Thought 01APR2009

HAPPINESS
Happiness does not come from possessions, but from our appreciation of them. It does not come from our work, but from our attitude toward that work. It does not come from success, but from the growth we attain in achieving that success.
Extracted from Bits & Pieces, The Economics Press, Inc., Fairfield, New Jersey, USA. From the Library of Puan Hajah Zaihani Abdul Hamid
Fall down seven times, get up eight - Japanese Proverb

Thought 31MAR2009

THE BRAND NEW GOLFER
The first hole at the Mobile, Alabama, Municipal Golf Course was something to behold on that beautiful spring day several years ago. The tee sat atop a hill, looking down a narrow fairway, and the hole ended at a postage-stamp-sized green, surrounded at the back side by water. It was a hole that did not appear to be very forgiving to the careless or inexperienced golfer. It was a busy Saturday morning, and my foursome was waiting to tee off, as were several others. As the golfers in front of us stepped to the tee, I noticed one man in particular. He was in his early thirties, slightly pudgy, wearing a spotless shirt, trousers, shoes and every other golfing accessory his charge card could buy. Even his golf clubs, bag and pull cart fairly sparkled with "newness."
As we watched, the other three men made decent shots, and then waited as their fourth, the new golfer, stepped forward and teed up his ball. The man looked down the fairway, then carefully addressed his ball, made his backswing and swung mightily, missing the ball completely. His face reddened somewhat, but he did not look up as he again addressed his ball. His second attempt made a noisy whooshing sound, but missed his ball by an even wider margin. No one made any comment, and his three embarrassed friends simply looked away and cleared their throats. For the third time, the new golfer addressed his ball, taking great care to place his feet, position his grip and waggle his club several times.
Finally, he executed a careful and extremely slow backswing, followed by a vicious downswing of his club that barely topped his ball, which fell from the tee and rolled forward about four inches. For a moment he stood perfectly still, reddened face pointed to the ground. He finally looked up at the large group of waiting golfers, and with a perfectly straight face said, "This is the toughest darn hole I ever played!" I have never laughed so hard, nor heard so much laughter on any golf course, before or since.
By Stan Reynolds - from Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul, Copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
To a quick question, give a slow answer - Italian Proverb

Thought 30MAR2009

CHANGE
One can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways.
Edith Wharton
Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back into the same box - Italian Proverb

Thought 27MAR2009

SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids on a merry- go-round, or listened to rain slapping the ground?Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight, or gazed at the sun fading into the night? You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last. Do you run through each day on the fly, when you ask "How are you?". Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, with the next hundred chores running through your head? You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short the music won't last. Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow, and in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die, 'cause you never had the time to call and say "hi"? You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, its' like an unopened gift thrown away. Life is not a race, so take it slower, hear the music before your song is over.
Author Unknown
Everyone loves justice in the affairs of another - Italian Proverb

Thought 26MAR2009

TOUGH STUFF
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience by which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along."
Eleanor Roosevelt - Extracted from 'Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul', Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Kimberly Kirberger, Health Communications, Inc., 1997.
He who begins many things finishes but few - Italian Proverb

Thought 25MAR2009

DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS
In the 1940s a survey listed the top seven discipline problems in public schools : talking, chewing gum, making noise, running in the halls, getting out of line, wearing improper clothes and not putting paper in the wastebasket. A more recent survey lists these top seven : drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery and assault. (Arson, gang warfare and venereal disease are also-rans).
George F Will - Extracted from Bits & Pieces, The Economics Press, Inc., Fairfield, New Jersey, USA. From the Library of Puan Hajah Zaihani Abdul Hamid.
He who divides and shares is left with the best share - Mexican Proverb

Thought 24MAR2009

SEVEN STAGES OF THE COMMON COLD IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE
The first Year : "Sugar, I'm worried about my little sweetie pie. You've got a bad sniffle and I want you to go to the hospital for a complete check-up.
"The second year : "Listen, honey, I don't like the sound of that cough. I've called the doctor and he's going to rush right over.
"The third year : "Maybe you'd better lie down, honey. Nothing like a little rest if you're feeling bad. I'll bring you something to eat.
"The fourth year : "Look, dear, be sensible; after you've fed the kids and washed the dishes, you'd better hit the sack.
"The fifth year : "Why don't you take a couple of aspirin?
"The sixth year : "If you'd just gargle or something instead of sitting around barking like a seal, it might help.
"The seventh year : "For heaven's sake, stop sneezing! What are you trying to do, give me pneumonia?"
Extracted from 'Speaker's Sourcebook II', Glen Van Ekeren, Prentice Hall, 1994
One may have good eyes and yet see nothing - Italian Proverb

