TODAY'S QUOTE

comes from Wayne Dyer, an American self-help author, and motivational speaker. 

'YOU ARE NOT STUCK WHERE YOU ARE,

UNLESS YOU DECIDE TO BE" 

MY TAKE:

I have been blessed enough to have traveled to about 50 countries due to work and pleasure trips. In one, I lived and worked for 5 years, in another for one+ year and, in some others, my stays were long enough to qualify for a "live in" year.

Why mention this? During those wandering years, there were thousands of people met and, in some cases, befriended. These experiences made me realize that dreams, frustrations, disappointments, and successes are universal in nature. Why? We are all human beings and, as such, our reactions are pretty much the same, regardless of cultural and religious differences. 

Often, in choosing these quotes, I think about people I have known and still know. The sayings apply no matter their background, or where they live. And based on your responses, they are helpful and meaningful to you as well.

Today's quote is just as real and true. Each of us decides when to fight on, and when to stop and enjoy what we have accomplished. And remember, this accomplishment is YOUR measure, not someone else's. 

On the other hand, if you are unhappy with your present situation and do nothing to improve it, that is also YOUR decision. Never blame someone else, it is on you.

I'll leave this with you to think about and act upon.

Be WELL!!

 

TODAY'S QUOTE

 

Comes from Zig Ziglar, American author and motivational speaker.

"THERE IS NO TRAFFIC JAM ON THE EXTRA MILE"

MY TAKE

First, I will explain for those who may not know that the concept of the "extra mile" refers to the work that is done beyond what we have to do. Maybe the extra time put in on our own, or the extra efforts spent on completing a job in the best possible manner. Sometimes without even getting paid. It's not about the money, it's about doing the right thing.

Once we understand this, it becomes easier to understand the meaning of today's quote. In life, in business, in the social world, there are those who have success and those who do not. Pretty much all business and motivational coaches tell us that success does not come by itself or easily. It may not even come when we do just what we have to do, even if well done. 

Success comes to those who try harder. Who do more than what they have to do, who learn -on their own- as much as they can about what they do for a living and -especially- about what they would like to be doing. To those who perhaps work longer hours than they have to, in order to do things right. And, please, working longer does not mean just putting in the time, but doing so in the most efficient and productive way possible. 

When you do these things, you are then going the "extra mile". You had to go 10 miles, but you went 11 miles in order to be sure to be the best. You put in the extra effort and accepted the challenge and the sacrifice this takes.

And the best thing, you will not find much competition when you are doing that extra mile; most people won't make this extra effort so, there is no "traffic jam" on that stretch of road. 

Remember. Success is not waiting for you; it is challenging you to find it, to manage it and to then, enjoy it.

Be well...

TODAY'S QUOTE

 

TODAY'S QUOTE

comes from Don Quijote's creator, 16th century Spanish poet, novelist and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

      'NEVER STAND BEGGING FOR WHAT ONE HAS THE POWER TO EARN"

 

MY TAKE:

As we manage our way through life, we have all experienced moments of need. In fact, some may have been moments of dire need. 

Those who understand the concept of charity or help, will understand that there may have been times when we have been the object of that help. And we have received it and been grateful for it. 

However, in order to move forward through life and have a chance at being successful, we also understood in those times that this would be a very temporary help, that the real help and eventual success could only come through our own efforts. We had to help ourselves and we had to, as individuals, fight our way through those moments of difficulty.

People who do not give up, will eventually enjoy success. Maybe not the one originally intended but it will be success, nonetheless.

Which one are you? 

One who will depend on others for your survival, or one who will accept the challenges and do all possible to rise above the difficulties on your own?

Be well...

A QUOTE FROM BRUCE LEE

 

TODAY'S QUOTE

Comes to us from Bruce Lee, actor, master, martial arts expert.

"DO NOT PRAY FOR AN EASY LIFE; PRAY FOR THE

STRENGTH TO ENDURE A DIFFICULT ONE"

MY TAKE:

Grass roots philosophers will tell you that life is a pitiless and harsh master. This may be all too real although somewhat overstated, thankfully it is not so for everyone.

