Let's share things here that we find inspiring.. to make life easier...

Something that you've found that helps, or... whatever you feel encouraged and inspired by, and that gives you something to feel a little hopeful about..

I just posted this in another thread.. and thought it might be inspiring for others too..

While we may not be able to do anything all in one day to change what's happening for us, we can do something that brings a little patch of something that we can enjoy or feel a little better about.. because there are ways to create times that are easier and better for each of us..

I've been thinking about how, if we don't make choices about what we DO want in life, and what we WANT to have happen, then life is going to toss in a few options of it's own, and they're not always/usually fun to have happen..

So.. if we choose things, and especially choose things that we enjoy, then we're driving our lives.. and as the icing on the top, we're creating some fun.. and all it needs to start this, is that we make one - just one - decision.. like... Today, I'm going to..... - whatever brings you some enjoyment - could be anything from have a lovely warm bath with a candle burning, going out to visit a friend, a walk, picking some flowers, going for coffee, a movie, going to the beach.. can be something small with no cost, or spend something to do something else..

So then, today, we've made something nice happen for ourselves - so today wasn't ALL hard-stuff - we did something that was fun..

And what's more, we made ourselves a nice memory..

A very Dear Friend died almost 7 years ago - she shared experiences and hard times that a number of us here have.. yet one of the things she set out to do each day, was to find something to do that was fun..

I remember her for many things, and that's one of the best of many inspirations that she left me with.. rest peacefully Dear Friend..

Hugs all.. x

And... for parents of teenagers, and any-age kids..

Through times when my Kid's were challenging for me, I tried to remind myself - the behaviours they're doing now, will be attributes that I'll admire in them when they're adults - strength, ability to stand up for themselves, to speak up for themselves, being stubborn about being themselves, or doing something they really believe in.. for fighting for what is right for them.. etc..etc..

And all the while, they're learning resilience and tenacity and strength and courage and how to support themselves, and be there for themselves.. how to argue fairly - arguing the point, not the person or getting personal..

All wonderful things.. cos we're not growing kids.. we're growing adults..

Not always easy when they're trying all those things out on us, their parents.. one day you'll look at them and think, wow.. those times that were difficult, they were learning all this.. from me.. Wow..

Thanks Books'
I for one really appreciate seeing your ideas above, I will return to see them often.
Its not easy bringing up children.

And, when we are suffering depression, and all the bits that go with that it can be even harder, so having some pearls from someone who has been there ahead of us, is wonderful.

This is also what I am able to draw from at AA meetings. The hope I gain from others who are further along the road than I is so much help.

I love to read inspirations. But.....I cant seem to retain much I read....Grrr.

Another thing that helps me keep myself together, in more ways than just drink wise is the serenity prayer.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Apricot

Hi Apricot :-)

The prayer is something I think of at times too.. especially for the 'things I cannot change' part - it makes it easier to accept the hard stuff sometimes.. though those times are never easy..

Take gentle care..

A Quote from our lovely Daze:

"Just accept the tears and feelings of worthlessness. They're just thoughts - not who you are...'

'You don't have to be perfect to belong in this place..
You don't have to have all the answers..
Or always know the right thing to say..
You can climb the highest mountain if you want...
Or quietly imagine that you might some day..
You can take chances..
Or take safety nets..
Make miracles..
Or make mistakes..
You don't have to be bold or certain to be brave..
You don't have to have all the answers here..
Or even know who you want to be..
Just take my hand...
...................and rest your heart....
.........................................and stay awhile.....'

'Courage doesn't always roar..
Sometimes its just a little voice at the end of the day that says I"ll try again tomorrow....'

'Dont undermine your worth by comparing yourself to others..
It is because we are different that each one of us is special..'

'A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks.
When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be.
Each unveils the best part of the other.
No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise.
Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction.
When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person.
Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.'

From 'The Bridge Across Forever'
By Richard Bach - Author of Johnathon Livingston Seagull..

'Our Greatest Fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I, to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."


Written by Marianne Williamson and spoken by Nelson Mandela.. an inspirational speech...

'Do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do...'

With respect for Sir Edmund Hillary:

"I've been thinking of how it is that there is the respect for him, and pride in him, that so many of us have..
I think it's more than the quality and number of his remarkable achievements..
I think it's that he's a person who inspires others - simply - and with integrity - by being himself.. a boy who grew up in South Auckland, who went after his dreams and made them goals.. and then acted on those goals - and made them happen..
There will be a part in each and every one of us that can tap into the role model he was, is, and probably will always be - to use that inspiration to dream our own dreams, to form those dreams into goals.. then make them happen..
He's our guide, our inspiration.. and we can follow his inspiration to achieve our own dreams..'

I wrote this on the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, 11 January 2008

'I'll Be Here..

'I cannot ease your aching heart..
Nor take your pain away..
But let me stay..
And take your hand..
And walk with you today..
I'll listen when you need to talk..
I'll wipe away your tears..
I'll share your worries when they come..
I'll help you face your fears..
I'm here and I will stand by you..
On each hill you have to climb..
So take my hand..
Let's face the world..
And live just one day at a time..
You're not alone..
For I'm still here..
I'll go that extra mile..
And when your grief is easier..
I'll help you learn to smile......'

'Don't Quit .......

'When things go wrong, as they sometimes will..
When the road you’re trudging, seems all up hill..
When funds are low, and the debts are high..
And you want to smile.. but you have to sigh..
When care is pressing you down a bit..
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit..

