The Story Of Stone & Sand

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Here's a quick little story that teaches us to forget the bad times and remember the good. We all go through our difficulties. The things is all happenings come and go. No matter what occurs in our life it will pass, good or bad.

The key is to let the difficult times dissolve into the past. If we continually live that memory, we will experience the same hurt over and over again. This is not a good way to live because you will remain stagnant and frustrated.

Instead savor the good times and keep these memories close to your heart. These experiences will give you courage when times get tough. You can look look back on them and know that you have persevered before and have the ability to do it again.

Share this story with your friends and family. No matter what happens in your life you have control of how you react to it. It is your reaction that prove your true character. Have a great day, and ALWAYS FEEL GOOD!

STONE & SAND

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY,
THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND,

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE."

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE."

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED
"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES
SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT".

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO
FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,
AN HOUR TO
APPRECIATE THEM,

A DAY TO LOVE THEM,
BUT THEN,
AN ENTIRE LIFE
TO FORGET THEM.
TAKE THE TIME TO LIVE!

DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS
YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT VALUE
WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!

BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY,
FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS
FIGHTING SOME KIND OF BATTLE.

A Message Of Love From Matt The Dancing Man

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I came across this video through a friend of a friend. Matt is an ordinary guy who was doing ordinary things when he decided that he needed a change. He decided to quit his job and travel with the little money he had saved up.

This became boring as well and a friend suggested that he do his silly dance that he was known for amongst his friends and capture it on film to spice things up a little. Somehow the people at Stride Gum picked it up and the rest is history. Matt has been to 42 countries just doing his dance. It became infectious and people around the world were doing Matt's silly dance.

What I love about this video are the faces of the people who are dancing with Matt. These people are from all over the world and from different cultures, but they all seemed to respond more or less the same. With joy. They couldn't understand each other verbally, but emotionally they were connected in a very beautiful way.

The emotion of love transcends and penetrates any culture. You don't need to speak the same language or look the same way as someone to give them love. Love can be displayed in a simple smile. Allowing someone to go ahead of you in a check out line. Holding the door for someone. These little gestures are what love is all about.

Just keep dancing. Matt doesn't dance very well at all, but the emotion behind the dancing had drawn millions to watch this video. He has gone from the ordinary to the extraordinary. This let's us know that if love fuels are intentions the response will be beyond anything we could ever imagine.

Make sure you share this video with a friend. Do your own silly dance. I have one that I do every time something happens for me that I have been intending. I actually visualize myself receiving whatever it is and then I visualize myself doing my dance as I receive it. When I receive the blessings physically, I do the dance, because this is what I saw myself doing.

Life has its challenges. Find ways to make your existence more enjoyable. All of us have a limitless potential. Find your special "something" and you will gain an inner peace that comes from being aligned with the Universe. Many blessings, and thanks for listening.

Some Of My Favorite Peaceful Quotes

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I just wanted to wish everyone a blessed beginning to your week. Let it be your best week ever. Fill it with feelings of joy from accomplishment and the inner peace that comes from knowing you have done the best that you can. Many Blessings!



“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”
A. J. Muste

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.”
Peace Pilgrim

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Buddha

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.”
Robert Fulghum

“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”
Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama

“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
Mahatma Gandhi

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it”
Author Unknown

“Peace is its own reward.”
Mahatma Gandhi

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Jimi Hendrix

Children Speak Out About Human Rights

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Today bloggers all over the world are blogging for one purpose. Human Rights. I am especially interested the basic rights for children. As the song says, "they are our future."

The following are some great videos presented by youthforhumanrights.org. We need to take on the mindset of a child. They have not formed too many concrete opinions. Everything is new and fresh to them. It is this innocence that makes them precious. They are only living for the moment.

Children deserve the right to be able to express themselves. They need the freedom to create. They need the freedom to just play. As adults we need to take responsibility for our actions. We need to be careful with the policies and laws that are being passed that threaten our basic civil liberties. The choices that we make will effect the younger generations the most after we are long and gone.