Thought 23MAR2009

ON ENERGY
If an unusual necessity forces us onward, a surprising thing occurs. The fatigue gets worse up to a certain point, then, gradually or suddenly, it passes away and we are fresher than before! We have evidently tapped a new level of energy. There may be layer after layer of this experience, a third and a fourth wind. We find amounts of ease and power that we never dreamed ourselves to own, sources of strength habitually not taxed, because habitually we never push through the obstruction of fatigue.
William James (1842 - 1910) - Psychologist and philosopher, Cited in BITS & PIECES
Beginning is easy - Continuing is hard - Japanese Proverb

Thought 20MAR2009

IT'S A JOURNEY
Life is not a destination; it's a journey. It's not a series of goals; it's a series of steps, of events unfolding as you make your way. Life is not all about accomplishment; it's all about doing, participating, progressing, growing, learning.
Mike Hernacki - extracted from 'Speaker's Sourcebook II, Glen Van Ekeren, Prentice Hall, 1994
It is not enough to aim; you must hit - Italian Proverb

Thought 19MAR2009

CONSIDER THIS
In 1962, four nervous young musicians played their first record audition for the executives of the Decca Recording Company. The executives were not impressed. While turning down this British rock group call the Beatles, one executive said, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out.

"In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after one performance. He told Presley, "You ain't goin' nowhere ... son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck." Elvis Presley went on to become the most popular singer in America.

After having lost both legs in an air crash, British fighter pilot Douglas Bader rejoined the British Royal Air Force with two artificial limbs. During World War II he was captured by the Germans three times - and three times he escaped.
Extracted from 'A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul', Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, Health Communication, Inc., 1995
Do not be wise in words - be wise in deeds - Jewish Proverb

Thought 18MAR2009

BETTER THAN MONEY?
Don't get me wrong - money is just fine. But sometimes, when I think about the many functions of my weekly pay, I get the urge to eliminate the middleman. There are many things I'd prefer to money, though they shift around. Last year I would have gladly taken my salary in a new car. It would have saved me the anxiety of negotiating with car dealers. Many days, I'd rather have an office assistant than a raise - someone to stop calls, to hunt down a fact, to carve out that commodity more valuable than money : time. Indeed, an informal survey of workers in our cafeteria found that more time is the only thing everyone would trade more money for. Far outranking titles or perks, more vacation is what people want. A close second is autonomy, the coin of the realm for anyone with a creative bent. The freedom to travel, to hire and fire, to slice through bureaucracies, to make decisions - these are the things most of us want from our pay. Others had more mischievous ideas. One fantasized about being paid by having the boss fix her dinner. Another wanted to watch his rival get passed over for a promotion. For this fellow, it is not enough for him to succeed - others must fail. He'd pay money for it.
A salary isn't the only measure of job satisfaction. Happily there's more life than just mounting wealth. But it's a puzzle to work out how our income can mean more than money. What should we value? I have a tip : go for love. Love - of your work, of your colleagues, of your family and friends - passes the ultimate test. It will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no love.
Renee Loth - in Boston Globe Magazine - Extracted from 'Reader's Digest' January 2000 issue.
He who doesn't look ahead remains behind - Mexican Proverb

Thought 17MAR2009

WORK, LIVE AND BE HAPPY
When we look into the long avenue of the future and see the good there is for each one of us to do, we realize, after all, what a beautiful thing it is to work, and to live, and to be happy.
Robert Louis Stevenson - Extracted from 'Bits & Pieces', The Economic Press, Inc., Fairfield New Jersey. From the Library of Puan Hajah Zaihani Abdul Hamid.
A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year - Polish Proverb

Thought 16MAR2009

ON YOUR FUTURE
Dr. Tony Campolo says that your past is important because it brought you to where you are, but as important as your past is, it is not nearly as important as the way you see your future. Because the way you see your future determines your thinking today. Your thinking today determines your performance today, and your performance today has a huge bearing on your future.
From Zig Ziglar Newsletter
If you wish your merit to be known, acknowledge that of other people - Oriental Proverb

Thought 13MAR2009

THINK
A man bought a new gadget - unassembled, of course - and after reading and rereading the instructions couldn't figure out how it went together. Finally, he sought the help of an old handyman who was working in the backyard. The old fellow picked up the pieces, studied them, then began assembling the gadget, In a short time he had it all put together. "That's amazing," said the man. "And you did it without even looking at the instructions!"

