You are so Blessed

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

Quote of the month: "Happiness is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it."

What will you paint today?

It's your life. You are holding the paint brush. You can design your life to be whatever you would like it to be. It's your choice.

"You select the colors of your thoughts; drab or bright, weak or strong, good or bad.
You select the colors of your actions; cold or warm, fearful or daring, small or big.

Through your creative imagination you create a vision- your dream.
Each moment of your life is a brush stroke in the painting of your own career.
The little touches are the ones that add the stamp of character." ~Wilfred Peterson

What will you paint today? Don't just paint it, make it a Masterpiece.

"The choices that you make today will determine your future of tomorrow."

Quote of the month: "A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though the know that you are slightly cracked." ~Bernard Meltzer

Are you living in the SHADOWLAND OF HOPE?

What are you waiting for? Get back in the game. Most people stay on the side lines. Why? Because they have been effected by the fear of failure.

"I wasn't going to be one of those people who died wondering "what if"? I would keep putting my dreams to the test-even if it meant living with uncertainty and fear of failure. This is the Shadowland of Hope and anyone with a dream must learn to live there." ~Alex Haley

"Success is 99% failure." ~Soichiro Honda

Quote of the month: "A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though they know that you are slightly cracked." ~Bernard Meltzer

On the day you are called by God

The first question God may ask you is:

God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

Quote of the month: "A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."~Bernard Meltzer

No matter what, make a difference

A special Hello to The Inspiring Lisa Sargese. Right now she breathes Determination. Find out how. Go to her Website- http://theskinnyonline.blogspot.com/

She cared for the poor and the unwanted. She created over 450 centers throughout the world from Calcutta to New York to Albania. She was one of the pioneers of establishing homes for AIDS victims. For more than 45 years, from all around the world, Mother Teresa comforted the poor, the dying, and the unwanted. A true Saint from the day she was born.

Mother Teresa is an inspiration to us all. Can we just take 1% of the difference that she has made in this world, and can we be that difference in some one's life. No matter what anyone says, do what is right anyway. Ask yourself, "Do I respond to others with respect and kindness regardless of how they treat me or do I allow the way others treat me to have control over how I respond?"

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those that can do nothing for him." ~James D. Miles

Quote of the month: "A true friend is someone who thinks they are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~Bernard Meltzer

Input in your mind Determines your output in life

A special Hello to Angelica and Christina Constantino, who have inspired today's blog.

There are some people that just bring out the best in you. Do you know why? It's because of what they have put into your mind. The people who are most inspiring are the ones who help you on your journey through life, without telling you how to get there. These people might be spreading compassion, pride, determination? Others may radiate fear, doubt, discouragement. The longer you hang around someone the stronger the influence they have on you. Whatever you put into your brain will eventually come out. The following creed has been given to me by a 3rd and 4th grade girl:

Knowledge in the mind
I'm smart because I always learn something good everyday.

Honesty in the Heart
I'm perfect because I never make mistakes knowingly.

Strength in the body
I like myself because I always take action to make things happen.

Happiness
I'm happy I am me who always chooses to be happy.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.
~Albert Schweitzer

Quote of the month: "A true friend is someone who thinks they are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~Bernard Meltzer

Your presence should impact others

A very Special Happy Birthday, to a Mom that has given everything she has to make a better life for her family, Nancy Ventre.

She was a 3rd grade student. She wasn't the most athletic girl in the school. She wasn't one of the smartest girls in the school. She wasn't one of the best students in the school. But she had it. There was something about her that the teachers always talked about. She had this glow about her that attracted others to her.

Well it was Friday in art class and the teacher decided to let the children draw anything they wanted today. As the teacher went around the room, she asked each child what they were going to draw. Responses were: my house, my best friend, my family, my dog.

Then the teacher approached that little girl and asked her what she was going to draw today. That little girl said, "I'm going to draw a picture of God." The teacher respondedwith confusion, "Oh sweetheart. You can't draw a picture of God." The little girl responded, "Why not." Teacher said, "Well you see sweetie. No one knows what God looks like." With all the confidence in the world, that little 3rd grade girl responded, "Oh they will when I get done with it."

"When we stop dreaming, we loose the excitement of possibilities."

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked. ~Bernard Meltzer

Each one of us has it!