Allow children to just be. Allow them to use the minds and their thoughts. Don't stifle a child when he or she wants to share with you. That instant could be the catalyst for something big. If you don't listen, that child may never have the confidence to say anything again. Be like a child. Rediscover your innocence. Stop trying to make sense of everything and just...BE.

Enjoy these short videos. There are tones of them, but these were a few of my favorites. Everyday should be Human Rights Day. Make it your aim to do what you can to preserve the basic human rights of us all. Many blessings, and thanks for listening.

Focus On What You Want

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well.

"Focus on what you want rather than what you don't want."

In my last post I listed this as one of my 3 favorite quotes. It's really been on my mind for the past couple of days. I began to listen to peoples conversations and the words that they are using. It is amazing how many times we say can't, don't, no, won't, couldn't, never. These are all words of lack and negativity.

The Universe responds to your last strong emotion. You may be wanting something and really get excited. You start to focus on what you want. You meditate. You try to stay positive. Then someone plants the seed of doubt and all is lost. You start to focus on what was said. Now those negative thoughts become your last new emotion. The Universe begins to respond. You get frustrated and give up on your dreams.

The problem stemmed from the fact that the focus was lost. A simple comment can set off a chain reaction of negative events. Guard your thoughts and your desires. Be confident and sure in what you are wanting. Listen to the the inner voice inside you that says that you can have whatever you want if you would just focus on your goals.

An exercise I like to do is to to use only positive words. I try to eliminate, can't won't,never, etc. from my conversations. It's hard at first, but becomes natural after a while. Two things will happen as a result of doing this exercise.

1.) You will remove thoughts of lack. Instead of saying, "I don't want to be broke," say "I want financial freedom." You're saying the same thing but now your focused on freedom instead of being broke.

2.) It will bring you into the present moment. The NOW. Many times our thoughts of lack stem from prior events. We tend to make our decisions based on what has happened to us in the past. It can devastating if you have tried to start a business before and it failed. The next time the opportunity comes to start a new business you may become fearful because of what happened in the past.

When we live like this growth stops. You have the same negative thoughts over and over again, never to realize your true potential based on fear of failure. Focus on what you want and you will always be "here." In the present. If you truly focus on what you want it will be impossible have any negative thoughts.

Here's a great video by Kathy McAfee. You can also visit her at The Marketing Motivator. She is talking to group of people about focusing on what they want. She does an excellent job and offers us some great exercises that will help us to be focused.

Be whatever you want to be. All it takes is the proper focus. Make it easy for yourself. As a reminder I say these words daily. "The Universe wants me to succeed. I will not get in the way by trying to dictate to the Universe how things should be done. I will simply stay focused and go with the flow."

Many blessings and thanks for listening.

My 3 Favorite Quotes

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well.

Ok, lay it on us...what is the best quote ever in your book...or is it somewhere on your blog already?

This was a question I was asked a few days ago from my friends at the Earth & Economy blog. This is a blog in which they "Find, Review, and Share Green Content." They have tons of excellent information pertaining to living a green lifestyle. The following is the categories that they cover on there blog. When you click on these tabs you are treated to a ton of articles on that particular subject.
Building, Business, Directories, Education, Energy, Jobs, Law, Living, Media, Organizations, Politics, Products, Resources, Science, Technology, Travel. Be sure to visit them for all things green.

So back to the question. First of all. I have not written a book(yet). I hope I didn't say that I did somewhere. I am still growing. I'm more into reading books at this point. Maybe the inspiration for a book will hit me one day.

So what is my best quote...? I have three that I say to myself daily and really try adhere to. These three quotes keep me grounded throughout my day to day activities.

Quote #1

Focus on what you want, rather than what you don't want.

The reason many of us don't get what we want out of life is because focus we on what we don't want in life. A lot of say, "I don't want to be broke." "I don't want to be sick." "I don't want to be in this horrible relationship anymore." These words and thoughts have very strong negative emotions attached to them.

The Universe gives you what you thinking and feeling about the most. It may seem like you're are doing the right thing by saying that you don't want something, but the Universe will simply give you more of what you don't want because that is where your focus is. If you focus on the mounting bills, the poor health, or unhealthy relationship, this is what you will get more of.