However, we will all live through difficult -sometimes extremely so- moments and if we are not capable of dealing with them, whether it be to surmount or at least manage them, it could mean the end of our productive lives. 

Difficulties can be financial, physical or emotional. Sometimes anyone of these may well lead to one -or more- of the others. 

How can we manage them? This is not an easy task; every moment of adversity, whether small or harsh, will help us prepare as long as we, like an ostrich, do not put our heads in the sand and ignore it.

Take a step back, become an outside observer of your own situation; observe it as coldly as you can and then, from that vantage point, look at the possible solutions. These may range from an obvious and simple one, to one that may not be so obvious and may well be difficult -though not impossible- to carry out. 

Choose the solution which best fits the situation at hand, make sure it is within your capabilities and then, implement it.

And remember: sometimes another mind or two will help you find possibilities where you have seen none. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Only fools believe they can do it all.

As has been said: "expect the best while preparing for the worst". If you are able to do this, you should then be able to handle most of the difficulties that will, inevitably, come your way on this road we call life.

 

Be Well!! Be Ready!! Be Back!!

A QUOTE FOR TODAY... AND EVERY DAY.

 

Today's Quote...

Comes from Socrates, classical Greek philosopher; credited as being one of the founders of western philosophy.

 

"THE WAY TO GET A GOOD REPUTATION,

IS TO ENDEAVOR TO BE WHAT YOU DESIRE TO APPEAR TO BE."

 

MY TAKE.

We often believe we are regarded as a "special" (in the good sense) person by our peers yet, the reality of their perception is not always in accordance with what we think it is.

Not that we are bad; just that we at times think ourselves more than what, or who, we truly are. 

If we are to follow Socrates' advise, we should first look at who we truly are. No false images, no enhancements, just the bare truth. Even if it bothers us, that is who we are and how we are probably seen by many -or most- of those around us.

Is this such a terrible thing? Not really. I do not believe that the majority of people have a true understanding as to who they are, or how they are viewed. Yet, they certainly have a complete picture of who they think they are and how they are viewed by others. 

Make this the year in which you understand your persona, take the time to look at yourself and view what it is that you (that includes all of us) have to change, add, or subtract from ourselves to become who we think we are. 

I am sure you will improve your lot and will be happier; so will those who are around you for they will see you as how you believe you are and, indeed, how you are. You will then be the true example of who you always thought you were.

 

Be Well!!!

A First Step

In the process of working within my English Tutoring services, one of my "self-perceived" functions is to keep my students' spirits up. Sometimes learning a new language is more difficult than some people may realize. In the process of doing this, I have the tendency to use quotes, then adding my own perspective to what this quote represents.

I thought this to be a routine issue; something the readers would look at, read and then maybe discuss, or not. The reaction I did not expect, was the incredible number of positive comments, thanking me for my own comments and asking for more of this kind of posts, alongside the language related posts.

I figured, if people like them so much, why not put them in a public blog? So, here we go... Today the first posting; I will do my best to post two of these per week. If you like them, let  me know. 

QUOTE FOR A RAINY MORNING.

Comes from Dr. Seuss, well known American children's author an animator (remember "The Cat in the Hat" and others?)

"IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT IT IS,

IT'S ABOUT WHAT IT CAN BECOME" 

MY TAKE:

In line with what our expressed train of thought is, this quote reflects exactly those thoughts. Every day, there is a moment in which -for whatever reason- we stop and think about what or where we would like to be or be able to do.

Guess what? It is not impossible to do or to be that which you envision. Perhaps we won't be able to do everything in that list or reach the ultimate goal, but we can certainly do more than what we now do. If that is our vision and objective.

Try; plan your moves, put this plan in writing, review it, and start doing what needs to be done. Sometime ago I was asked what the age of my oldest English student was, and I answered: "84 years old". And this gentleman, fighting off the limits these years sometimes put on us, was my best student. And yes, he learned enough English to be able to communicate with his grandchildren, who lived in another state. That was his goal. 

Sometimes the goals we seek may not be a lifetime goal, they may be a short-term goal which, if meaningful, is equally as -and sometimes more- important.

Remember: what is, is not necessarily what may be if you apply your mind and your efforts.

 Because… You Can!!

 

Be Well... Back soon.