! And, strange as it may seem, knowing life is short can help us to live ... beautifully, meaningfully, passionately.

A book's ending helps us to decide how we liked the book. A movie that seems to go on endlessly loses enjoyment for most viewers . A never-ending meal may cause diners to become disinterested in the food. Likewise, knowing life is all too short gives power to live it passionately and enjoy it fully.

I'll someday die. And so will you. Be glad! It is BECAUSE of that knowledge that we can live every day -- every moment -- with passion!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Sunday, November 22, 2009

ADVICE THAT RINGS TRUE FOR LIFE

Scribbled handwriting on paper - “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.”

An efficiency expert once concluded his lecture with the comment, "Please don't try these techniques at home."

"Why not?" he was asked.

"I used to watch my wife prepare breakfast and wondered why she made so many trips to the table carrying only one item at a time," he replied. "One day I asked her, 'Wouldn't it be quicker and more efficient if you organized yourself to carry several things to the table at once?'"

"Did it work?" he was asked.

"Oh, yes, it worked," the expert replied. "It used to take my wife twenty minutes to prepare breakfast. Now I do it in seven."

Not all advice is readily received. And sometimes it is not heard the way it was intended. But neither should all advice be followed; rather, wisdom learns to separate kernels of truth from weeds.

Some advice worthy of consideration, though, comes from one of the richest people in the United States, offered to 380 high school students in Omaha, Nebraska. Here are five suggestions multi-billionaire Warren Buffett gave his audience:

1. Avoid credit cards. If you are going to make progress, you will not do it by borrowing at 18 to 20 percent interest.

2. Develop integrity, which guides intelligence and energy. Buffett said he looks for these three qualities in hiring people. "If they don't have the first one, integrity, the other two will kill you."

3. Establish good habits, picking people to admire and following their example, while learning to weed out attributes that are not admirable. "If you do that," he admonished, "two or three years from now you'll find out the person you admire most will be yourself."

4. Learn about companies before investing in them; do not rely on someone else's advice.

5. Choose professions for love of the work, not money.

My "Internet" friend, Alan Hillman, who sent this list, adds an excellent comment: "I believe the same advice is true for all of us, even someone like me who is about to enter my sixth decade of life. Seven years ago I decided to do what I loved most - loving people. Since that time my cup has slowly been filled and is now flowing over the brim with love. Simultaneously, while seeking humility and significance, I lost pride and prominence. In the meantime, I became debt-free and have a high six-figure net worth.

"During those seven years I have had several mottoes. Probably the most significant one is: If you are not loving life, you are not living love."

Some advice just rings true. The wise will follow.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, November 20, 2009

LEARN TO LIVE FOR LIFE

Mama cat breast feeding kittens - “We begin to see, therefore, the importance of selecting our environment with the greatest of care, because environment is the mental feeding ground out of which the food that goes into our minds is extracted.”

Charlie Hough says, "Listen to everyone. Learn from everyone. Nobody knows everything but everyone knows something."

At her citizenship hearing in 1967, Immaculata Cuomo (mother of Mario Cuomo) was asked by the judge how many stars were on the US flag. She said she didn't know, but could she ask the judge a question? After he agreed, she asked him how many hands of bananas were on a stalk. He admitted he didn't know, so she proudly said, "Well, I do." Her citizenship was granted. Here was a judge who wisely realized that everyone has something to teach.

"Live to learn and you will learn to live," says a Portuguese proverb. For life cannot be lived well in ignorance. In fact, those who live life to the fullest have a PhD in living! This is what a PhD in living means:

P is for "poor in knowledge." Those who live best realize that they can never learn enough.

H is for "hungry to learn." Those who hunger for knowledge will always find plenty to eat.

D is for "desire to succeed." Those who desire to learn and improve, and those who persist in spite of obstacles, will live fully.

Realize you're poor in knowledge, become hungry to learn and desire to succeed. Everybody and every occasion can become your teacher, and this is the PhD that will open the door of success.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

HOW YOU'RE LIKE A PENCIL IN LIFE

Cold fizzy soft drinks - “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”

Did you know that you are like a pencil? Here's how:

1. Like a pencil, you can correct your mistakes. You can't change the past, but you can rectify it. And though you can't erase history, you can erase guilt and anger with forgiveness.
2. Like a pencil, painful sharpening can serve to make you better. Your difficult times can actually sharpen your skills or shape you into the person you were meant to be.
3. Like a pencil, you can do great things when you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.
4. Like a pencil, you can leave your mark whenever possible.
That is what you're here for -- to leave your mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people you have touched or nurtured, but you must leave something good behind whenever you can.
5. Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters. 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.