Start to focus on what you do want. Change your words and thoughts to "I want to live abundantly." I want to live a healthy lifestyle." I want to be in a loving relationship with a partner who accepts me for who I am." Put all your energy and emotions into this way of thinking. You will begin to see how the Universe will begin to place situations in front of you that will be alignment with what you are wanting.

Be sure to act when these opportunities arise. If you get a million dollar idea, that's the Universe working in your favor. Act immediately. Many times we get paralyzed or scared when the opportunity presents itself. Don't hinder what the Universe wants you to have.

Quote #2

The Power Of Attitude.

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thought, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst...A spark that creates extraordinary results."

I found this quote in an airplane magazine. I always try to keep a positive attitude. When you have a positive attitude, positive things happen to you. We are all going have trials and setbacks. That's just life. The true measure of our character is how we react to what happens to us. When negativity arises in your life squash it immediately. How do you that? Go back to the first quote and focus on what you want.

People will notice something different about you when you take a positive attitude. They will notice that you dictate what you want out of life instead of just letting life beat you down. People will want to be around you. They will feel comfortable around you. You will still get those people that will try to bring you down, but if you stay positive and true to yourself and your goals, amazing things will happen. Be ready to ride the wave of positive momentum.

Quote #3

"We must become the change we want to see in the world." Gandhi

This quote is very important to the times in which we are living. Gandhi advises us to change ourselves before we try to change the world. Gandhi understood that we create our reality through our thoughts. Whatever is happening on the inside is what will be projected in the physical world.

We have so many wars going on right now. The war against drugs. The war against crime. The war against terrorism. All of these wars are being lost because the focus is on war. War begets more war. In the movie "The Secret", it was mentioned how Mother Theresa refused to go to any anti- war rallies. "Show me a peace rally and I'll be the first one there." Mother Theresa knew that the "more you resist something, the more it persist."

We must change our thought to that of peace, love, and compassion. That is the only way to bring about peace in the world. There has to be a collective rise of positive consciousness. Start by being courteous to your neighbors, coworkers, and people that you meet in the street. I always get a kick out of the reactions of some people when I say hi or give them a compliment. They sometimes don't know how to react to niceness. It's almost like they are surprised.

So those are the three quotes that I try to live by everyday. As a bonus I'll give you one that I recently added to my daily reminder.

Bonus Quote

"Thank you for the gift of abundance!"

I say this to myself constantly. I say it if I find a penny on the ground. It is only a penny, but it a reminder to be thankful for what I already have and what is on the way. I say this not only for money but for all aspects of my life. Abundance can come financially, through good health, positive relationships, ideas, love, compassion, thoughtfulness, creativity, confidence, etc...It's easy to see how much abundance is really around us which takes us back to the first quote. Be thankful and focus on the abundance that you already have and the Universe will give you more to be thankful for.

Have fun with life and stay focused. Many blessings!

Passing Along Good Vibrations

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Just wanted to send out some good vibrations today. Make sure you pass it along. Blessings!

The Secret vs. A New Earth - Well...Who's Right?

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I came across a nice blog created by Scott B. called Keeping The Secret last night as I as researching new widgets for my blogs(Great service by the way. You can see some of my new ones on the side panel). We share similar interests. He even has a "quotes" section.

Scott invited viewers to comment on a question he received in an email. It has to do with comparing the teachings of "The Secret" in relation to Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61). This was the question and my response.

I am reading Tolle’s book A New Earth, and have read The Secret and all the Abraham books by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I have even read part of a Seth book by Jane Roberts! What I want to know is: is the secret compatible with the teachings of Tolle. He speaks of”wanting” as a manifestation of the ego which is an illusion. The secret says that wanting is the whole purpose of life, desiring and manifesting more and more. I know the secret does not mean “wanting” in the sense of feeling lack so maybe the 2 are compatible. Would be grateful for any feedback from you or other members.

Thanks, Jane

This was my response:

Hi Jane,

I’ve been reading the Tolle book and what I believe he is saying is generally the same principles mentioned in the “The Secret” and Esther and Jerry Hicks are saying.

