Showing posts with label values. Show all posts
Showing posts with label values. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines day

My wish is that for all of you that today is a day that you take the time to tell the people who are important to you that you care for them and how much they mean to you. I have many people in my life that I care for and I feel lucky to have these people in my life.

When we were younger, many of us looked forward to giving and getting Valentine cards, because they were, for some of us, an indicator of what others thought of us and that people cared about us.

Reach out, tell someone that you care for them, enjoy the day and keep in mind that any act of kindness will be appreciated and perhaps rewarded by the universe.

Happy Valentines day to all my friends, family, and readers.

Friday, August 27, 2010

You Just Never Know

Flowers are words even a baby can understand. 

At the opening night of the theater play, it is customary to give the members of the cast flowers to say great job and to signify your appreciation for the work they  have done to make your evening memorable. It would be nice if we showed our appreciation for the people who make our days memorable. Not with flowers, perhaps, but with words of thanks and words of praise for a job well done.

We come in contact every day with people who, while doing their job, make us feel welcome, who serve us, who answer our questions and help us, yet, I think very few of us, take the time to say thank you. I know that some of  you would say, these people are only doing their jobs and so why should I recognize them, unless they go out of their way. We never know what burdens the others have to carry and so we can I submit make their live better by saying thank you or giving praise.

The following story was sent to me, I think you might enjoy it.

You Just Never Know


Author Unknown

Bill worked in a factory on a production line, he was a big, awkward, homely guy. He dressed oddly with ill-fitting clothes. There were several fellow workers who thought it smart to make fun of him.


One day one fellow worker noticed a small tear in his shirt and gave it a small rip. Another worker in the factory added his bit, and before long there was quite a ribbon of cloth dangling. Bill went on about his work and as he passed too near a moving belt the shirt strip was sucked into the machinery. In a split second the sleeve and Bill was in trouble. Alarms were sounded, switches pulled, and trouble was avoided.


The foreman then summoned all the workers and related this story:

In my younger days I worked in a small factory. That's when I first met Mike. He was big and witty, was always making jokes, and playing little pranks. Mike was a leader. Then there was Peter who was a follower. He always went along with Mike. And then there was a man named Murray. He was a little older than the rest of us - quiet, harmless, apart. He always ate his lunch by himself.

He wore the same patched trousers for three years straight. He never entered into the games we played at noon, wrestling, horseshoes and such. He appeared to be indifferent, always sitting quietly alone under a tree instead. Murray was a natural target for practical jokes.

He might find a live frog in his lunch box, or a dead spider in his hat. But he always took it in good humour. Then one autumn, when things were quiet in the factory, Mike took off a few days to go hunting. Peter went along, of course. And they promised all of us that if they got anything they'd bring us each a piece.

So we were all quite excited when we heard that they'd returned and that Mike had got a really big buck. We heard more than that. Peter could never keep anything to himself, and it leaked out that they had real whopper to play on Murray. Mike had cut up the buck and had made a nice package for each of us. And, for the laugh, for the joke of it, he had saved the ears, the tail, the hoofs - it would be so funny when Murray unwrapped them.

Mike distributed his packages during the lunch break. We each got a nice piece, opened it, and thanked him. The biggest package of all he saved until last. It was for Murray. Peter was all but bursting; and Mike looked very smug. Like always, Murray sat by himself; he was on the far side of the big table. Mike pushed the package over to where he could reach it; and we all sat and waited.

Murray was never one to say much. You might never know that he was around for all the talking he did. In three years he'd never said more than hundred words. So we were all quite astounded with what happened next. He took the package firmly in his grip and rose slowly to his feet. He smiled broadly at Mike - and it was then we noticed that his eyes were glistening. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down for a moment and then he got control of himself.

'I knew you wouldn't forget me,' he said gratefully, 'I knew you'd come through! You're big and you're playful, but I knew all along that you had a good heart.'

He swallowed again, and then took in the rest of us. 'I know I haven't seemed too chummy with you men; but I never meant to be rude. You see, I've got nine kids at home - and a wife that's been an invalid - bedridden now for four years. She ain't ever going to get any better. And sometimes when she's real bad off, I have to sit up all night to take care of her. And most of my wages have had to go for doctors and medicine.


The kids do all they can to help out, but at times it's been hard to keep food in their mouths. Maybe you think it's funny that I go off by myself to eat my lunch. Well, I guess I've been a little ashamed, because I don't always have anything between my sandwich. Or like today - maybe there's only a raw turnip in my lunch box. But I want you to know that this meat really means a lot to me. Maybe more than to anybody here because tonight my kids' ... as he wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand ... 'tonight my kids will have a really good meal.'