What is it?
The ability to Lead and Inspire

How to Begin?
Take the first step no matter how small.
Walk your OWN Path.
Some may laugh. SO WHAT!
Many will follow.

Fear keeps people small.
Run towards your fears.
Embrace them.
"On the other side of your Greatest fears lives your Greatest life."
~Robin Sharma

Now is the time to LEAD OUT LOUD

"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on when others have let go. "
~William Feather

Quote of the month: "A winner is a dreamer who just won't quit."

Who is most important in your life?

Are you excited to see your friends and family who surround you? You ever notice that when we don't see someone for a long time, we have that excitement built up upon seeing them again? If you're not guaranteed tomorrow, then why take someone for granted today?

She graduated college. Just to keep in shape, she joined a local recreational sports team. Her boyfriend was so excited and wanted to see her play. She explained to him that no one at the games gets too excited. They just kind of sit there and watch. But, what she was trying to tell him was that, she knew how excited he would be to watch her play and didn't want him to embarrass her by rooting to loudly for her.

After understanding this, he said to her, "What if a famous ball player like Derek Jeter walked onto the field before your game?" She answered, "Then everyone would get so excited just because of his presence." Her boyfriend said, "Well that's how I feel when I see you."

"People may not remember what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

Quote of the month: "A winner is a dreamer who just won't quit."

Interview with God

I dreamed I had an Interview with God.

I asked..."As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"

God answered...
"To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but one who needs the least."

Quote of the month: "A winner is a dreamer who just wont quit."

It's not just about Information

Don't you get tired of people telling you what you should and shouldn't do? Are you a parent or friend who continues to give advice to those you love? Do you know how to give advice? Do you get upset when others don't take your advice? Here is the secret- It's not about the information. It's about the Inspiration.

This family had the dirtiest house on the block. Neighbors implored the family to clean up their property, but to no avail.

One summer day a friend of the family gave them a flower bulb and asked them to plant it under their window, as a gesture of friendship. By the next spring, a little green shoot pushed its way to the surface and soon a yellow flower unfolded. As the family sat in their front room, the wife said, "Wow, that flower is so beautiful, I think I'll clean the window so we can get a better look at it." Inspiration is the key to giving information.

After she had washed the windows, she noticed her curtains looked grungy. So she washed them as well. The husband noticed that the clean curtains didn't go with the dirty walls, so he painted them. He also went on to paint the outside of the house. After his hard work, he decided to spruce up the yard so the house would look nice.

Information without Inspiration equals nothing. I-I= O

Quote of the month: "While those hesitate because they feel inferior, others are busy making mistakes and becoming superior."

It's your decision

John was very bitter after being stricken with cancer. He was brought to the hospital where he shared a room with the most uplifting person he had ever met. No matter who came to visit, John could only focus on his disease. John constantly complained about it and just could not see past it. Every morning, the man sharing the room with John would look out the window and share with John all the beautiful things that he saw. He would see children playing in the park on a beautiful sunny day. After it rained, the man would see beautiful rainbows. He would start out each morning by informing John of how beautiful life was.

After a few weeks, this man's positive attitude started to rub off on John. John's cancer was slowly leaving his body and everything was looking great for him.

One morning John woke up and the man was no longer there. So John asked to be moved over to the window. As they moved him to the window, John became irate. He looked out the window and discovered a view of a brick wall. John began to demand answers from the nurses. The nurse said, "Oh didn't you know. "That man died of cancer and couldn't see. He was blind. He was picturing all those beautiful things in his mind."

"Make a decision to change your vision."

Quote of the month: "While those hesitate because they feel inferior, others are busy making a mistakes and becoming superior."

The past is the past

Nikki Cruz was born to a Satan worshiping family. He had 17 brothers and sisters. At age 3 his mother proclaimed him to be the son of the devil. At age 15 him and his best friend moved to NYC and Nikki became a leader of a street gang. At age 16 his best friend was stabbed and killed. A priest at a near by church tried to speak with Nikki about his poor lifestyle and invited him to mass that night. Nikki became very enraged and walked away. Nikki gathered his street gang and at 7:00 that night, they all showed up to mass looking to cause problems. As they walked in, the pastor's sermon was based on Jesus saving us all. Nikki never knew who Jesus was. He told his gang members to wait outside. Nikki was so inspired by the sermon, that he spoke with the priest after the mass and actually started turning his life around.