Tolle cautions us to be aware as to why we are wanting the good things in life. There is nothing wrong with wanting things, but when those possessions become our identity, the problems with ego start to arise.

For example, Tolle mentions the Rolling Stones song, “I can’t get no…Satisfaction.” He says this is the theme song of the ego. The ego needs an identity, whatever it is. For some people, it’s having expensive toys. Like Tolle says, there is nothing wrong with these toys, but when we start to “need” these toys to validate our worth, it can lead to problems.

What happens, is once we reach our goal, the ego will say, “I need more.” “This is not enough.” Mr. and Mrs. Jones still have more than “I” do.” So the ego seeks out more things in order to match up with the Jones’. Or even worse yet, what we think the Jones’ think we should be. How insane is that? Tolle mentions that if when you get what you are wanting and you have a feeling of not enough, then that want was driven by ego.

Tolle also talks about the “I” that the ego identifies with and the true “I” that is in all of us. The ego’s sense of “I” is the cars that we drive. The house that we live in. The friends that we have. These are the things that satisfy the ego for a time. But it always needs more. This is not your true “I”.

The true “I” is the one that is present. That is to say, living in the “Now”. Tolle makes a point of saying that the past doesn’t exist. Nor does the future. All there ever is…is right NOW(Read “The Power Of Now” if you haven’t yet). Even when you are thinking of a future event, when it does take place it happens…now. So there’s no point on stressing about past or future events.

The ego always draw its’ opinions and actions from past events and future anxieties. Once we decide to do away with the ego and start living from moment to moment, things will start to come us easily and for he right reasons.

Instead of wanting a lot of money in order to appear to have status in the eyes of your “friends”, use the money to make a difference in society. If you make it your intention to have a lot of money to be able to give, the Universe will start to give you more money to be able to give with. Just remember there are plenty of other ways to be a giver even if you don’t have the money yet. Start now by being thankful for what you already have, and the Universe will give you more to be thankful for.

I am thankful for blogs like “Keeping The Secret” which are bringing awareness to the masses. I was encouraged to see the response to this book and to the Tolle Webinar. It shows that the level of consciousness is growing. In times such as these, it is definitely needed. Many blessings on your journey, Jane. Make it a fun one.

Dexter(QuoteGuy)

Let me know what you think. Also please leave comments about this question at Keeping The Secret. I'm sure Scott would appreciate it.

Here are two videos for you to watch. The first video is the first 20 minutes of the movie "The Secret". The second video is the first 10 minutes of the Webinar Tolle is holding with Oprah. It looks like there are 11 parts to this series. You can watch all 11 clips or simply go to oprah.com for the full version.

Many blessings and thanks for listening.

You Have What It Takes

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. It's time to start living life rather than just observing it. No accomplishment was ever achieved by just thinking and observing. It is the first step, but will never get you to your destination.

Do the things you want to do. Be the person you want to be. The only limits are the ones we put on ourselves. Enjoy this video and from this point on, start creating the existence you deserve. Many blessings!

Eckhart Tolle & Oprah: "A New Earth" Web Event

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Tonight begins a ten week webinar with Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle author of A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61). The event begins at 9PM eastern time. Go to Oprah.com to sign up for the event.

I encourage all of you to join the webinar. Eckhart Tolle is an amazing author and teacher. His book The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment is one that opened my eyes to living in the moment. The NOW. Tolle believes that we allow the ego to control our thoughts and actions. And by allowing the ego to have control, we end up living in a state of unconsciousness.

I'm excited for this event. This is an opportunity to get into the mind of one of the great thinkers(or should I say un-thinkers)of today. Check out these two videos. The first is Oprah talking about why she added it to her book club. The second video is Tolle speaking about "not reacting to content." It may give you a little insight into what his teachings are about. The good thing about youtube is when the video is done, a bunch of related videos come up after the one you have just watched. I encourage you to watch these as well.

Be sure to sign up today and begin to "Awaken Your Life's Purpose." Blessings!