He tugged at the string. We'd been watching Murray so intently we hadn't paid much notice to Mike and Peter. But we all noticed them now, because they both tried to grab the package. But they were too late. Murray had broken the wrapper and was already surveying his present. He examined each hoof, each ear, and then he held up the tail. It wiggled limply. It should have been so funny, but nobody laughed - nobody at all.

But the hardest part was when Murray looked up and said 'Thank you' while trying to smile. Silently one by one each man moved forward carrying his package and quietly placed it in front of Murray for they had suddenly realised how little their own gift had really meant to them, until now.


This was where the foreman left the story and the men. He didn't need to say any more; but it was gratifying to notice that as each man ate his lunch that day, they shared part with Bill and one fellow even took off his shirt and gave it to him.

THINK, BE KIND ALWAYS...YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS FACING IN THEIR LIVES!

Friday, July 16, 2010

dreamers

The following is adapted from the Inner Bonding Website

The world needs the dreamers, those people who have faith in themselves and the world and who can see the possiblilites of life. However many of us are held back and even though we dream, we fail to act on those dreams. There are many reasons not to act, here are a few that our self talk may say to us to destroy our dreams:

I cannot do that.
I am too old.
It is too late.
It is pie in the sky.
It is not that important.

Subconsciously we hold our dreams back when there are deep unhealed false beliefs that are telling us that we have some kind of limitation. We are not good enough. We are not talented enough. It is not our time yet. Or we need to work very hard.

When we were very young, we expressed our dreams and visions freely, and some of us, instead of being supported got squashed, judged or ridiculed by our caregivers, teachers or friends.

Were you told?
How you dare to ask for that?
I do not have this and that.
I had to give up so much.
Who do you think you are?
Stop dreaming. Hard work is the only thing that matters.

As children we had a choice to either pursue our dream and lose others, or forget our dream and lose ourselves. Most of us had to go with a second choice. Once we silenced our dreaming self, also a source of our creativity and magic, it goes into hiding and stops sharing. This is one of the reason why so many people say: I do not know what I am passionate about. What if I do not have passion at all? I do not know what brings me joy. What if I have to work really hard to figure it out?

If you want to reconnect with your dreaming self you need intent and discipline. You must be willing to stop following dreams that belong to others. You must be willing not to fall under the spell of people who are telling you what you need to do and how. No matter how hard you try to follow what others are telling you still joy and magic will be lacking from your life.

You must be willing to heal false beliefs and become an adult that the child needed to begin with. The adult who is loving, caring, attentive, gentle, curious, supportive and safe. Dreaming self will not show up after a few times when you were in a good and supportive mood. Remember it went hiding as there was no consistent support and safety. However if a loving adult offers a loving hand many times it will accept it. You will experience a boost of joy and good energy. Suddenly you will know what you like, and what you REALY like. There is clarity, and all kind of ideas pop up in your mind. You will remember all the things that you have put aside with explanation: Once time is right.

Sometimes dreaming self needs your permission to fully shine the light out. Here is the permission that Ivanka Jankovic has written to her dreaming self since she was still very hesitant to fully express herself.



Sweetie you do not need to hide any more. Your hiding is over. I give you permission to be who you are. You can have anything you want. You can share anything with me. You can express your dreams. I will fully support you, and I will listen to you. I will be there every step of the way. I am interested to hear what you would like to share.


It is your time now to play, enjoy and relax. You do not need to wait for anyone else until their dreams come true. You are not responsible if they get triggered and feel threatened. People who do not embrace their dreams, will always get triggered by someone who dares to dream and I will handle those situations. You just need to be fully yourself. Shine out your light. We are welcoming you. You are safe, loved and supported.


When you reconnect with your dreaming self and start following your deep dreams Spirit steps up to help. You will meet people that are on a similar path and love to support others and their authentic dreams. And that is true magic and remember you can then join in and experience the magic of the moment.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I Wish For You...

Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
And if you can't have all that...

Then I wish you enough chocolate and wine
to make it through the tough times...
by Unknown
A 'friend' sent this to me...
but I took the privilege of adding "and wine" ;)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

here are 21 things to remember

I am not sure who gave the following to me, but I have it pinned to the wall in my office and I read it every day I hope you enjoy this
21 things to remember
1. No one can ruin your day without your permission
2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.
3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.
4. Whatever you are willing o put up with, is exactly what you will have.
5. Success stops when you do
6. When your ship comes in....make sure you are willing to unload it
7. You will never "have it all together."
8. Life is a journey....not a destination. Enjoy the trip!
9. The biggest lie on the planet:  "When I get what I want, I will be happy."
10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.
11. I've learned that ultimately, "takers" lose and "givers" win.
12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.
13.  If you don't start, it is certain you will not arrive.
14. We often fear the thing we want the most.
15. She or He or laughs.........lasts.
16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.
17. Look for opportunities...not guarantees.
18. Life is what is coming..........not what was
19. Success is getting up one more time.
20.  now is the most interesting time of all.
21. When things go wrong......don't go with them.