Next time you use a pencil, pause and think about that little writing
tool. It teaches some great lessons about living.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

MATH HOMEWORK HELP FOR LIFE

Believe it or not, my worst recurring nightmare is one of me sitting in the school exam hall, cracking my head over some math exam, and wishing that I had gotten math homework help.

I was never good with maths. It didn't help matters much that math homework helper didn't usually come free back during my days in school. The maths teachers in school (like most of the teachers I had) would tackle the subject matter without a speck of interest; we on the other hand would just sit there twiddling our thumbs till recess time.

There was no such thing as online homework help back then. If one were to need algebra homework help, just hop on over to the teacher's house (with tuition fees of course).

Kids are way luckier these days. There is a wealth of information right there on the internet. And it's not that hard to find free online homework help. A new tuition center just popped up in our neighborhood, and my neighbor had wanted to send his kid for maths tuition. I told my neighbor to check out online homework help at TutorVista. Times are hard and it's only wise to be frugal.

Monday, November 16, 2009

REMEMBER FOR LIFE

Promotion display stall - “Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.”

One woman complained to a friend that she couldn't remember anything from one day to the next.

"Let me get this straight," he said. "You can't remember anything from one day to the next. How long has this been going on?"

She said, "How long has what been going on?"

If your memory is not what you would like it to be, it may help to focus on the few things you really need to remember. This list, compiled from several sources, may just be suitable for framing.

* Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
* Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
* Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
* Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
* Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
* Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
* Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
* Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
* Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
* Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
* Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
* Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
* Remember not to take things too seriously.
* Remember to laugh.
* Remember that a little love goes a long way.
* Remember that a lot goes forever.
* Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
* Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
* Remember that miracles still happen.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Saturday, November 14, 2009

WEALTH OF WISDOM FOR LIFE

Earthen clay garden pots for sale - “Human affairs are like a chess-game: only those who do not take it seriously can be called good players. Life is like an earthen pot: only when it is shattered, does it manifest its emptiness.”

One man said, "I had a brain scan and was told not worry --there was nothing there!" Which is all right because some of my best ideas over the years have come from others, anyway. And I have discovered that wisdom can be found in most any place and from most any person -- even the young­est of us.

It was a child who passed on this morsel: "If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person." It is wisdom borne of hard experience.

Yet another child teaches us that "the best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap."

Adults, too, have wisdom to share. One par­ent observed that "the best way to keep kids at home is to make the home a pleasant place to be... and let the air out of their car tires."

Wisdom can also be found among the youngest of us. And the most elderly will share it too, if we listen. I am related by marriage to a woman who is 103 years old. During her 100th year, "Aunt Pearl" was asked to speak to a group of high school students. She offered a century of wis­dom in a few short sentences: "Enrich your life by becoming a better per­son, a better student and an individual worthy of trust and faithful in your commitments. Aspire to help and not hinder in all your good and worthy undertakings. Use these words often: 'thank you,' 'please,' 'I'm sorry.' Af­ter living 100 years, I admonish you to think deeply, speak gently, work hard, give freely, pay promptly, pray earnestly and be kind."

Wisdom doesn't come much better than that.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Thursday, November 12, 2009

KEEPING THE MOTOR IDLING IN LIFE

Power drill toolbox - “Goals are a means to an end, not the ultimate purpose of our lives. They are simply a tool to concentrate our focus and move us in a direction. The only reason we really pursue goals is to cause ourselves to expand and grow. Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term; it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment.”

I relate well to the comment made by Barbara Johnson: "Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears." I know that if I can keep the motor idling, it will be ready to go when I need it.

A kindergarten teacher practiced keeping her motor idling. A story has it that she was helping one of her students put his snow boots on. He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, they finally succeeded and she had by now worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "They're on the wrong feet."

She looked and, sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off, and then she had to wrestle the stubborn boots on again.

Just as she finished lacing them he announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue to keep from screaming, "Why didn't you say so?"

Once again she struggled to pull off the ill-fitting boots. He then calmly added, "They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear them." She began to realize how close she was to stripping her gears as she struggled with the boots yet again.

When they were finally laced, she said, "Now, where are your mittens?"

"I stuffed them in the toes of my boots," he said.

She may have been the same teacher who once commented about a particularly difficult child in her class, "Not only is he my worst behaved child this year, but he also has a perfect attendance record.

A Dutch proverb observes, "A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains." I may never have to worry about having a bushel of brains, but I can usually muster a handful of patience. After all, a handful of patience will get us through most trying times.