Become A Dreamer Again

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Here's a bunch pf quotes about being a dreamer. Dreams fuel our successes. If we don't have any aspirations, something to reach for, life can become a little stale. Each one of us has to find something we are passionate about and work towards that goal. When we strive to perfect our passion, we tend to have more fun and enjoy life more because we are trying to fulfill our dreams not that of someone else.

Become a dreamer again. Remember your childhood and what it was like to dream big. Don't let anybody steal your dreams. Listening to the so called "experts" will throw you off track. Get advise from someone who is already in the position you want to be in and not from people who just offer their uninformed opinions.

Life is yours to create. Dream Big. As big as you want. The only limits are the ones we put on ourself. Enjoy the quotes and thanks for listening. Blessings!

I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.
T.E. Lawrence

Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.
Henry David Thoreau

The end of wisdom is to dream high enough not to lose the dream in the seeking of it.
William Faulkner

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Patrick Henry

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
Lanston Hughes

You cannot dream yourself into a character: you must hammer and forge yourself into one.
Henry D. Thoreau

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.
Hamilton Wright Mabie

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
Paul Valery

A skillful man reads his dreams for self-knowledge, yet not the details but the quality.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our waking hours form the text of our lives, our dreams, the commentary.
Anonymous

Hope is the dream of the waking man.
French Proverb

To unpathed waters, undreamed shores.
William Shakepeare

Expect More For 2008...Now

Hello Friends,

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Risk

more than others think is safe.

Care

more than others think is wise.

Dream

more than others think is practical.

Expect

more than others think is possible.

~cadet maxim

I was visiting a couple of blogs after I got home from work today. I came across Whole Living Today. Tania has a great blog. She describes it "an eclectic collection of spirituality, quotes & poems, lessons she has learned & whatever else she feels like passing on." Check her blog out. She has a lot of great posts to uplift the soul.

This is a great way to live ones life. When you apply this maxim to your life, the sky's the limit. Don't let 2008 dictate you. Dictate what 2008 is going to do for you. Live for the moment. The past and the future never exist. There is only NOW. This moment. This second. Live it to the fullest. I just finished The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.(can't you tell?)

We'll talk more about Tolle's book in the future. It has many great quotes. But for now I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Make every moment a celebration of your existence. Thanks for listening.

A Poem For My Sunshine

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. Today is my girlfriends birthday. I am very thankful and blessed to have her in my life. I call her My Sunshine. She really brightens up my day.

I gave her the nickname one day after she came to visit me at work. At the time I was working at a sneaker store. I was having a horrible day. It was slow and the customers we did have were not friendly at all.

I was helping a customer who was be very annoying. It wasn't that she was a bad person. It's just that she was so indecisive and wanted to try on 30 pairs of sneakers. Back and forth, back and forth. Sneaker after sneaker. I was about to burst. I was about to tell her to just pick one shoe already and be gone.

The sun was setting and that always brought a good feeling because that meant that I would be getting off soon. I certainly wouldn't be able to leave before I was done with this customer. When she finally found a pair that suited her, a friend of hers came into the store and told her that she didn't like the pair that she had picked. I was furious. I had finally gotten her into a pair that she liked and here comes her friend to tell her that they don't look good.

I had to walk away. I excused myself to go in the back to take a couple of deep breaths or else I might have exploded right there. I took a minute a or two and then walked back out and went back to helping out the customer. At that moment I felt a certain warmth that engulfed my body. I looked up at the doorway and there was my girlfriend. The sun as setting low in the sky behind her so it looked like she was glowing like an angel. It was the most beautiful picture. Anytime someone mentions her name I see her in my mind being surrounded by the most beautiful rays of sunshine.

So that's how she got the nickname Sunshine. Our friends tease us when I call her Sunshine, but that's what she is. She's my sunshine. She's what wakes me up in the morning and what tells me when it's time to rest. Thanks Sunshine. I love you very much.

Enjoy this poem about Sunshine. Be sure to tell the people in your life that you love them. Don't wait for special occasions. Make it a daily habit. Love conquers all. Thanks for listening.



The world gives me reasons,
To shout, scream and cry,
But Sunshine always,
Make my worries go by.

