SOME OF THE GTEAT FAILURES

Dear friends, I would like to enlighten you about some great people who inspite of having failed earlier in their life have made a mark in history, thanks to their determination. Please read on:

1. Bill Gates founder and chairman of Microsoft has literally changed the work culture of the world in the 21st century, by simplifying the way computer is being used. He was the world’s richest man for more than one decade. However, in the 1970′s before starting out, he was a Harvard University dropout. The most ironic part is that, he started a software company (that was soon to become Microsoft) by purchasing the software technology from “someone” for only $US50 back then.
   
2. Abraham Lincoln received no more than 5 years of formal education throughout his lifetime. When he grew up, he joined politics and had 12 major failures before he was elected the 16th President of the United States of America.
   
3. Isaac Newton was the greatest English mathematician of his generation. His work on optics and gravitation made him one of the greatest scientists the world has even known. Many thought that Isaac was born a genius, but he wasn’t! When he was young, he did very poorly in grade school, so poor that his teachers became clueless in improving his grades.
   
4. Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer of classical music, is widely regarded as one of history’s supreme composers. His reputation has inspired? And in many cases intimidated? Composers, musicians and audiences who were to come after him. Before the start of his career, Beethoven’s music teacher once said of him “as a composer, he is hopeless”. And during his career, he lost his hearing yet he managed to produce great music? A deaf man composing music, ironic isn’t!
   
5. Thomas Edison who developed many devices that greatly influenced life in the 20th century. Edison is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history, holding 1,093 U.S patents to his name. When he was a boy his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. When he set out on his own, he tried more than 9,000 experiments before he created the first successful light bulb.
   
6. The Woolworth Company was a retail company that was one of the original five-and-ten- cent stores. The first Woolworth’s store was founded in 1878 by Frank Winfield Woolworth and soon grew to become one of the largest retail chains in the world in the 20th century. Before starting his own business, Woolworth got a job in a dry goods store when he was 21. But his employer would not let him serve any customer because he concluded that Frank “didn’t have enough common sense to serve the customers”.
   
7. By acclamation, Michael Jordon is the greatest basketball player of all time. A phenomenal athlete with a unique combination of grace, speed, power, artistry, improvisational ability and an unquenchable competitive desire. Jordan single-handedly redefined the NBA superstar. Before joining NBA, Jordan was just an ordinary person, so ordinary that he was removed from the high school basketball team because of his “lack of skill”.
8. Walter Disney was American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor and animator. One of the most well-known motion picture producers in the world, Disney founded a production company. The corporation, now known as The Walt Disney Company, makes average revenue of US $30 billion annually. Disney started his own business from his home garage and his very first cartoon production went bankrupt. During his first press conference, a newspaper editor ridiculed Walt Disney because he had no good ideas in film production.
   
9. Winston Churchill failed the 6th grade. However, that never stopped him to work harder! He strived and eventually became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. Churchill is generally regarded as one of the most important leaders in Britain and world history. In a poll conducted by the BBC in 2002 to identify the “100 Greatest Britons”, participants voted Churchill as the most important of all.
   
10. Steven Spielberg is an American film director. He has won 3 Academy Awards and ranks among the most successful filmmakers in history. Most of all, Steven was recognized as the financially most successful motion picture director of all time. During his childhood, Spielberg dropped out of junior high school. He was persuaded to come back and was placed in a learning-disabled class. He only lasted a month and then dropped out of school forever.
    
11. Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist widely regarded as the most important scientist of the 20th century. He was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect in 1905 and “for his services to Theoretical Physics”. However, when Einstein was young, his parents thought he was mentally retarded. His grades in school were so poor that a teacher asked him to quit, saying, “Einstein, you will never amount to anything!”
    
12. In 1947, one year into her contract, Marilyn Monroe was dropped by 20th Century-Fox because her producer thought she was unattractive and could not act. That didn’t deter her at all! She kept on going and eventually she was recognized by the public as the 20th century’s most famous movie star, sex symbol and pop icon.
    
13. John Grisham‘s first novel was rejected by sixteen agents and twelve publishing houses. He went on writing and writing until he became best known as a novelist and author for his works of modern legal drama. The media has coined him as one of the best novel authors even alive in the 21st century.
    
14. Henry Ford‘s first two automobile companies failed. That did not stop him from incorporating Ford Motor Company and being the first to apply assembly line manufacturing to the production of affordable automobiles in the world. He not only revolutionized industrial production in the United States and Europe, but also had such influence over the 20th century economy and society. His combination of mass production, high wages and low prices to consumers has initiated a management school known as “Fordism”. He became one of the three most famous and richest men in the world during his time.
    
