This was written by the CEO of Coca-Cola Brian G. Dyson.
Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air.
You name them - Work - Family - Health - Friends - Spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls -- family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. How?
1. Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
2. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.
3. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.
4. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.
5. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
6. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together.
7. Don't be afraid to encounter risks It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
8. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
9. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.
10. Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
11. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
12. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Welcome Speech Sample
Colonel Dandridge Malone said and I quote "The very essence of leadership is its purpose. And the purpose of leadership is to accomplish task."
[Enumerate the guests] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. We are delighted to have you here to participate and share in this Regional Supreme Student Government, Supreme Pupil Government, and Parents, Teachers' Association Forum. Thank you for coming. That many of you travel long distances serves to remind us all just how important our work is.
We are all honored to have all of you today. Your presence is an indication of your commitment as leaders in your school and community. For today's forum, prepare yourself to listen and to learn.
Ob behalf of ____________________, welcome. It's a pleasure to see so many of you here.
[Enumerate the guests] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. We are delighted to have you here to participate and share in this Regional Supreme Student Government, Supreme Pupil Government, and Parents, Teachers' Association Forum. Thank you for coming. That many of you travel long distances serves to remind us all just how important our work is.
We are all honored to have all of you today. Your presence is an indication of your commitment as leaders in your school and community. For today's forum, prepare yourself to listen and to learn.
Ob behalf of ____________________, welcome. It's a pleasure to see so many of you here.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Leadership
John Xavier Valdez from Ateneo de Manila High School said and I quote “Leadership is not about power or charisma. It is not social class or distinction. It is not about job experience or education. It is something that transcends age, class, social distinction, gender, even the shape of one’s eyes. Leadership is about influence, nothing more, nothing less. Under this definition, every man, woman, child, in this nation of 90 million is a leader in his own right.
For most of us our concept of leadership is narrow. We are afraid to lead because once we assume the role we are expected to carry out the tasks given. We blame our local, provincial and even national leaders for the miseries that we are experiencing. Why? That’s because we don’t take the responsibility for our actions. Living in this world is not about who is to blame. Living here means being responsible for what we do and taking the consequences of our actions. Doing this is letting the leader within us come out.
We don’t have to stand on stage and use a pulpit so that we will be called a leader. We don’t have to be elected and sit on a designated office so that others will say that we are a leader. Certainly, positions are associated with leadership. But, have you ever noticed that words are not as powerful as actions?
For parents, have you noticed that your child says yes to what you say but actually follows what you do. An alcoholic father once told his son, “My son alcohol is bad for your health. Never indulge yourself with alcohol.” The son said yes. Few months after, the father was asked by the school head to come to her office. The father learned that his son was caught by the guard drinking alcohol with his barkadas. Sounds familiar? This is a common scenario in our town.
For teachers, have you noticed that students follow what you actually show in action? For instance, a teacher wondered why the students always follow her co-teacher. In her case, she always has a hard time of convincing students to pass their project on time. Why? The students were able to observe that this teacher comes to school late and submits requirements late too. Leadership then, is also associated with credibility. Words and actions should go together otherwise the disparity of the two would lead you to nothing.
For students, do you find it hard to convince your group mates to do tasks assigned to you? Let me share with you this actual circumstance. A class president of the last section of a junior class is a shy type person. Since she was chosen by her classmates to be the president, she finds it hard to tell her classmates on what they are supposed to do in their classroom. By and by, she comes to school early, puts her things on her chair, and starts cleaning the room. I told you she is shy thus, she doesn’t say anything. A classmate comes in, this classmate was able to see that their president is sweeping the room. The classmate gets a feather duster and cleans the jalousies. Two male classmates came and saw what’s going on. They got a pail and watered the plants. You see! Leadership is contagious if shown in action.
How many words do we waste then by saying we must do this and that. In the end, we find ourselves exhausted because we have been telling, reprimanding, or giving commands but nothing has ever happened. The question is, have we dared to start doing what we say?
In conclusion, let me borrow the words of Harold S. Geneen, “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”
A blessed day to all of you!
9:16a.m.- 9:50a.m.
For most of us our concept of leadership is narrow. We are afraid to lead because once we assume the role we are expected to carry out the tasks given. We blame our local, provincial and even national leaders for the miseries that we are experiencing. Why? That’s because we don’t take the responsibility for our actions. Living in this world is not about who is to blame. Living here means being responsible for what we do and taking the consequences of our actions. Doing this is letting the leader within us come out.
We don’t have to stand on stage and use a pulpit so that we will be called a leader. We don’t have to be elected and sit on a designated office so that others will say that we are a leader. Certainly, positions are associated with leadership. But, have you ever noticed that words are not as powerful as actions?
