Monday, May 27, 2024

Words and more words

 In the depths of silence

Where the words reside

A symphony of whispers

Waiting to be untied

Unspoken dreams dancing in the moonlit air

A tapestry of emotions

Woven with utmost care


The pen

A conduit

Pouring feelings like rain

A language of the soul

Where thoughts are unchained

Each syllable a brushstroke

Painting vivid scenes

Unleashing the power hiding within the seams

 

Words have power

They ignite the spark (ignite the spark)

They speak the truth

Lighting up the dark (up the dark)

An echo of emotion

Resonating deep inside (inside)

Through the verses

Our hearts collide

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Some quotes for my grandson

 1.              It doesn’t matter what other people think. Not everyone is going to always support you 100% but as long as you are doing you and you know that you’re becoming a better person then that’s what’s important.

2.              Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams.

3.              Any challenge is a lever for personal growth. What’s most critical is how you evolve and grow as a result of the attempt.

4.              Winning is fun … Sure. But winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point. Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.

5.              "Success is not just about winning; it's about the journey of becoming your best self”

6.              "Believe in yourself, take the leap of faith and watch the universe conspire to make your dreams a reality."

7.              "It's not about what others think, it's about what you think of yourself. Prove yourself wrong, not them."

8.              "Don't let the fear of what others think hold you back from achieving your dreams. You got this!"

9.              "It's not about winning or losing; it's about being true to yourself and giving it your all."

10.          "Don't let the opinions of others define your worth. You are more than enough, no matter what they say."

11.          "Chase your dreams, not the approval of others. Your success is not defined by their standards."

12.          "You are capable of greatness. Don't let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise."

13.          "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. Don't let the opinions of others dull your passion."

14.          "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Don't let fear hold you back."

15.          "The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday. Don't compare yourself to others."

16.          "Your dreams are worth fighting for. Don't give up, no matter how hard it gets."

17.          "You don't have to have it all figured out. Just take the next step and trust the process."

18.          "Your worth is not defined by your achievements. You are valuable and deserving of love and respect, no matter what."

19.          "You are the author of your own story. Don't let others write your narrative for you."

20.          "Your dreams are waiting for you. Don't let the opinions of others keep you from achieving them. Go for it!"

21.          "Setbacks are setups for comebacks. Keep pushing forward!"

22.          "The only limit to your achievements is the extent of your determination."

23.          "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Stay dedicated!"

24.          "Champions are made in the moments when nobody is watching. Keep grinding!"

25.          "Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. Your belief is your greatest strength."

 

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Don't worry be happy

 Happiness is often misunderstood as the ultimate goal of life, but in reality, it's more of a byproduct of how we live our lives and the choices we make.

Happiness often arises from leading a purposeful life rather than seeking happiness directly. For example, someone who volunteers at a local shelter may find deep fulfillment in helping others, which leads to a sense of happiness as a consequence of their meaningful actions. Many people believe that helping others will make them happy. While this may be true in the short term, research has shown that the relationship between helping others and happiness is more complex. While helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, it is not always the case that it leads to increased happiness.

Meaningful relationships and social connections contribute significantly to happiness. People who prioritize building strong connections with friends, family, and community often experience greater levels of happiness. For instance, a close-knit family that regularly gathers for meals and activities tends to foster happiness among its members. People often believe that finding the perfect partner or having a certain number of friends will make them happy. However, research has shown that the quality of relationships is more important than the quantity. Having a few close, supportive relationships is more beneficial to well-being than having a large social network.

Many people believe that having more money will make them happy. However, research has shown that once basic needs are met, additional wealth does not necessarily lead to greater happiness. In fact, an excessive focus on material wealth can lead to negative consequences such as stress, social isolation, and decreased well-being.

Whether in personal development, career achievements, or learning new skills, can lead to a sense of satisfaction and happiness. For example, someone who sets and achieves meaningful goals, such as completing a marathon or mastering a musical instrument, experiences happiness as a result of their efforts and progress.

Happiness is also intertwined with emotional resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges effectively. Individuals who practice resilience techniques, such as mindfulness or cognitive reframing, often have a more positive outlook on life and experience happiness even during difficult times.

Cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness can enhance one's ability to find joy in everyday experiences. For instance, keeping a gratitude journal or regularly practicing mindfulness meditation can increase awareness of moments that bring happiness, such as enjoying a beautiful sunset or sharing a laugh with a friend.