15. Soichiro Honda was turned down by Toyota Motor Corporation during a job interview as “engineer” after World War Two. He continued to be jobless until his neighbours starting buying his “home-made scooters”. Subsequently, he set out on his own to start his own company. Honda. Today, the Company has grown to become the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most profitable automakers – beating giant automaker such as GM and Chrysler. With a global network of 437 subsidiaries, Honda develops, manufactures and markets a wide variety of products ranging from small general-purpose engines and scooters to specialty sports cars.
    
16. Akio Morita, founder of giant electric household products, Sony Corporation, first product was an electric rice cooker, only sold 100 cookers (because it burned rice rather than cooking). Today, Sony generates US$66 billion in revenue and ranked as the world’s 6th largest electronic and electrical company.

THE TWO HORSES

This is a story of two horses that have remained as faithful friends. We need to learn a few lessons from them.

Just up the road from our home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.

But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend aren’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives, to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that...You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours, and remember...

Be kinder than necessary

Everyone you meet is fighting Some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.

And leave the rest to God!

For we walk by faith and not by sight.

My dear friends, here is an article written by Qaiser Abbas, who is ranked among the best motivational writers of Pakistan. I am sure all of us at some point in our lives do procrastinate. This article could help you guys to just get over it and move on in your lives.

Knocking Out Procrastination

Why do we procrastinate? Let us look at some of the reasons behind it.

Waiting for the right mood
 - You don't feel like doing it. Your mood is o_ and you are emotionally down. 


Waiting for the right time - 
You don't think that it is the right time to take action, when actually it is. 


Lack of clear goals
 - How can you feel inclined to do it when the goal is not clear? 


Underestimating the difficulty of the task
 - You thought doing it was no big deal, but when you started you realized that you would have to put in much more effort than you first thought. So why not postpone it for now? 


Unclear standards for the task outcomes
 - You started but did not have an idea about exactly what was expected. You did not know the performance criteria. 


Feeling the task is imposed on you - 
When you think you have to do it, your motivation is reduced. Your heart and mind are not fully involved. 


The task is too ambiguous - 
You finally got around to doing it but the task was too vague, unclear and blurred. Then you did not find good reason to continue. 


Fear - 
'I don't think I can do it; if I go ahead I will not succeed.'


Perfectionism
 - ‘I don't have the right skills or resources to do this perfectly, so I won't do it at all.'

After acquiring all the tools, techniques and strategies, why do people not put into use what they know? Why do people choose inaction instead of taking action?

There are fears that suppress your inventiveness; your talents and resources remain hidden, undeveloped and untapped. These fears include:

Fear of failure - 
If I were unsuccessful, how would I handle the embarrassment? It's better not to show up for this presentation. Let's procrastinate. 


Fear of success - 
If I do it this time, people will expect me to do it again. Will I be able to handle the pressure that comes with success? 


Fear of the status quo - 
If the status quo is disturbed, who knows how the new situation will turn out? Let's maintain things as they are. Why take a risk? 


Fear of perfection - 
If I started it now, I would not complete it until I achieved a level of perfection. Do I have time for perfection? 


Fear of loss - 
If I did it now, I might end up losing out on a few things.

How would you recognize in yourself the symptoms of procrastination?

Filling your day with low priority tasks from your To Do list


Reading e-mail more than once, without starting work on it
.

Starting work on a high-priority task, and almost immediately going off to make yourself a cup of coffee or check your e-mails. 


Leaving an item on your To Do list undone for a long time, even though you know its important
.

Regularly saying 'Yes' and filling up your time with unimportant tasks.

Why you procrastinate can depend on both you and the task. They can often be reduced to two main reasons:

You find the task unpleasant; or 


You find the task overwhelming

Now that you know the symptoms and reasons for procrastinating, the question is how do you crush procrastination? How do you knock it out?

ANTI-Procrastination FORMULA

The 'taal-matool' attitude or syndrome has the potential to negatively impact your results, success and even your entire life. I have created a strategy to defeat procrastination and build results faster.

I call it the IMAN TECHNIQUE.

I

M ust

A ct

N OW

So, are you ready to act now?

WHEN THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON...