For parents, have you noticed that your child says yes to what you say but actually follows what you do. An alcoholic father once told his son, “My son alcohol is bad for your health. Never indulge yourself with alcohol.” The son said yes. Few months after, the father was asked by the school head to come to her office. The father learned that his son was caught by the guard drinking alcohol with his barkadas. Sounds familiar? This is a common scenario in our town.
For teachers, have you noticed that students follow what you actually show in action? For instance, a teacher wondered why the students always follow her co-teacher. In her case, she always has a hard time of convincing students to pass their project on time. Why? The students were able to observe that this teacher comes to school late and submits requirements late too. Leadership then, is also associated with credibility. Words and actions should go together otherwise the disparity of the two would lead you to nothing.
For students, do you find it hard to convince your group mates to do tasks assigned to you? Let me share with you this actual circumstance. A class president of the last section of a junior class is a shy type person. Since she was chosen by her classmates to be the president, she finds it hard to tell her classmates on what they are supposed to do in their classroom. By and by, she comes to school early, puts her things on her chair, and starts cleaning the room. I told you she is shy thus, she doesn’t say anything. A classmate comes in, this classmate was able to see that their president is sweeping the room. The classmate gets a feather duster and cleans the jalousies. Two male classmates came and saw what’s going on. They got a pail and watered the plants. You see! Leadership is contagious if shown in action.
How many words do we waste then by saying we must do this and that. In the end, we find ourselves exhausted because we have been telling, reprimanding, or giving commands but nothing has ever happened. The question is, have we dared to start doing what we say?
In conclusion, let me borrow the words of Harold S. Geneen, “Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.”
A blessed day to all of you!
9:16a.m.- 9:50a.m.
Reaching Your Dreams
"Dreams without labors are useless. Labors without dreams are worthless."
(Greetings… mention the important persons present in the affair)
Congratulations for being able to hurdle the challenges for the past years. Now, you are here to receive your diplomas. Four years ago, it was only a dream that you will be able to finish secondary education. Today is the fulfillment of that dream. However, today is not the end. It is only a beginning of another journey.
Now, I’ve got two questions for you to answer. What is your plan for your life in the future? What are the steps you will take to reach that dreamed-of life?
Many times we have big dreams but they remained as dreams because we have not done anything to reach it. Let me share with you the “eagle story”. Perhaps, you already have heard this before but didn’t just pay much attention on how this story is related to our life.
Here it goes… “Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nature and raise the large egg. One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken.
The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game, on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh", the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds". The chickens roared with laughter, "You can not soar with those birds! you are a chicken and chickens do not soar".
The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time, the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done and that is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.”
The lesson of the story is this: You become what you believe you are. So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams not the words of a chicken.
At this time you might have asked yourself, what is the relationship of the eagle and my life? Well, you have dreams right? You want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a policeman, etc… but you know that financially your parents will not be able to support your needs to sustain your dream. Or, in other cases, your parents might be financially capable of supporting you but you have so many fears and you think you might not just be able to make it.
Mary Manin Morrissey said and I quote “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
I already have given you the first tip to reach your dream. That is, face your fears. In other words, believe in yourself. Second, plan ahead. Think of the process to reach your goal. Third, visualize your steps before going to bed. Did you know when you sleep your brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and fiction? This explains why your dreams can feel so true. It also explains why a nightmare can feel so real. Fourth, strive, fight and stay positive. Your goal cannot be reached in a snap of a finger. Surely, there are obstacles that you will encounter. There will always be people who will work against you. Never be discourages. Just stay positive and focus on being a problem solver. Finally, pray. God is the source of everything. After all, no matter what you do, if God will not bless you, you will never be successful. I know you are familiar with this quote “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
I wish that you will be able to reach the ladder of success. Congratulations once again.
8:30a.m. – 9:00a.m.
(Greetings… mention the important persons present in the affair)
Congratulations for being able to hurdle the challenges for the past years. Now, you are here to receive your diplomas. Four years ago, it was only a dream that you will be able to finish secondary education. Today is the fulfillment of that dream. However, today is not the end. It is only a beginning of another journey.
Now, I’ve got two questions for you to answer. What is your plan for your life in the future? What are the steps you will take to reach that dreamed-of life?
Many times we have big dreams but they remained as dreams because we have not done anything to reach it. Let me share with you the “eagle story”. Perhaps, you already have heard this before but didn’t just pay much attention on how this story is related to our life.
Here it goes… “Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nature and raise the large egg. One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken.