Monday, June 28, 2010

I HOPE YOU CELEBRATE AND HAVE A GREAT CANADA DAY

Port Coquitlam, where I live, every year hosts a series of wonderful celebrations of our National Day.
Port Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, and every year I join the thousands of others in Castle Park to watch the Fireworks, I invite you to join our wonderful community salute Canada Day.  If you are not in the area, I recommend you find out what your community is doing and join in on the celebrations. We live in the best country in the world and we should be celebrating this fact.  Events listed Below

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Fishing Derby in Lions Park  8 - 11:30am
A great opportunity for youth 12 and under to test their fishing skills. Prizes and lots of family fun! Breakfast available on site by the Port Coquitlam Lions Club.

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast in Lions Park  8 - 11:30am
Enjoy a great start to Canada Day with a delicious breakfast served by the local Lions Club.

Castle Park  12 noon - Dusk

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Community Showcase
  • Musical Entertainment
  • International Bazaar
  • Grande Finale Fireworks
Opening Ceremonies & Cake Cutting 12:00 Noon

Community Showcase: 12:30 -5:30

Children’s Activities: 12:30 -5:30

International Bazaar: 12:30 – 5:30

Firefighters’ Salmon Barbeque: 4pm start
This Canada Day favourite is being served once again by our local firefighters. Proceeds go to the Burn Fund

Evening Entertainment: 6 -10 pm
 TBA

Grande Finale Fireworks: Dusk
Enjoy the spectacular thrill of fireworks coordinated by the Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services.

Free Shuttle Service
A free shuttle bus service will be provided between Castle Park and the West Coast Express parking lot on Kingsway Avenue, every half hour from 11:30 am to midnight. Extra free parking is available at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, 2150 Wilson Avenue

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Types of change

I was thinking about changes as I wrestled with a problem a while back and realized that I had to make a decision between two types of change offered to me. The first was an incremental change that would cause a small shift in process and procedures, but would not cause any radical shift to occur. The change although small would however, take the group I was making the decision for in a different direction but this would be done over time. Slow change is comfortable, easy to get used to and not a shock to the mind or body and easy to handle especially in these unsettled times. The other change was a more dramatic shift, dealing with unknowns and would cause the group to change more quickly. This type of change is unsettling, can be dramatic and is unsettling. When I was younger there would have been no hesitation on my part, I would have gone for the dramatic change and not even thought too long about it. However, as I mature, (not grow older) I had to think carefully about how my decision would influence and affect others, perhaps I am getting more empathetic as I become wiser :-0, who knows.

The decision was not easy and I spend a great deal of time weighing pros and cons, examining possible consequences, and went through some not sleepless but restless nights. I finally made the same decision I would have made in my youth, and who knows where the path will lead.  I am comfortable in the decision and comfortable with the change that will happen. Success is making wise decisions and part of doing that is relying on good information, time and I still think going with your first instincts. How do you make decisions and are you comfortable with the results of the decisions?

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Thoughts on the environment

Today on my thought for the day  from my  Buddhist readings I read:

It is our earth, not yours or mine or his. We are meant to live on it, helping each other, not destroying each other. - J. Krishnamurti...

As I read the stories of the disaster that is shaping up in the Gulf I think these words have some meaning, I know there will be quick to lay blame and take up the rally that the people responsible should be punished. There will be time for authorities to investigate latter now is the time for people to help.

In BC the government of the day appears to be at least thinking of allowing oil rigs off the North Coast, and perhaps this is a wake up call to them to not move in that directions. In BC there appears to have been an abandonment of the principles of environmental stewardship by both the Federal and the Provincial governments. We have fish farming that appears to write checks to support the government in power so they can ignore the science and destroy our wild fisheries. We have companies who support the government apparently being given free reign in the run of rivers hydro projects that are destroying local rivers and wild live to sell power to our southern neighbours. We have Can West Global Media that controls the Major newspapers in BC and most of the local papers as well as one of the three major TV stations that does not appear to report anything that is anti-government so the majority of the public in BC are not aware of many of the major issues. The Blogs that I read and recommend to you are helping to set the record straight, but I am not a political blogger, I will leave that to the passionate people who I have linked to here.  Boomers took on challenges and fought hard to build a more compassionate society. Over time we became complacent and focused on the task of consuming not caring about others. As our society goes through the normal economic cycles of boom and bust, we are becoming more fearful and as we do we forget what we, at one time stood for. I am hopeful that the boomers will start to reconsider their consumption and start to reconnect to the values we held true in our youth. When we do, look out, we will come back with a roar:-)