Life is strange with its twists and turns..
As every one of us sometimes learns..
And many a failure turns about..
When he might have won had he stuck it out..

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow..
You may succeed with another blow..
Success is failure turned inside out ..
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt..

And you never can tell how close you are..
It may be near when it seems so far..
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit..
It’s when things seem worst..
That you must not quit..'

Posted by Daze in TM..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward
to retelling it in her old age....


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect..but it's over...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone even if she doesn't like it...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish
in a day...
a month...
and a year...


... Maya Angelou

'Over time…


You learn the subtle difference

Between holding within

And chaining your soul

You learn that loving doesn’t mean leaning

And company isn’t security…


You learn that kisses aren’t contracts

And presents aren’t promises -

And even sunshine burns

If you stand too long in one place


After a while you begin to accept your lessons

With your head up - and your eyes open

With the grace of a Woman

With belief in yourself…


And you learn to build your roads on today…

So, you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul…

You learn that with every good-bye comes the dawn.

And you learn you can endure...


And you learn…

You really do have worth... '

'BEGIN AGAIN..

One of the best things we can do in our lives is this:

"Begin Again"

Begin to see yourself as you were
When you were the happiest and strongest you've ever been.

Begin to remember what worked for you
(and what worked against you),
And try to capture the magic again.

Begin to remember how natural it was when you were a child -
To live a lifetime each day.

Begin to forget the baggage you have carried with you for years:
The problems that don't matter anymore,
The tears that cried themselves away,
And the worries that are going to wash away
On the shore of tomorrow's new beginnings.

Tomorrow tells us it will be here every new day of our lives'
And if we will be wise,
And will turn away from the problems of the past
And give the future - and ourselves - a chance
To become the best of friends.

Sometimes all it takes is a wish in the heart to let yourself--

"Begin Again."

------Collin McCarty

'When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you were worried

And I learnt to be worried too..

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you were stressed

and I learnt to be stressed too..

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you eating healthy meals

and I learnt to eat healthy meals too

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you rest when you needed to

and I learnt to rest myself and take care of myself too..


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang up my first painting on the wall.

I wanted to paint another one.

When you saw I wasn't looking, I watch the way you worked, ate, talked, walked, listened, heard

I learnt the right ways to do things


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you smile at my new friend.

I wanted to be kind to people too.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favourite dinner when I'd failed a test.

I found supporting people was important.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you count to ten when you got really mad.

I learned to control my anger so others don't get hurt.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight.

I felt loved. I learned how to love and that loving is important.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you look at me with pride.

I wanted to be everything that I could be.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I did look...

Thanks for all the things I saw that have taught me how to live.'

'Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Princess.


Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.


Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum, I can't go to school looking like this!)


Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"- and decides she's going out anyway.

Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - and decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's going out anyway.

Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - and says, "I'm going and goes out anyway.

Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.


Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. And goes out and conquers the world.

Age 70: She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and ability. And goes out and enjoys life.


Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. She puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.


Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier?'......

'When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we
look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us..'

'It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it..
It's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives..'

Dawn...

They always are
Who sit and gaze
Somehow happier
Along the way.

Come sit with me
And look out there
Across the water
Smooth and clear.

It’s daybreak – look the sky is changing
And through behind, you can see the sun.
Orange, yellow, pink and grey
Colours reflecting, one by one.

The Pohutukawa stands silhouetted
As the colour comes shining through
Seagulls floating, quietly resting
See them there – there’s quite a few.

Trees reflected across the way
Tall and windblown – pines are they.
Seabreeze gusts have shaped them angled
Branches reaching and some that dangle.

The many calls of morning birds
Sound from all around
A kingfisher on the wall just there
Blackbirds, Thrushes, all abound.

A tiny Sparrow has come to see
Nifty twisting and darting bright
Are there breadcrumbs left for him?
He flits away and out of sight.

Just a wisp of drifting mist
A mistiness of softest grey
Can you see it – just out there?
Crossing now, across our gaze.

The sun is so much brighter now
Shadows’ form as it shines on through.
Good morning Mr Sunshine there –
It’s good you’re there – hello to you.

The dewdrops on the blades of grass
Tell Winter’s story – it’s here at last –
Tiny droplets like tiny stars
Signal morning and a night that’s past.

Blue is there up in the sky
The day is formed – the day is bright
Another dawn is now no longer
And gone again another night.

So sit with me and stay awhile
And contemplate out there the view
It’s Nature there, in all her glory
Wondrous, sure – each day anew…'


I wrote this one beautiful dawn... in memory of a very special place..

A Philosophy...

'Life's pathway brings opportunities for me to learn and grow as a person.

Creating these opportunities leads to experiencing life on a more profound level, resulting in depths of knowing, compassion and understanding, for myself and others.

I learn, grow and am strengthened by all my relationships - valuing, listening, sharing, and time together bring meaning and clarity.

Living with integrity and being open to choices and possibilities bring opportunities to make a difference.'

Written 20 February 2004

Thank you so much Books for sharing your words.

Words are powerful, thank you for placing them gently on paper for us to read and to inspire.

I thank you this morning because your words have touched me deeply and given me a boost of hope. Arohanui

Poetry

Yes thank you Books for all the things you have written here and for starting this thread. Thanks for sharing your own poetry. Poetry is very personal and we are lucky that you share yours with us.