Remember that things happen for a reason and if it was meant to be. It wouldn’t have ended...we should not cry because it's gone... we should be happy that it happened. Many people touch our lives in different ways. Some come for a while, others stay for a season and show us their magnificent essence for a purpose and then leave...and then there’s the people that stay forever, which ultimately are the ones that count...so smile and cheer up.

Things happen for a reason basically means that everything happens for good. All the things that happen to us in our lives are somewhere down the line, destined to happen. Failures, turns and twists and adversities might break us down and lessen or morale completely. But even we should learn to take them in our stride and learn from every bad experience too. Tracey Gold had once remarked, “I don't believe things happen in vain. I believe they happen for a reason.” Everything that happens to us in our lives happens for good and teaches us a lesson. Perhaps one should learn from every kind of experience whether good or bad. People who keep their chin up even in the most testing circumstances can always end up making a lot out of their lives.

Never regret anything that has happened in your life, it cannot be changed, undone or forgotten so take it as a lesson learned and move on. I've been walked on, used and forgotten and I don't regret one moment of it because in those moments, I've learned a lot. I've learned who I can trust and can't. I've learned the meaning of friendship. I've learned how to tell when people are lying and when they're sincere. I've learned how to be a teenager, and how to grow up when I need to. I've been to hell and back a few times, and I won't ever take what I have for granted. This is life, live it one day at a time. You never know how many days you've got left. At times I wish I could change the past...but sometimes the past changes you. I never regret anything that has happened to me in my life, whether it is making a bad choice, deciding to do something I shouldn’t have, saying the wrong thing or not doing something I should have done... because all of these things have given me the knowledge I have today and helped make me who I am today... and that is one thing I will never regret. Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from. Accept everything about yourself -- I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end -- no apologies, no regrets. Just keep smiling and pretending you're happy, and then maybe after you've convinced everyone else that you are, you can convince yourself.

Peter Eigen: How to expose the corrupt | Video on TED.com

Peter Eigen: How to expose the corrupt | Video on TED.com

The True Meaning of "I LOVE YOU."

Very Heart Touching !!

When U Were Only 5 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...
U Asked Me: "What Is It?"
When U Were 15 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Blushed.. U Look Down And Smile..
When U Were 20 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Put Ur Head On My Shoulder And Hold My Hand.. Afraid That I Might Dissapear..
When U Were 25 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Prepare Breakfast And Serve It In Front Of Me, And Kiss My Forhead N
Said : "U Better Be Quick, Is’s Gonna Be Late.."
When U Were 30 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Said: "If U Really Love Me, Please Come Back Early After Work.."
When U Were 40 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Were Cleaning The Dining Table And Said: "Ok Dear, But It’s Time For U To Help Our Child With His/Her Revision.."
When U Were 50 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Were Knitting And U Laugh At Me..
When U Were 60 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U....
U Smile At Me..
When U Were 70 Yrs Old. I Said I Love U....
We Sitting On The Rocking Chair With Our Glasses On.. I’m Reading Your Love Letter That U Sent To Me 50 Yrs Ago..With Our Hand Crossing Together..
When U Were 80 Yrs Old, U Said U Love Me!
I Didn’t Say Anything But Cried.

We may not express it but when we say "I Love You" we want our partner also to say the same... there are many ways of expressing love but nothing can play the same magic that these 3 words can play when said in return ♥ ♥

HOW YOU TREAT A WOMAN

She’s the one you call when you’re bored because she makes you laugh. She’s the one you talk to when you’re feeling down because she’s willing to lend an ear and be a friend. She’s not the one you call when you need a date to your company’s Christmas party, or to go dancing with on a Saturday night. She’s the one you spend time with between girlfriends, before you find “THE ONE.” You know, the one who you keep around in the mean time. She’s not one of the guys, not a tomboy, but you don’t look at her as a ‘real’ woman, either.

She’s not b****y enough, or moody enough to be seen in that light. She’s too laid-back; too easily amused by the same things your male buddies are amused by. She’s too understanding, too comfortable; she doesn’t make you feel nervous or excited the way a ‘real’ woman does. But she’s cool, and nice, and funny, and attractive enough that when you are lonely and need female companionship, she’ll do just fine. You don’t have to wine and dine her because she knows the real you already, and you don’t have any facades to keep up, no pretenses to preserve.

You are not trying to get anything of substance out of her, she’s not easy, but you know that she cares about you and is attracted to you, and that she’ll give you the friend you need. And you know you don’t have to explain yourself or the situation, that she’ll be able to cope with the fact that this isn’t the beginning of a relationship or that there’s any possibility that you have any real romantic feelings for her. It won’t bother her that you’ll go on a date with the woman you’ve been mooning over for weeks who finally agreed to go out with you.