And it doesn't take a bushel of brains to know that!

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

MAILBOXES FOR LIFE

It is almost Christmas time and my neighbors are stirring up the neighborhood by planning their extravagant Christmas decorations around their houses. Each year they take special care of decorating their Mailboxes as those are the first things that passerbys notice. One of my neighbor prefers to use multi unit mail boxes that can handle his large volume of mails. He usually hangs colorful twinkling lights on his mailboxes to spread the Christmas spirit.

For me, I have done some research online on various types of Commercial Mailboxes as well as Residential Mailboxes and finally settle on wall mount mail boxes as my preferred choice. That is because I tend to keep things neat and tidy to maximize space usage and having wall mount mailboxes will not take up additional space on my front lawn. I have been buying my mail boxes from Mailboxixchange for a couple of times and I am quite pleased with their products and service.

Last year I bought two post mount mailboxes from Mailboxixchange as house warming gifts to my cousin who just moved in his new house. Ever since then I have been hearing compliments from him and his neighbors regarding those mail boxes. Naturally I told them where I got those mailboxes: Mailboxixchange.

GETTING AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Decorated empty stage - “Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.”

Parents often complain to me about how long it takes their kids to complete college. It seems that most attend school now for many years, though not full time. I asked one father what his son was going to be when he graduated, and he replied, "An old man."

Mark Twain said this about his own education: "I never considered myself a slow learner. I always felt that teaching just came hard to most of my instructors." But formal education is only a part of the education of a lifetime. I have had my share of formal education, but most of what I know today has been learned outside the classroom.

Cindy, a Life Support System subscriber, wrote that David Harp's book titled THE THREE MINUTE MEDIATOR (Fine Communications, 1999) contains a chapter on the Zen of "Don't Know." In it, he talks about the attitude required to learn throughout life. Harp tells a story of a scientist who visited a Buddhist teacher in order to learn about Buddhism from a "scientific" point of view. The Buddhist instructor suggested that, before they begin, they have a cup of tea. He filled the scientist's teacup to the brim. Then, after pausing for a second, he poured more tea into the cup. The scientist leaped up as the hot tea cascaded into his lap.

Thus began the first lesson: "A teacup that is too full," the Buddhist said, "can receive nothing additional. Neither can the mind."

Much can be learned when the mind is receptive (by the way, I have found scientists, as a group, to be quite open-minded). Your "life" education requires no acceptance into an accredited school -- you're already enrolled in the school of Life. There will be no grades, but the success of your living will demonstrate how well you've learned. You will be assessed no fees for your education, for the price you pay is an open mind. A closed mind learns nothing. Finally, there will be no graduation ceremony, for your instruction continues all of your life.

As Ken Keyes has said, "Everyone and everything around you is your teacher." Look, listen and learn well. Your very life depends on it.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Sunday, November 8, 2009

ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Express courier delivery box - “Love cannot express the idea of music, while music may give an idea of love

He almost killed somebody, but one min­ute changed his life. The beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, FOREMEN: LEADERS OR DRIVERS? In his true-life story, Rogers illus­trates the importance of effective relationships.

During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging camp. When the super­intendent had to leave for a few days, he put Rogers in charge.

"What if the men refuse to follow my or­ders?" Rogers asked. He thought of Tony, an im­migrant worker who grumbled and growled all day, giving the other men a hard time.

"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers' mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for eight years on the hill where he works."

Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the su­per­intendent had said.

When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel­­ful of sand he had held and tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years ago?"

That day Tony worked harder than ever be­fore -- and he smiled! He later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like Christmas."

Rogers went back to school after that sum­mer. Twelve years later he met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him how he came to Califor­nia and happened to have such success.

Tony replied, "If it not be for the one mi­nute you talk to me back in Idaho, I keel some­body someday. One minute, she change my whole life."

Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of af­firmation can make in any relationship!

One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to tell someone what you sincerely like or appre­ci­ate about her? A mi­nute to elaborate on some­thing he did well? One minute. It can make a difference for a lifetime.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Friday, November 6, 2009

GREAT HAPPINESS FOR LIFE

Crowd at the driving school office counter - “Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-break on.”

The telephone rang and I reached to answer it.

"Hi, Steve," said the voice on the other end. "I just wanted to see how you're getting along."

I had not heard from my old friend for many months. It was good to talk to him. I wondered why hadn't we kept in touch better.

Toward the end of the conversation, he said, "If you need me in any way, I'll be happy to help out." And he meant it!