Nikki Cruz now travels the world as a motivational speaker, touching others lives with his incredible story.

"A negative past does not disqualify you from having a positive future."
~Joel Osteen

Quote of the month: "While those hesitate because they feel inferior, others are busy making mistakes and becoming superior."

Worth the struggle!

Did you struggle today?

Did you know that Geese fly in a "V" formation? This is so they can fly higher and faster. It allows all the geese to face adversity and build strength. They all work together. The lead goose has the hardest job because it takes the brunt of the headwinds. The last goose has the easiest position. However, the geese rotate around and take turns at all the different positions, so they can all face adversity by being the lead goose.

Small challenges create small muscles, while big challenges create big muscles.
We all need challenges in order to grow.

"Adversity challenges and pushes us to accelerate the development of our greatest potential."
~Art Mortell

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

The Mountain of Adversity

How do you expect to get anywhere in life without going through the struggle to get there?

3 Levels of Adversity (Mountain)
Quitters- Abandon the climb. "It's too hard. Look how high it is."

Campers- Start a difficult task and don't finish. They start climbing up the mountain and as it gets difficult they just camp out. This becomes their home. Living in mediocrity.

Climbers- Keep moving in spite of obstacles. Are willing to face adversity and keep climbing. Climbers grow from their challenges and realize that adversity builds Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

Campers see change as a problem and Climbers see change as an opportunity.

"Success is not a destination; it is a journey." ~Willie Jolley

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

How to Kick FFUD Out?

FFUD
Fear
Frustration
Uncertainty
Doubt
Gotta have Faith!

Faith means to have Confidence and Trust in something.

Faith sees the invisible,
Believes the incredible and
Receives the impossible.
(Given to me by The Sweet Shannon Ashe)

"Faith will mold and make you. FFUD will bust and break you"

FFUD~ Ed Agresta

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

Is IQ overrated as a contributor toward success?

Are you a genius?
Well Ted Kacynski is. His IQ is off the charts. However he lacked social skills and couldn't handle the pressures of life and eventually became the "Unabomber".

See, our IQ will take us places, but how long we last there will depend on how high our EQ and AQ are.

The key ingredients to success!
What is your EQ? That's right, your Emotional Intelligence- ability to work and empathize with others, control impulses and have high self esteem. People with a high Emotional Intelligence tend to excel in life, relationships, jobs, school and life's everyday challenges. IQ will help you get the job, but your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) will help you excel in it.

Now your determination of success is AQ- Which is how you handle Adversity. Building up your Emotional Intelligence, will depend on how you handle your Adversities = how successful you are.

"When Adversity jumps in the way of success, how well you handle it will determine if you're standing on top of the mountain or looking up from the bottom."

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

Discover your "why."

Accomplish your Goals!
Stop thinking about it and start doing it. If we spent more time doing and less time thinking about it, imagine all the goals we would've achieved.

Randy was in desperate need of losing weight. No matter what the doctors told him, he still did not lose weight, until a tragedy struck his family. Randy's young daughter was going to die unless she received a kidney. Randy gave up his kidney, but the doctors refused it because he was too overweight. Randy then did the unthinkable. He lost 100 lbs. in 8 months and saved his daughter's life. Randy said, "It was easy because I had a tremendous incentive to save my daughter's life."
~Oprah Winfrey Show

"If you have a big enough "why," you'll always discover the "how."
~ Dr. Gilbert

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

What do you want?

Do you spend most of the day thinking about all the things you want in life?

"Money won't make you happy. But everyone wants to find out for themselves."
~Zig Ziglar

"It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

"Why should God give us anymore if we don't appreciate what we already have."

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

What are you doing with your shots in life?

Dedicated to a basketball athlete, who is one of the most Composed players and person that I know, Bobbi Aker.

The Greatest Hockey Player of all time once said, "The only shot you miss is the one you don't take" ~ Wayne Gretzky

Being afraid to make a mistake is the worst mistake, you can make.

Life is full of shot opportunities. Sometimes you make 'em and sometimes you miss 'em. If you miss,
SO WHAT! Take Another Shot.

"While those hesitate because they feel inferior, others are busy making mistakes and becoming superior."

Quote of the month: "Most of life's failures are those people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up."