Prioritizing holistic well-being, including physical health, mental wellness, and work-life balance, contributes significantly to overall happiness. For example, someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious eating, and sufficient rest is likely to experience higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. People may believe that achieving a certain goal, such as getting a promotion or running a marathon, will make them happy. However, research has shown that the process of pursuing a goal, rather than the achievement itself, is what leads to increased well-being. Focusing on personal growth and self-improvement can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.

In summary, happiness is not an end in itself but rather a means to achieving greater things. It is a byproduct of living a fulfilling life, pursuing personal growth, and finding meaning and purpose. While it is important to strive for happiness, it is equally important to recognize that it is not the only goal in life.

By understanding that happiness is not an end goal but rather a consequence of how we live our lives, we can focus on cultivating meaningful experiences, relationships, personal growth, and well-being, which ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Friday, May 24, 2024

Words are events they change things

 I was reading my twice-weekly post from The Marginalian by Maria Popova <newsletter@brainpickings.org > and Maria in her first article of the post called "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows: Uncommonly Lovely Invented Words for What We Feel but Cannot Name." started with this quote:

 Words are events, they do things, change things. They transform both speaker and hearer; they feed energy back and forth and amplify it. They feed understanding or emotion back and forth and amplify them, by Ursula K. Le Guin,

I love Maria's work because it makes me think outside the box and she challenges my thinking. If you are not a subscriber of hers you should check her out. 

This statement beautifully captures the dynamic power of words in shaping our experiences and interactions. In essence, Le Guin's statement emphasizes that words are not passive symbols but active agents that shape our thoughts, feelings, and interactions, ultimately influencing the course of our lives.

Words have power. They have the power to transform, to change to feed energy and amplify it. They have the power to create understanding and evoke emotions. 

Words are events Words are not just random sounds or written symbols. They hold meaning, and when used effectively, they can create a significant impact. They can be used to convey ideas, tell stories, share experiences, and express emotions. Words can inspire, motivate, educate, and entertain. They have the power to move people, to make them think, to make them feel. When someone says, "I believe in you," these words can inspire confidence and motivate the listener to take on new challenges or pursue their dreams. Similarly, words like "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you" have the power to mend relationships and initiate healing processes.

Words are not just passive symbols. They are active agents that can change the way people think, feel, and behave. They can influence people's beliefs, attitudes, and actions. They can inspire people to act, to make a difference, to create positive change. Positive affirmations such as "You can do it!" or "You're amazing!" can uplift spirits and energize individuals to overcome obstacles. Words can also hurt, divide, and destroy. Conversely, negative words like "You'll never succeed" can drain motivation and create self-doubt.

Words have power, and it's up to us to use them responsibly. They transform both speaker and hearer Words not only affect the listener, but they also transform the speaker. When we speak or write, we convey our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We share a part of ourselves with others, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to feedback, criticism, and validation. Words can build connections, create communities, and foster understanding. In conversations, words act as bridges between people, fostering understanding and empathy. For instance, when someone shares their personal story, it creates a connection and deepens the bond between the speaker and the listener. A simple "I love you" can convey profound emotions of love and affection, intensifying the bond between loved ones. On the other hand, hurtful words can escalate conflicts and amplify negative emotions, leading to misunderstandings or resentment. 

When we communicate effectively, our words have the power to exchange energy, emotions, and ideas between people. We resonate with each other's frequencies, creating a symphony of understanding and empathy. Words can amplify emotions, creating a ripple effect that touches the hearts and minds of people. They can inspire hope, spread joy, and ignite passion. Inspirational speeches, motivational quotes, or insightful teachings can transform perspectives, challenge beliefs, and spur personal growth. For example, a powerful quote like "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today" by Franklin D. Roosevelt can inspire individuals to embrace optimism and take bold actions.

Another example, consider a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His words inspired hope, ignited passion, and created a movement. His words continue to inspire generations, feeding energy back and forth, amplifying the message of equality and justice. 

Another example is the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. Her words evoke emotions, creating a deep understanding of the human experience. Her poetry feeds energy back and forth, amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, ignored, or marginalized. 

In conclusion, words are powerful. They are events that transform people, ideas, and societies. They feed energy back and forth, amplifying emotions, creating connections, and inspiring change. We must use words responsibly, recognizing their power to create and destroy.