She’ll settle for a goodbye hug and a promise to call her and tell her how the date went. She’s just so cool. But, deep down, if you really think about it (which probably you don’t because to you, the situation between the two of you isn’t important enough to merit any real thought), you know that it’s really not fair. You know that although she would never say it, it hurts her to know that despite all her good points and all the fun you two have, you don’t think she’s good enough to spend any real time with.

Sure, it’s mostly her fault, because she doesn’t have to give in to your needs. She could play the hard-to-get person like the rest of them do, if she really wanted to. But you and she both know that she probably couldn’t pull it off. Maybe she’s too short, or a little over-weight, or has a birthmark on her forehead, or works at Taco Bell. Whatever the reason, somehow life has given her a lot of really great qualities but has left out the ones that men want (or think they want) in a woman. So she remains forever the funny friend, the steadfast companion, and you go on searching for your goddess who will somehow be everything you ever wanted in a woman.

You’ll joke to her that she should be the best man at your wedding, and she’ll laugh and make a joke about a smelly rental tux. She doesn’t captivate you with her beauty, or open doors with her smile. Mainly she blends in with the crowd. She’s safe. She doesn’t want to be the center of attention and turn the heads of everyone in the room, but she certainly wants to turn someone’s head. She wants to be special to someone, too. We all do. She has feelings; she has a heart. In fact, she probably has a bigger and better heart than any woman you’ve ever known because she’s had a front-row seat to the MESS THAT IS YOUR LIFE, and she likes you anyway.

She obviously sees something worthwhile and redeeming in you because although you’ve given her nothing in return.

Scent of a Woman Speech

Answers to unusual questions asked!

To help the new wave of incoming students from India,
here are the proper answers to awkward questions asked everyday:

Q. What does that red dot on women's forehead mean?
A. Well, in ancient times, Indian men used to practice archery skills by target practicing by aiming at their wife's red dot. In fact, that is one of the reasons why they had many wives. You see, once they mastered the art of archery and hit the target....

Q. You're from India? I have read so much about the country. All the wonderful places, the forests, the snake charmers, the elephants. Do you still use elephants for transportation?
A. Absolutely. In fact we used to have our own elephant in our house. But later, we started participating in elephant-ride sharing schemes with our neighbors, to save the air. You see elephants have an "emissions" problem.....

Q. Does India have cars?
A. No. We ride elephants to work. The government is trying to
encourage ride-sharing schemes.

Q. Does India have TV?
A. No. We only have cable.

Q. Are all Indians vegetarian?
A. Yes. Even tigers are vegetarian in India.

Q. How come you speak English so well?
A. You see when the British were ruling India,they employed Indians
as servants. It took too long for the Indians to learn English.
So the British isolated an "English-language" gene and infused their servants' babies with it and since then all babies born are born speaking English.

Q. Are you a Hindi?
A. Yes. I am spoken everyday in Northern India.

Q. Do you speak Hindu?
A. Yes, I also speak Jewish, Islam and Christianity.

Q. Is it true that everyone there is very corrupt?
A. Yes, in fact, I had to bribe my parents so that they would
let me go to school.

Q. India is very hot, isn't it?
A. It is so hot there that all the water boils spontaneously.
That is why tea is such a popular drink in India.

Q. Are there any business companies in India?
A. No. All Indians live on the Gandhian prinicples of self-sufficiency.
We all make our own clothes and grow our own food. That is why you see all these thin skinny Indians -- it is is a lot of hard work.

Q. Indians cannot beef, huh?
A. Cows provide milk which is a very essential part of Indian diet.
So eating cows is forbidden. However in order to decrease the
population of the country, the government is trying to encourage
everyone to eat human meat.

Q. India is such a religious place. Do you meditate regularly?
A. Yes, sometimes I meditate for weeks without food and drink. But it is difficult to keep my job, because I have to miss work when I meditate like that. But the bosses there do the same thing.
That is why things are so inefficient there.

Q. I saw on TV that people there walk on burning coals. Why do they do that?
A. We don't have shoes. So we burn the botton of our feet to make it hard so that we can walk.

