The Important Things in Life


Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be - a roommate, a neighbor, a professor, a friend, a lover, or even a complete stranger - but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are sometimes the most important ones.

If someone loves you, give love back to them in whatever way you can, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and listen to what they have to say.

Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make anything you wish of your life. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

And if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.

~ Author Unknown ~

Love that! Thanks!

Make a Difference

A man was walking down a deserted Mexican beach at sunset. As he walked along he began to see another man in the distance.

As he grew nearer he noticed that the local native kept leaning down, picking something up, and throwing it out into the water. Time and again he kept hurling things out into the ocean.

As our friend approached even closer he noticed that the man was picking up starfish that had washed up onto the beach, and one at a time, he was throwing them back into the ocean.

The first man was puzzled. He approached the man and said, "Good Evening Friend, I was wondering what are you doing?" And he replied, "I'm throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see, it's low tide right now and all these starfish have been washed up onto the shore. If I don't throw them back into the sea, they will die from the lack of oxygen."

"I understand," my friend replied "but there must be thousands of starfish on this beach and you couldn't possibly get to all of them. There are simply too many and don't you realize that this is happening on hundreds of beaches up and down this coast ... can't you see that that you can't possibly make a difference?

The local native smiled, bent down, picked up yet another starfish ... and as he threw it back out into the sea, he replied, "It made a difference to that one!"

You may feel like you cannot make a difference in the world today, but you CAN make a difference in one life at a time.
_____________

Fall seven times, stand up eight--Japanese Proverb

TODAY'S INSPIRATION


Be Happy Right Now

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married,
have a baby, then another, get a new job, get a new house.
Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough
and we'll be more content when they are.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than
right now! If not now, when?
Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.
Happiness is the way.
So, treasure every moment that you have and
treasure it more because you shared it with someone special,
special enough to spend your time with...
And remember that time waits for no one!

So, stop waiting...
...until your car or home is paid off
...until you get a new car or a new job
...until you go back to school
...until you lose ten pounds
...until you gain ten pounds
...until you finish school
...until you get married
...until you get a divorce
...until you have kids
...until your kids leave the house
...until you retire
...until summer
...until fall
...until winter
...until spring
...until you die!

There is no better time than right now to be happy...

Choose To Be Happy TODAY!

TODAYâS INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

"Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives."

~ Author Unknown

Thanks so much Dr. Honeyghan. I am really getting hooked on reading your messages every day!

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowliness. sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
--Mark Twain

"When your ship comes in, make sure you are willing to unload it."

I ENJOY READING THE INSPIRATIONS, KEEP IT UP.Merry christmas.

I would like to wish the hill and the james family a merry christmas and a happy and health new year may god bless you and keep you safe. I would also like to say hi to my uncle pea and the kids merry christmas. thank uncle pea for everything.

NOTE: Several posts were deleted due to foul language and a very Grinch-like attitude!

And in the Inspirational Thoughts section, of all places. Shame on you, Treasure Girl, for starting all this!

-TBNet

PS: To the person who posted three times in 5 minutes using different names but the same computer, while the original post from Treasure Girl was uncalled for that is no reason for you to sink to her level. Please don't spam our Forum like that again!

TODAY's INSPIRATION

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me ... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
~ Walt Disney


_______________________

I once heard a learned man say 'Every evil has its remedy, except folly. To reprimand an obstinate fool or to preach to a dolt is like writing upon the water. Jesus healed the blind, the halt, the palsied and the leprous. But the fool he could not cure."
~ Kahlil Gibran

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

The Roses of Life

I've dreamed many dreams that never came true,
I've seen them vanish at dawn.
But I've realized enough of my dreams, thank God,
To make me want to dream on.

I've prayed many prayers, when no answers came,
Though I waited so patient and long,
But answers came to enough of my prayers
To make me keep praying on.

I've trusted many a friend who failed
And left me to weep alone,
But I've found enough of my friends to be true
To make me keep trusting on.

I've sown many seeds that fell by the way
For the birds to feed upon,
But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hands
To make me keep sowing on.

I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain
And gone many days without song,
But I've sipped enough nectar from the roses of life
To make me want to live on.
--author unknown

When Iâm feeling much disappointed and hurt, I have often used the expression ãIf I had wings like a dove, Iâd fly away.ä But I realize a bird canât fly forever. It has need to land somewhere, to feed and rest. And just perhaps, it might land on a branch somewhere close to an awful situation that sent it flying in the first place, except, now itâs too tired to fly off again.
So now I find myself wishing for wisdom and courage to stay put.
--author unknown

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

DON'T WAIT

Don't wait for tomorrow to brighten my day
for
today the sun, a round golden mouth
spews golden beams and warms the world
but
tomorrow a rain-cloud could sheathe it
and
snuff out the beam you had promised for me.

