Tuesday, February 23, 2016

2016-08 - A lesson in heart

My little 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace at all times. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in the “field day” – that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events.

Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down – but before I could say anything. She said, “Daddy, I won two of the races!” I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said, “I had an advantage.”

I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start… some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, “Daddy, I didn’t get a head start… my advantage was I had to try harder!”


~ Author Unknown 
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“Never give up. Be confident. Remember – (be it life, sports, career 
or any competition) – any battle is won twice – FIRST IN YOUR HEAD”

~ Anonymous
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

2016-07 - Reflecting on Life

Take time to stop today
Take time to stop a while
Reflect on how life changes
Then take the time to smile

Know that as the days go by
These things that challenge you
Will one day just be memories
Of times you have gone through

Look back now on yesterday
And all you have achieved
Recognise the strengths you’ve gained
The blessings you’ve received


One day in the future
You will think about today
You’ll see just how these challenges
Have helped you on your way

~ Michelle Tetley
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“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, 
in your way of thinking.”

~ Marcus Aurelius

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

2016-06 - Sweetness of Sour Oranges

He often bought oranges from an old lady.

After they were weighed, paid for and put in his bag, he would always pick one from his bag, peel it, put a segment in his mouth, complain it's sour and pass on the orange to the seller.

The old lady would put one segment in her mouth and retort, "it's sweet," but by then he was gone with his bag.

His wife, always with him, asked, "the oranges are always sweet, then why this drama every time?"

He smiled, "the old mother sells sweet oranges but never eats them herself. This way I get her to eat one, without her losing money. That's all."

The vegetable seller next to the old lady, saw this happen every day.

She chided, "every time this man fusses over your oranges, and I see that you always weigh a few extra for him. Why?"

The old lady smiled, "I know he does this to feed me an orange. He thinks I don't understand. I never weigh extra. His love tilts the scale slightly every time."


~ Author Unknown
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“Good begets good.”

~ Paul Auster
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Tuesday, February 2, 2016

2016-05 - If only we believe...

To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning.

It is to trust that miracles happen and dreams really do come true.

To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds, to know the wonder of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon.

To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes and the beauty of an aging hand, for it is through their teachings we learn to love.

To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us when it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.

To believe is to know we are not alone, that life is a gift, and this is our time to cherish it.

To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen, and all our hopes and dreams are within reach . . . if only we believe.

~ Author Unknown
(Quoted in Directions: Your Roadmap to Happiness – Carol Bettino, MA, LPC)

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“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.”

~ William James
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