Q. Why do you sometimes wear Indian clothes to work?
A. I prefer it to coming naked.

AN OBITUARY

An Obituary printed in the London Times: Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he ... was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: - Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn't always fair; - and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights I Want It Now Someone Else Is To Blame I'm A Victim Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

THE VALUE OF A SMILE

It costs nothing, but creates much good.
It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it away.
It happens in a flash but the memory of it can last forever.
No one is so rich that he can get along without it.
No one is too poor to feel rich when receiving it.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friends.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen for it is something of no earthly good to anybody until it is given away willingly.

A TOUCH OF CLASS!

“Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident, and it can handle whatever comes along. Class has a sense of humor. It knows that a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations. Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from mistakes. Class knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices and minor inconveniences. Class bespeaks an aristocracy unrelated to ancestors or money. Some extremely wealthy people have no class at all, while others who are struggling to make ends meet are loaded with it. Class is real. You can't fake it. Class is comfortable in its own skin. It never puts on airs. Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not attempt to look better by making others look worse. Class can walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch. Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself. If you have class, you've got it made. If you don't have class, no matter what else you have, it won't make up for it.”

LET US LIVE FOR TODAY - LET US NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW.

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone!!

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise, whether in splendor or behind a mask of clouds. But it will rise. Until it does we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day: today.

Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down.

It is not necessarily the experience of today that disturbs one's peace of mind. It is oftentime the bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let us therefore live one day at a time.

LOVE IS MORE THAN WORDS...

Love is more than words....

There are times when we are timid and shy about expressing the love we feel. For fear of embarrassing the other person, or ourselves, we hesitate to say the actual words "I love you." So we try to communicate the idea in other words.

We say 'take care' or 'don't drive too fast' or 'be good.' But really, these are just other ways of saying 'I love you,' 'you are important to me,' 'I care what happens to you,' 'I don't want you to get hurt.'

We are sometimes very strange people. The only thing we want to say, and the one thing that we should say, is the one thing we don't say. And yet, because the feeling is so real, and the need to say it is so strong, we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we really mean. And many times the meaning never gets communicated at all and the other person is left feeling unloved and unwanted.

Therefore, we have to LISTEN FOR LOVE in the words that people are saying to us. Sometimes the explicit words are necessary, but more often, the manner of saying things is even more important. A joyous insult carries more affection and love within the sentiments which are expressed insincerely.

An impulsive hug says I LOVE YOU even though the words might be saying very different.

Any expression of a person's concern for another says I love you. Sometimes the expression is clumsy, sometimes even cruel. Sometimes we must look and listen very intently for the love that contains. But it is often there, beneath the surface.

A mother may nag her son constantly about his grades or cleaning his room. The son may hear only the nagging, but if he listens carefully, he will hear the love underneath the nagging. His mother wants him to do well, to be successful. Her concern and love for her son unfortunately emerge in her nagging. But it is love all the same.

A daughter comes home way past her curfew, and her father confronts her with angry words. The daughter may hear only the anger, but if she listen carefully, she will hear the love under the anger. "I was worried about you," the father is saying. 'Because I care about you and I love you. You are important to me.'

We say I love you in many ways - with birthday gifts, and little notes, with smiles and sometimes with tears. Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a word, at other times by speaking out, even brusquely. We show our love sometimes by impulsiveness. Many times we have to show our love by forgiving someone who has not listened to the love we have tried to express.

The problem in listening for love is that we don't always understand the language of love which the other person is using. A girl may use tears or emotions to say what she wants to say, and her boyfriend may not understand her because he expects her to be talking his language. Thus, we have to force ourselves to really listen for love.

The problem with our world is that people rarely listen to each other. They hear the words, but they don't listen to the actions that accompany the words or the expression on the face. Or people listen only for rejection or misunderstanding. They do not see the love that is there just beneath the surface, even if the words are angry. We have to listen for love in those around us.

If we listen intently we will discover that we are a lot more loved than we realize. Listen for love and we will find that the world is a very loving place, after all.

LOVE is a happy thing.
It makes us laugh.
It makes us sing.
It makes us sad.
It makes us cry.
It makes us seek the reason why.
It makes us take.
It makes us give.
Above all else it makes us LIVE.

It is not the presence or absence of people that makes the difference because a person need not be lonely even if he is alone. Sometimes it is good to be alone. But that does not make us lonely. It is not a matter of being present WITH someone. It is a matter of being present TO someone.

So remember...If you love someone, tell them. Remember always to say what you mean. Never be afraid to express yourself. Take this opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you. Seize the day and have no regrets.

Most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today and are what it's all about anyway.

THE ESSENCE OF LEARNING

As quoted by Vernon Howard - “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” How true these words sound. Here is a short quote by Andy Rooney that I wish to share with you, friends.