Don't wait for tomorrow to say I thank you
for
today my fields are laden with grain,
my storehouse full to overflow
but
tomorrow could bring a storm or thieves
and
I must stretch out to you instead.

Don't wait for tomorrow to bring me a rose
for
this morning its petals slowly unroll
and spread out to shafts of rising sun
but
the same sun soon folds them again
and
shortly it's a rose, shriveled, gone.

Don't wait for tomorrow to sing my love song
for
last night the crickets chirped my lullaby
and
the birds choraled me to morning
but
brighten my day...
thank me...
give me a rose...
and sing my love song
before I too, am yesterday.
--author unknown

TODAY'S & 2003 INSPIRATION


Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something.
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations.
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge.
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary.
It means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those
who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~


____________________
"Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past."

~ Henry Ward Beecher

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
--Dorothy Law Nolte

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

The Paradox of our Time

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less common sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes; but lower morals; more food, but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort, but less success.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication, we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the time of fast foods and slow digestions; tall men and short character, steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun, more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say "I Love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to Love, give time to speak, give time to share the precious Thoughts in your mind.
~ Author Unknown ~

TODAY'S INSPIRATION (Rich sent me this one)

IT'S UP TO YOU

Have you made someone happy or made someone sad?
What have you done with the day that you had?
God gave it to you to do as you would
Did you do what was wicked or do what was good?
Did you hand out a smile or give em a frown?
Did you lift someone up or push someone down?
Did you lighten some load or some progress impede?
Did you look at a rose or just gather a weed?
What did you do with your beautiful day?
God gave it to you, did you throw it away?

--Author unknown

TODAY'S QUOTE
"We find comfort among those who agree with us--growth among those who don't.--Frank A. Clarke

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

Seven Ways to Cultivate a Mental Attitude that Will Bring you Peace

1. Let's fill our minds with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope, for our life is what our thoughts make it.

2. Let's never try to get even with our enemies, because if we do we will hurt ourselves far more than we hurt them. Let's do as General Eisenhower does: let's never waste a minute thinking about people we don't like.

3. Instead of worrying about ingratitude, let's expect it. Let's remember that Jesus healed ten lepers in one day, and only one thanked Him. Why should we expect more gratitude than Jesus got?

4. Count your blessings--not your troubles!

5. Let's not imitate others. Let's find ourselves and be ourselves, for envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide.

6. When fate hands us a lemon, let's try to make some lemonade.

7. Let's forget our own happiness--by trying to create a little happiness for others. When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.
--author unknown


TODAY'S QUOTE
Money will buy a fine dog, but only love will make him wag his tail.--anonymous

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

More Lessons I Have Learned

I've learned that you can get by on charm
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that we are responsible for
what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare
yourself to the best that others can do.
I've learned that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.

I've learned that you should
always leave loved ones with loving words,
because some day it will be
the last time you see them.

I've learned that sometimes the
people you expect to kick you
when you're down turn out to be
the ones who help you get back up.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that sometimes
when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you
the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you.

I've learned that you should never tell
a child that their dreams are unlikely
or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating,
,and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I've learned that no matter how good
a friend is, they're going to hurt you
every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other, and just
because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes it's hard to determine
where to draw the line between being nice
and not hurting people's feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do
what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
--author unknown

TODAYâS INSPIRATION

In His Hands

We know not what tomorrow brings
... Although we plan ahead
For only God alone can know
... the pathway we must tread.
We cannot know the future
... not one minute nor one hour
Each circumstance that we must face
... lay only in His power.
It's vital that we live by faith
... from minute unto minute
And trusting that each step we take
... He's walking with us in it.
We cannot see the future
... nor the trials we must face
But in all things, God promised us
... sufficiency of grace.
This alone should give us hope
... whatever be our plans
In knowing that our future lies
... in His sweet, loving hands.
--Betty Purser Patten
_
_______________________
TODAYâS QUOTE

I am but a speck of dust, Îtis said
But I have a choice in life, Îtis said.
I can sit, be eroded or weather-beaten,
Or nurture a seed, spread a lovely flower garden.
--Glasceta Honeyghan

TODAYâS INSPIRATION

Meanings
Standing for what you believe in,
Regardless of the odds against you,
and the pressure that tears at your resistance,
...means courage

Keeping a smile on your face,
When inside you feel like dying,
For the sake of supporting others,
...means strength

Stopping at nothing,
And doing what's in your heart,
You know is right,
...means determination

Doing more than is expected,
To make another's life a little more bearable,
Without uttering a single complaint,
...means compassion

Helping a friend in need,
No matter the time or effort,
To the best of your ability,
...means loyalty

Giving more than you have,
And expecting nothing
But nothing in return,
...means selflessness

Holding your head high,
And being the best you know you can be
When life seems to fall apart at your feet,
Facing each difficulty with the confidence
That time will bring you better tomorrow's,
And never giving up,
...means confidence.
--author unknown
_______________________

TODAYâS QUOTE

ãIf wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart; the spirit should not grow old."

