Choose to Change


Change for the Better
Even when it is not possible to change anything else for the better, you can always change yourself for the better. Even in the most desperate situations, when no other option is available, you always can decide upon your own attitude. Just as it is entirely possible to be miserable in even the most pleasant surroundings, so too is it possible to be positive and effective in the most difficult circumstances. Always bear in mind that your attitude is whatever you decide it is going to be.

So why would you ever want to go through so much as a single moment with a negative, defeated attitude? There is simply nothing of value that it can accomplish. On the other hand, when you choose a positive focus, even the setbacks and disappointments can end up working in your favor. For you will be open to the positive possibilities that do surely exist in those seemingly hopeless situations.

The hope is there, the way forward is there, when you make up your mind to see it and live it. When life is stubbornly negative, keep your attitude positive. When nothing else will change for the better, change your own thoughts for the better. And you'll soon see everything else following positively along.
Ralph Marston
"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in
imitation."
Herman Melville

"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to
dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader."
Dolly Parton
Attitude is everything. Cliche isn't it eh?

Well the reality is that we have a choice to make. We do indeed choose what our attitude will be and how that comes across to others.

We can be grumpy or we can accept where we are today and celebrate that by going with the flow. Again, central to finding peace within a more positive attitude is letting go of the things that we can't control outside of ourselves.

It is also pointless and a source of pain to try to control ourselves too much too.

Attitudes that aren't the most helpful to us are usually born out of unmet needs and unrealistic expectations.

Boundaries also play a key role in our attitudes. If we have appropriate boundaries and can enforce them and we do our best to meet our own needs, keep our expectations in check we can gain the kind of peace that enables us to realize much-needed perspective.

Life is precious. The world is unstable and troubled as we usher in this new year. Do what you can. Be who you are. Help those you care about when you can. Don't guilt yourself for not doing more. You cannot be perfect.

Acceptance will enable you to find a peaceful and adequately humble attitude that will serve you and those around you well. Never be afraid to be real. Never be afraid to show your emotions. Emotions are not a display of weakness. They are a display of courage and strength.

Attitude is everything. You can choose your attitude. Free yourself from the "shoulds" and know that what you are doing is enough. Steady as you go and a step at a time -- that's what sees the accomplishment of goals in the long run.

Choose to be giving. Choose to think the best of others while taking care of yourself. The lighter your attitude, the lighter your load.

Thought Of The Day email edition.
Copyright (C) 2003
Ms. A.J. Mahari (soul@golden.net)
All rights reserved.

Never Forget
Your presence, is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be, what you want it to be.
Take the days, just one at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through, whatever comes along.
Within you, are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams, are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important, to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy, than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember, that a little love goes a long way.
Remember, that a lot . . . goes forever.
Remember, that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's treasures, are people . . . together.
Realize, that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things, in an extraordinary way.
Have health, hope and happiness.
Take the time, to wish upon a star.
And don't ever forget . . .
For even a day . . .
How very special you are.
Collin McCarty


 Ôø‡Ôø‡COMPETITION
Competition... is everywhere these days. It is one of the
root causes of conflict - everyday conflict, all the way up
to warfare between countries. In our lives we often may find that we have competing interests,wants, needs and/or desires. Friends compete with each other.
Who will look the best? Who is the thinnest? Who can be seen as the most successful and so on.There is even competition for our values, morals and beliefs.
We are saturated by media. They are all competing to take our money -- not to help us out in any way.Why is there so much competition? What has happened to
the co-operative spirit?Each of us has to assess for him/herself, in his/her life, what amount of competition is acceptable and what they are willing to sacrifice in the name of competition.Not all competition is bad but too often it gets out of hand.Real learning can only come about when the competitive spirit has ceased. It is then, and only then that we truly seek to learn.

SOUL'S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
By Ms. A.J. Mahari (aka soul)


Nurture Yourself
Nurturing involves being gentle, kind and patient. It is
the opposite of all the rushed, critical and narcissistic
judgment that many impose upon each other.You cannot nurture anyone else if you cannot nurture yourself. Remember, it's okay to hurt. It's okay to be sad. The way that you nurture these feelings depends upon what works best for you.Take time out of each day for yourself. Nurture your self, then nurture a child, a pet, or even a plant. Giving nurture is actually a simultaneous exercise in being nurtured as well. Give and it gives back to you.Nurturing is often neglected in our hectic world. Not unlike taking time to smell the roses, nurturing requires time and energy.Whatever you can do for yourself that you find nurturing is a gift that you can give yourself today. Don't seek nurture from without more than from within. Run your own race. Be kind to yourself.Nurture yourself in unique and creative ways because you are
a unique and creative individual.

SOUL'S THOUGHT OF THE DAY
By Ms. A.J. Mahari (aka soul)