That call came at just the right time, as they so often do. I needed those words of encouragement. I hung up the phone feeling a satisfying lump of warmth in my chest.

And that day I re-learned something important about life: life is primarily about people -- not plans and schedules, not to-do lists and a million tasks left undone -- it's about people.

To love and to know that we are loved is the greatest happiness of existence. And happiness seems to be something that is in short supply for too many of us! My friend reminded me that it is never enough just to love; we must also express it. What good are our affectionate feelings toward others if we don't find ways to let them know?

George William Childs put it like this: "Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go."

Happiness ... may be just a phone call away.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

SIMPLIFY COMMUNICATION FOR LIFE

I'm taking up jogging again after all this time. And my neighbor, who has been tied up with late nights at work these few months is finally back to his normal working hours and has kindly agreed to be my jogging buddy. I haven't seen the guy for some time now and he now has his own little model kit repair store set up in his garage.

Last week, he asked for my advice on marketing his services. Having ruled out a couple of options, we then toyed with the idea of an email marketing campaign for his store. At first, the dude wanted to print out newsletters for distribution to potential customers but was concerned about the costs. I suggested bulk email marketing but we were both clueless as to how to go about doing it.

We then did some research on email marketing services. We have narrowed it down to using the iContact Email Newsletter Tool. While their prices seem reasonable and fit into my jogging buddy's start-up budget, their list of clientele seems pretty impressive too. And iContact seems to be the solution as it takes care of everything from templates to unsubscribes. Perfect for my jogging buddy, who can't afford to spend too much time on this due to his day job.

THREE POWERFUL WORDS

Plastic model gundam kit - “Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public.”

A funny story is told about General George Patton from his World War II days. He once ac­cepted an invitation to dine at a press camp in Af­rica. Wine was served in canteen cups but, obvi­ously thinking he was served coffee, Patton poured cream into his cup. As he stirred in sugar, Patton was warned that his cup contained red wine and not coffee.

Now, General Patton could never, never be wrong. Without hesitating he replied, "I know. I like my wine this way." And he drank it!

I relate this story because I see something of myself, and perhaps most of us, here. It is diffi­cult to admit mistakes. It is hard to admit when we are wrong.

Three of life's most difficult words to say are, "I was wrong." But they are also three of the most powerful words we can utter. "I was wrong" breaks down barriers between people. It brings estranged people together. And it creates a climate where intimacy and love may flourish. You may be surprised at how positively many people re­spond to the words, "I was wrong"!

Naturally, it is a risk. But to admit when you are wrong is not to confess that you are a "bad" per­son. Simply an honest one. And true friends will appreciate you for it.

Whole and happy lives are built by people who have learned the power of intimacy, in part, through the use of the words "I was wrong."

From Lifesupport.

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Monday, November 2, 2009

COOL HEADS AND WARM HEARTS

Orange ergonomic office chair - “Worry is like a rocking chair--it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.”

If you've ever struggled making the right decision, you may appreciate this story:

A young man seemed to take an unusually long time to place his order at the flower shop. When the clerk asked how she could help, he explained that his girlfriend was turning 19 and he couldn't decide whether to give her a dozen roses or 19 roses -- one for each year of her life.

The woman put aside her business judgment and advised, "She may be your 19-year-old girlfriend now, but someday she could be your 50-year-old wife."

The young man bought a dozen roses.

My wife Bev understands that logic. As part of our anniversary tradition, which usually includes an evening out and sometimes a night away from home, I also buy her a single rose.

I made that decision on wedding anniversary number one. But it wasn't easy. My heart argued for giving her one rose the first anniversary, two roses on the second, and so forth. But my head argued that, in twenty or thirty years, a roomful of roses would not mean as much as something simpler -- not to mention the cost! In the end, my heart and head reached a compromise.

So I buy the one special rose every wedding anniversary and then we treat ourselves to a wonderful and romantic evening away. Over the years, Bev has dried every anniversary rose and saved the petals in a decorative jar.

The roses helped teach me something about making decisions. Any kind of decision. I've discovered that good decisions are made with both my head and my heart. Together, cool heads and warm hearts can solve most any problem.

A cool head asks the hard questions. A cool head thinks it through. A cool head objectively weighs the options.

But a warm heart asks the tender questions. A warm heart considers feelings and relationships. A warm heart asks what feels right.

Making the right decision is often difficult. And it seems we never have enough information when we need to decide. But the best decisions are made from both a cool head and a warm heart. It usually takes both of them to get it right.

From Lifesupport.

Lifesigns Life Quotes

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