~ James A. Garfield

TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL POEM


AFTER AWHILE

After a while you learn the subtle
differences
between holding a hand and chaining
a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't
mean leaning. And company doesn't
mean security,
And you begin to understand that
kisses aren't contracts, and presents
aren't promises, and you begin
to accept your defeats with your
head held high and your eyes wide
open, with the grace of a woman, not
the grief of a child,
You learn to build your roads on
today because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans,
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid flight.
After a while you learn that
even sunshine burns if you get too
much.
So plant your garden and
decorate your own soul, instead of
waiting for someone to bring you
flowers.
And you learn that you really
can endure, that you really are
strong; and you really do have
worth; and you learn and learn...
and you learn.
With every goodbye you learn;
With every disappointment, you learn
and learn, and learn.

--author unknown

_________________

TODAY'S QUOTE
"I don't know the key to success, but to the key to failure is trying to please everybody."--Bill Cosby.

TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL POEM

This Day


Look to this day!
For it is life,
The very life of life.

In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities
Of your existence.

For yesterday
Is already a dream
And tomorrow
Is only a vision...

But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow
A vision of hope.

from a Sanskrit poem

________________

TODAY'S QUOTE

You are your thoughts. Don't let anyone else have dominion over them.--Shad Helmstetter

TODAYâS INSPIRATIONAL POEM

The Gift

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.
For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.
Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible.
Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him.
He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible, and began to turn the pages.
As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words ... PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
--author unknown


TODAYâS INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

"Take the most difficult challenge you are now facing and turn it into the greatest opportunity to grow simply by changing how you see it. Dead ends then become turning points."

~ Bob Perks

TODAYâS INSPIRATIONAL POEM

This Day

Look to this day!
For it is life,
The very life of life.

In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities
Of your existence.

For yesterday
Is already a dream
And tomorrow
Is only a vision...

But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday
A dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow
A vision of hope.

--from a Sanskrit poem
____________________________

TODAYâS INSPIRIATIONAL QUOTE

" I expect to pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness
or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature,
let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again. "

--William Penn

TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL POEM

You Are...

You are strong...
when you take your grief and teach it to smile.

You are brave...
when you overcome your fear
and help others to do the same.

You are happy...
when you see a flower and are thankful for the blessing.

You are loving...
when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.

You are wise...
when you know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true...
when you admit there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive...
when tomorrow's hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.

You are growing...
when you know what you are but not what you will become.

You are free...
when you are in control of yourself
and do not wish to control others.

You are honorable...
when you find your honor is to honor others.

You are generous...
when you can take as sweetly as you can give.

You are humble...
when you do not know how humble you are.

You are thoughtful...
when you see me just as I am and treat me just as you are.

You are merciful...
when you forgive in others the faults you condemn in yourself.

You are beautiful...
when you don't need a mirror to tell you.

You are rich...
when you never need more than what you have.

You are you...
when you are at peace with who you are not.
--author unknown

_______________
TODAY'S QUOTE

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."--Eleanor Roosevelt

TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL POEM

See It Through

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.

When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you,
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;

Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.

You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, whate'er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
--Edgar A. Guest
________________

QUOTE
"Our lives improve only when we take chances--and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves."
--Walter Anderson

Dear Readers of the Inspiration site, I do apologize that I'll be away for the next few days, and most likely, I'll be unable to post the daily inspirational poems and quotes. I invite you to reread the ones posted thus far, and when I return, I'll have some fresh and inspiring thoughts.

Best wishes for happy and upbuilding thoughts.
Glasceta Honeyghan

Thanks for letting us know and safe travels to you Dr. Honeyghan. We look forward to your return.

Dear Readers,
I'll be away from my desk for a few weeks and probably won't have access to an internet. Please re-read some of those extraordinary inspirational thoughts that I've posted. As soon as I get back, I'll continue to share thoughts such as these.
Many Thanks
Glasceta Honeyghan