The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game, on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh", the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds". The chickens roared with laughter, "You can not soar with those birds! you are a chicken and chickens do not soar".
The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time, the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done and that is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.”
The lesson of the story is this: You become what you believe you are. So if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams not the words of a chicken.
At this time you might have asked yourself, what is the relationship of the eagle and my life? Well, you have dreams right? You want to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a policeman, etc… but you know that financially your parents will not be able to support your needs to sustain your dream. Or, in other cases, your parents might be financially capable of supporting you but you have so many fears and you think you might not just be able to make it.
Mary Manin Morrissey said and I quote “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
I already have given you the first tip to reach your dream. That is, face your fears. In other words, believe in yourself. Second, plan ahead. Think of the process to reach your goal. Third, visualize your steps before going to bed. Did you know when you sleep your brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and fiction? This explains why your dreams can feel so true. It also explains why a nightmare can feel so real. Fourth, strive, fight and stay positive. Your goal cannot be reached in a snap of a finger. Surely, there are obstacles that you will encounter. There will always be people who will work against you. Never be discourages. Just stay positive and focus on being a problem solver. Finally, pray. God is the source of everything. After all, no matter what you do, if God will not bless you, you will never be successful. I know you are familiar with this quote “Do your best and God will do the rest.”
I wish that you will be able to reach the ladder of success. Congratulations once again.
8:30a.m. – 9:00a.m.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Of Sowing and Reaping
Date Written: April 1, 2011
Time: 7:12a.m. - 7:32 a.m.
The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "The Point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." It is then very clear that in line with our Christian faith, there is a natural law of sowing and reaping. This law is as clear as the law of gravity. For example, if you plant a mango seed, you do not get an apple. You get a mango. This law applies to anything we do.
Dear students, at the start of the School Year, if you have planted diligence, perseverance and hard work and if you have sustained it, what you will reap are ribbons, medals and certificates. Most importantly, you will reap knowledge and you become a better you.
Today, it is evident that these students with honors are those who reap the fruits of their hard work. Congratulations not just to you but to your parents and teachers also.
Your parents, teachers and I are also very proud of you. For those who were not able to get any award this year, I am giving you the challenge to do better in the upcoming School Year.
Finally, I'd like to ask you these - What kind of fruits would you like to reap in the future? Why don't you start planting the seeds of those fruits today?
Time: 7:12a.m. - 7:32 a.m.
The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "The Point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." It is then very clear that in line with our Christian faith, there is a natural law of sowing and reaping. This law is as clear as the law of gravity. For example, if you plant a mango seed, you do not get an apple. You get a mango. This law applies to anything we do.
Dear students, at the start of the School Year, if you have planted diligence, perseverance and hard work and if you have sustained it, what you will reap are ribbons, medals and certificates. Most importantly, you will reap knowledge and you become a better you.
Today, it is evident that these students with honors are those who reap the fruits of their hard work. Congratulations not just to you but to your parents and teachers also.
Your parents, teachers and I are also very proud of you. For those who were not able to get any award this year, I am giving you the challenge to do better in the upcoming School Year.
Finally, I'd like to ask you these - What kind of fruits would you like to reap in the future? Why don't you start planting the seeds of those fruits today?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
To the 2011 Graduates
By: May Reah Pasayloon-Carel
Written on 3/30/2011 at 10:15 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Time indeed flies so fast
that today you’ll graduate at last.
For four years of your high school life…
You did tasks with patience & sometimes with strife.
You’ve learned how to love, hate and forgive
classmates who are hard-headed,
schoolmates who seem not supportive,
teachers who have different initiative.
Between us are bitter-sweet memories…
English time might have been paradoxical
due to head-cracking activities
which are not all comical.
All those were for you
To be better and to grow,
To be somebody new:
Somebody who has gone out of the shell,
Somebody whose name may ring a bell,
Somebody whose future I can’t foretell.
You are like a germinating seed,
Lessons are your food and drink.
Just as gold needs refinery,
You too have to undergo the process efficaciously.
I wish that you will have…
happiness in your life’s journey,
wisdom in making a decision,
and courage coupled with energy
in facing travails you might not have known.
Yesterday may gradually bid adieu
But the lessons learned, hope wouldn’t be forgotten by you.
Written on 3/30/2011 at 10:15 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Time indeed flies so fast
that today you’ll graduate at last.
For four years of your high school life…
You did tasks with patience & sometimes with strife.
You’ve learned how to love, hate and forgive
classmates who are hard-headed,
schoolmates who seem not supportive,
teachers who have different initiative.
Between us are bitter-sweet memories…
English time might have been paradoxical
due to head-cracking activities
which are not all comical.