"Fact is," said the old man, "I can't read, and when a fellow can't read he's got to think"
Extracted from Bits & Pieces, The Economics Press, Inc., Fairfield, New Jersey, USA. From the Library of Puan Hajah Zaihani Abdul Hamid
Eagles fly alone, but sheep flock together - Polish Proverb

Thought 12MAR2009

ON DISCRIMINATION
The following story shows us the side of diversity that we are all working for. It is a pleasant twist to see that there are companies and individuals who face discrimination head on, if only one small step at a time.I applaud British Airways for their action in this situation on a British Airways flight from Johannesburg whereby a middle-aged, well-off white South African lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating. "What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant. "Can't you see?" she said " You've sat me next to a kaffir. I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!" "Please calm down Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do - I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class." The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers).A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied grin. "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class." Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues ... "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the woman, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..." At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black guy walks up to the front of the plane.
Could not locate source (unknown)
He is rich enough that wants nothing - Polish Proverb

Thought 11MAR2009

ON HUMILITY ...
For a man of Matsushita's immense stature to bow humbly to a junior store clerk is nearly unheard of in Japan. Yet he did so, again and again. At one company anniversary celebration, he gave a speech to a large audience in which he thanked them for all their efforts on behalf of the firm. At the end of his talk, instead of going to his seat, he stepped of the podium, walked in front of the group and bowed three times. Hundreds of grown men then broke into tears.
Matsushita Leadership by John P Kotter
By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn - Latin Proverb

Thought 10MAR2009

Ps OF LIFE
Purpose (find it)
Prayer (do it)
Persistence (endure it)
Planning (utilize it)
Power (share it)
Praise (give it)
Price (pay it)
Peace (live it)
Positive (be it)
Principle (honor it)
Prosperity (accept it)
Potential (maximize it)
Possibilities (explore them).
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Most people die with the music still in them." Even after your time is up, make sure "your music" will still be playing. Until next time, live with purpose, passion and power!
Joe Martin
A smiling face is half the meal - Latvian Proverb

Thought 06MAR2009

ON BORROWING
Nowadays people can be divided into three classes, the Haves, the Have-Nots, and the Have-Not-Paid-For-What-They Haves.
Earl Wilson (1907-1987) - Syndicated columnist, Cited in BITS & PIECES
Do good and don't worry to whom - Mexican Proverb

Thought 05MAR2009

ON MEANING
People who lead a satisfying life, who are in tune with their past and with their future - in short, people whom we would call "happy" - are generally individuals who have lived their lives according to rules they themselves created.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - Psychologist and writer, Cited in BITS & PIECES
A good resolution is like an old horse, which is often saddled but rarely ridden - Mexican Proverb

Thought 04MAR2009

LIVE EACH DAY
Live each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. So climb slowly, enjoying each passing moment; and then the view from the summit will serve a more rewarding climax for your journey.
Bishop Fulton J Sheen - extracted from 'Speaker's Sourcebook II, Glen Van Ekeren, Prentice Hall, 1994
Trumpet in a herd of elephants; crow in the company of cocks; bleat in a flock of goats - Malayan Proverb

Thought 03MAR2009

KEEP YOUR GOALS IN SIGHT
When she looked ahead, Florence Chadwick saw nothing but a solid wall of fog. Her body was numb. She has been swimming for nearly sixteen hours. Already she was the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. Now, at age 34, her goal was to become the first woman to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. On that Fourth of July morning in 1952, the sea was like an ice bath and the fog was so dense she could hardly see her support boats. Sharks cruised toward her lone figure, only to be driven away by rifle shots. Against the frigid grip of the sea, she struggled on - hour after hour - while millions watched on national television.
Alongside Florence in one of the boats, her mother and her trainer offered encouragement. They told her it wasn't much farther. But all she could see was fog. They urged her not to quit. She never had ... until then. With only a half mile to go, she asked to be pulled out. Still thawing her chilled body several hours later, she told a reporter, "Look, I'm not excusing myself, but if I could have seen land I might have made it." It was not fatigue or even the cold water that defeated her. It was the fog. She was unable to see her goal.
Two months later, she tried again. This time, despite the same dense fog, she swam with her faith intact and her goal clearly pictured in her mind. She knew that somewhere behind that fog was land and this time she made it! Florence Chadwick became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel, eclipsing the men's record by two hours!
Author Unknown - Submitted by Michele Borba, Extracted from 'A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul', Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen, Health Communications, Inc., 1995.
By asking for the impossible we obtain the possible - Italian Proverb

Thought 02MAR2009

THOUGHTS TO LIVE BY
You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens.

You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway.

You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.

You shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you.

You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now!

You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own.

You shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action.

You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.
Author Unknown

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By learning to obey, you will know how to command - Italian Proverb