I've learned.... 
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... 
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... 
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... 
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... 
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... 
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... 
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... 
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... 
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... 
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... 
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... 
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... 
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... 
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... 
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned.... 
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... 
That when you plan to get even with someone; you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... 
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... 
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... 
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... 
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned.... 
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with him or her.

I've learned.... 
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... 
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... 
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... 
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned.... 
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... 
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... 
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned.... 
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... 
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I've learned.... 
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Instead By P. E. Calleja

Life can be more interesting when you learn to interchange the small things that matter the most in practical life. Friends, I found this inspirational writing by P. E. Calleja. which I am sure all of you could put to practical use in your daily life.

Do not think of what you do not have; 
 Instead, appreciate what you have and can still have.

Do not think of things lost; 
 Instead, value what you still have and may yet find.

Do not cry over spilled milk; 
 instead, rejoice in what was left.

Do not think of what you are not; 
 instead, be humble with what you are and can still become.

Do not think of what others say you are; 
 instead, concern yourself with what you affirm to be.

Do not think of the hours and days past; 
 Instead, look eagerly to times that are yet to come.

Do not think of what you failed to do; 
 Instead, think of those that you were able to do and can still best do.

Do not think of mistakes committed; 
 Instead, count the things you did right.

Do not think much of the pain you have caused; 
 Instead, plan for ways to make amends.

Do not think of the sufferings you now bear; 
 instead, look to the comfort when relief draws near.

Do not consume yourself with thoughts of what could have been; 
Instead, marvel at what has become and will become.

Do not be anxious to attain greater happiness; 
Instead, content yourself with the little things which bring you bliss.

Do not aspire to fill your cup at once; 
Instead, have the patience to do it little by little.

And if by chance you fail, do not fret over the empty part on top; 
 Instead, celebrate the space filled up.

Do not condemn nature when it is at its worst; 
Instead, think of the times when it was at its best.

Do not blame luck for things you miss; 
 Instead, learn from things in which you have been remiss.

Nor should you curse luck or others for life's misfortunes; 
Instead, accept them as part of life.

I say then, live fully, die a little, 
 learn much but question less.

Have just enough but give much more, 
 be contented each time to crave much less.

Doubt less and affirm a lot, 
Understand more, and be understood less.

Worry a little but hope you must, 
 Accept all, resist the least.

For all things happen, 
 in due time they must.

DEATH OF AN INNOCENT

This story that I send across to you friends reminds me of a quote by Augustine J. Duganne - "Pleasure which must be enjoyed at the expense of another's pain, can never be enjoyed by a worthy mind. Pleasure's couch is virtues grave."

Please read this story where an innocent child is brutally killed due to the fault of excessive drinking.

I went to a party, Mom,
 I remembered what you said.
 You told me not to drink, Mom,
 so I drank soda instead.
 I really felt proud inside, Mom,
 the way you said I would.
 I didn't drink and drive, Mom,
 even though the others said I should.
 I know I did the right thing, Mom,
 I know you are always right.
 Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
 as everyone is driving out of sight.
 As I got into my car, Mom,
 I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
 so responsible and sweet. I started to drive away, Mom, 
but as I pulled out into the road,
 the other car didn't see me, Mom, 
and hit me like a load.
 As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
 I hear the policeman say,
"The other guy is drunk," Mom,
 and now I'm the one who will pay.
 I'm lying here dying, Mom....
I wish you'd get here soon.
 How could this happen to me, Mom?
 My life just burst like a balloon.
 There is blood all around me, Mom,
 and most of it is mine.
 I hear the medic say, Mom,
 I'll die in a short time.
 I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
 I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom.
 The others didn't think.
 He was probably at the same party as I.
 The only difference is, he drank
 and I will die. Why do people drink, Mom?
 It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now.
 Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
 and I don't think it's fair.
 I'm lying here dying
 and all he can do is stare.
 Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
 Tell Daddy to be brave.
 And when I go to heaven, Mom,
 put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.
 Someone should have told him, Mom,
 "Not to drink and drive.
" If only they had told him, Mom,
 I would still be alive.
 My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
 I'm becoming very scared.
 Please don't cry for me, Mom.
 When I needed you,
 you were always there.
 I have one last question, Mom.
 Before I say good bye.
 I didn't drink and drive,
 so why am I the one to die?

YOU'VE TO DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then, we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. 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. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - REAL LIFE. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then, life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. 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. Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die -- to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.