A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

William Shedd

If our mind is still enough, we can see the deeper meaning behind each situation. No matter how bad a problem may seem on the surface, if we remain positive eventually we will see how everything has worked out for the best.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Peter Marshall
(1902-1949, Clergyman)

Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is at their heels.

Bertolt Brecht
(1898-1956, Dramatist and Poet)

Worrying about how everything will get done or whether we are capable of doing it, limits our ability to respond to challenges considerably. The less we think about doing something and the faster we just get on with it, the fewer problems we cause ourselves. Good planning is always helpful, but time spent fretting and procrastinating is a major drain on our energy. The more willing we are to respond positively to opportunities, the more our capacity will grow.

When we learn to respect ourselves, other people will respect us. How can we develop respect for ourselves? By keeping our mind positive and encouraging ourselves to grow and change for the better. Demanding respect because of our position or background is simply arrogance. On the other hand, listening with humility and valuing other people's advice naturally ears us respect. We get back exactly what we give out.

Humility and arrogance are enemies. Where one exists the other cannot exist. Arrogance usually begins from external things, but ends up deep inside the soul, penetrating everything, destroying it all and giving rise to anger and greed.

Considering how bad men are, it is wonderful how will they behave.

Help your brother's boat across, and your own will reach the shore.
--- Hindu proverb

Great beauty, great strength, and great riches are really and truly of no great use; a right heart exceeds all.

Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790, American Scientist, Publisher, Diplomat)

"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief."
--Gerry Spence

Life is a gift, not a prize.

Rick Beneteau
(Author and Internet Marketer)

If you want to win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.

Abraham Lincoln
(1809-1865, Sixteenth President of the USA)

It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never finding the courage to let the person know how you feel.

Everyone wants to be loved for who they are. When we appreciate others fully it boosts their self-esteem and helps them pass on a loving attitude to others. Even though we may not see the results immediately; love always works.

It takes great courage to be honest. One of the noblest qualities in a person is the ability to say, "I am sorry, I was wrong, you were right". It doesn't really matter about being right, winning arguments or having our ideas accepted. It matters more that we are able to recognize our mistakes, take responsibility for them, learn the lesson and move on with greater maturity.

When we have learned to love and accept ourselves, we no longer compete with others but enjoy encouraging them to reach for their dreams, we can genuinely celebrate their success and enjoy seeing them go ahead.

I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do. That is character!

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt
(1858-1919, Twenty-sixth President of the USA)

The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions.

William F. Scolavino

Non-violence is a very deep philosophy. Not only does it require us to harm no one physically, but also avoid harming anyone's self-respect. Such an ethic requires tremendous awareness and sensitivity. When we have learned to be gentle with ourselves, we can be the same with others.