Sunshine is like an angel,
It touches me through me Soul,
It gives me reason to smile,
Makes me complete on the whole.

Sunshine is like a sound,
It synchronizes the music in me,
I get great cause to celebrate, as,
It lets my spirit free.

No matter its day or night,
Sunshine is always there,
Making the shrewd world around,
Look pretty and fair.

My Sunshine is soft and gentle,
Its snug and soothing too,
It snips my sorrows off me,
My Sunshine, dear, its You!


Manisha Sharma

Love From A Childs Perspective

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. When it comes to love we should all strive to be like children. A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"

The answers that the children gave were amazing. All of the responses are examples of true love. There is no bias. There is no condition. There is no, "if you do this, then I'll show you love." Form the child's perspective, love is unconditional. No strings attached.

The child's mind has yet to be corrupted by the many influences that shape the way we think. As we get older we start to listen to others for our definition of love. The past will begin to influence how we view love in the future. If we have been hurt in the past, we may begin to associate love with that hurt. Now we're stuck in a hurtful situation because that's what we think we need as a part of recieving love or attention.

The little acts of love that the children talk about are the things that great relationships are built on. It is an everyday thing. We shouldn't wait for special occasions to show others love. We should be in a constant state of love. The more love you give, the more love you will receive.

Enjoy the innocence of these answers. When it comes to love, be like a child and love unconditionally. When you surround yourself with love, amazing things will happen. Thanks for listening.

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

Rebecca- age 8 "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

Billy - age 4(I love this one) "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

Karl - age 5 "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

Chrissy - age 6 "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."

Terri - age 4 "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before
giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

Danny - age 7 "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.

Quotes From Dale Carnegie

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I just wanted to give you some motivational quotes today from Dale Carnegie. Carnegie was an American writer and lecturer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. He was the author of How to Win Friends & Influence People. He also wrote a biography of Abraham Lincoln, titled Lincoln the Unknown, as well as several other books.

Take a look at this video. Think about the quotes that are shared with us. Motivation can only come from within. Find something in your life that you love to do. Nurture that idea. Begin to live that idea. Soon, that idea will begin to take root and grow into something beautiful and unique. Thanks for listening

Three Babies That Will Make You Laugh...Guaranteed!

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I guess I've been on theme of happiness and laughter for the past week or so as evidenced by my last few post. I'm realizing more and more that this world is our playground and we should be enjoying it to the fullest.

I came across these three youtube videos of babies laughing. There is something about a babies laughter that is so infectious. I guarantee that you will laugh to the point of tears.

Remember that we have the gifts to create whatever existence we desire. Make it a life of complete appreciation for all that encompasses us. Take appreciation from the good and the bad. Understand that by experiencing difficult situation, we gain so much knowledge from how we react. "It's not what happens to us, but how we react, that is the true test of our character".

So laugh in the face of adversity. Be thankful for even the hard times. The hard times bring us closer to full potential. Enjoy these videos. Share the laughter with a friend. And as always, thanks for listening.



#3 - Baby laughing at father playing golf on the WII. (I have to get one. Anything that can make someone laugh this hard has to be good).



#2 - Baby laughing at the sound a paper tearing. (Happiness can be found in the smallest of things).



#1 - Baby laughing at father making silly noises. (Uninhibited Joy).

The True Power Of Water

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I am currently reading The True Power of Water: Healing and Discovering Ourselves by Masaru Emoto. It is a fascinating book about the nature of water. Through years of study, Emoto discovered that water properties can be changed by external forces.

When frozen, water forms different shaped ice crystals depending on what emotion is projected on it. Emoto made it his life's work to study this phenomenon. He has traveled world wide studying water form all corners of the earth.

I am not done with the book yet, so I can't do it justice. Take a look at the following videos. They will give some insight into the research that has been done so far.

The first is an interview with Masaru Emoto. He talks about the steps that lead him to this discovery.

The second is a slide show with pictures showing the different crystals that are formed as result of a specific emotion being projected on the water. Amazing Stuff!

P.S. I'm going to try the experiment that is featured in the video. Let me know if you try it along with your results. Enjoy.