All those were for you
To be better and to grow,
To be somebody new:
Somebody who has gone out of the shell,
Somebody whose name may ring a bell,
Somebody whose future I can’t foretell.
You are like a germinating seed,
Lessons are your food and drink.
Just as gold needs refinery,
You too have to undergo the process efficaciously.
I wish that you will have…
happiness in your life’s journey,
wisdom in making a decision,
and courage coupled with energy
in facing travails you might not have known.
Yesterday may gradually bid adieu
But the lessons learned, hope wouldn’t be forgotten by you.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
"The Christ Commission" by Og Mandino
I've scanned this book before but did not really take much interest in reading it until this week... What struck me is the question WAS THE RESURRECTION A HOAX? I really found myself engrossed in reading it. I wish I should not just have scanned it before :-)
Anyway here are the quotes I find valuable in this book:
"Truth can never hurt anyone, for it is the foundation of all knowledge and the cement of all societies." (Joseph) page 15
"Impossible is a word found only in the dictionary of fools." (Joseph) page 17
"So many of us must first fall into to darkest wells of despair before we learn to appreciate the sight of a single star." (Joseph) page 231
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Eagles in a Storm
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?
The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.
The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.
God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.
Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.
Reference: http://www.indianchild.com/eagles_in_a_storm.htm
The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.
The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.
God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.
Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.
Reference: http://www.indianchild.com/eagles_in_a_storm.htm
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Love and Time
Once upon a time, in an island there lived all the feelings and emotions : Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to them that the island would sink! So all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.
Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.
When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "Sorry Love, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat and so there is no place here for you."
Love next asked Vanity who was also sailing by. Vanity was also ready with the same answer.
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, take me along with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!", sadness said in a sullen voice.
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so preoccupied with her happiness that she did not even hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. An overjoyed Love jumped up into the boat and in the process forgot to ask where they were going. When they arrived at a dry land, the elder went her own way.
Realizing how much was owed to the elder, Love asked Knowledge another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" thought Love. Then, as if reading the face of Love, Knowledge smiled and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."
Reference: http://www.kidsgen.com/short_stories/time_love.htm
Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.
When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "Sorry Love, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat and so there is no place here for you."
Love next asked Vanity who was also sailing by. Vanity was also ready with the same answer.
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, take me along with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!", sadness said in a sullen voice.
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so preoccupied with her happiness that she did not even hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. An overjoyed Love jumped up into the boat and in the process forgot to ask where they were going. When they arrived at a dry land, the elder went her own way.
Realizing how much was owed to the elder, Love asked Knowledge another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" thought Love. Then, as if reading the face of Love, Knowledge smiled and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."
Reference: http://www.kidsgen.com/short_stories/time_love.htm
Saturday, February 5, 2011
GENEROSITY
Mahatma Gandhi went from city to city, village to village collecting funds for the Charkha Sangh. During one of his tours he addressed a meeting in Orissa. After his speech a poor old woman got up. She was bent with age, her hair was grey and her clothes were in tatters. The volunteers tried to stop her, but she fought her way to the place where Gandhiji was sitting. "I must see him," she insisted and going up to Gandhiji touched his feet. Then from the folds of her sari she brought out a copper coin and placed it at his feet. Gandhiji picked up the copper coin and put it away carefully. The Charkha Sangh funds were under the charge of Jamnalal Bajaj. He asked Gandhiji for the coin but Gandhiji refused. "I keep cheques worth thousands of rupees for the Charkha Sangh," Jamnalal Bajaj said laughingly "yet you won't trust me with a copper coin." "This copper coin is worth much more than those thousands," Gandhiji said. "If a man has several lakes and he gives away a thousand or two, it doesn't mean much. But this coin was perhaps all that the poor woman possessed. She gave me all she had. That was very generous of her. What a great sacrifice she made. That is why I value this copper coin more than a core of rupees."
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Window" (Author unknown)
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.
Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.
The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
Moral of the story:
The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.
The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.
Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.
The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
Moral of the story:
The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.
The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Determination
In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.
Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.
Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.
The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.
"We told them so."
"Crazy men and their crazy dreams."
"It`s foolish to chase wild visions."
Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever.
He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment.
It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.
He touched his wife's arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again.
For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife's arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do.
Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.
Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.
Even the most distant dream can be realized with determination and persistence.
Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.
Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.
The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move.
"We told them so."
"Crazy men and their crazy dreams."
"It`s foolish to chase wild visions."
Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever.
He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment.
It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.
He touched his wife's arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again.
For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife's arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do.
Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.
Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.
Even the most distant dream can be realized with determination and persistence.
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