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“Cherishing every moment of life” – a reminder to appreciate the small things3 and not wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. “The Echo of Life” teaches us that our lives are a reflection of our actions and words1. “Choose how you start your day” highlights the power of attitude in overcoming challenges2 and creating a fulfilling existence. “The Optimist” shows us the value of a positive outlook in finding hope in adversity. “There is greatness all around you” encourages us to seek wisdom from successful individuals to unlock our full potential.
By Ann Wells (Los Angeles Times)
Appreciating the Small Things
My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister’s bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. “This,” he said, “is not a slip. This is lingerie.” He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. “Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion.”
This poignant moment reminds us of the importance of appreciating the small things in life and not waiting for a special occasion to enjoy them.
Changing Perspectives and Priorities
I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister’s family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn’t seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special.
These reflections led me to reevaluate my own priorities in life. I began placing more emphasis on spending time with family and friends, enjoying the beauty of nature, and using special items more frequently instead of saving them for a future event. In doing so, I have found more joy and fulfillment in everyday moments.
The Gift of Life
I’m not sure what my sister would’ve done had she known that she wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences or past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. I’m guessing – I’ll never know.
It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with – someday. Angry because I hadn’t written certain letters that I intended to write – one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them.
I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is… a gift from God.
The Echo of Life: Reflecting on Our Actions
Author Unknown
A son and his father were walking on the mountains. Suddenly, the son falls, hurts himself and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!” To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”
Curious, he yells: “Who are you?”
He receives the answer: “Who are you?”
Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”
He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”
The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.” And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you!” The voice answers: “I admire you!”
Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion!”
The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart…”
Lessons from the Echo
This simple story demonstrates the importance of being mindful of our actions and words. Just as an echo reflects the sounds we make, our lives are a reflection of our thoughts, attitudes, and choices.
Choose How You Start Your Day: A Lesson in Positivity
Unknown
The Power of Attitude
Michael is a naturally positive person, always in a good mood and encouraging others. When I asked him how he maintained this attitude, he explained that he chooses to be in a good mood every day and to respond positively to situations. He believes that our lives are a series of choices, and by embracing a positive outlook, we can create a happier and more fulfilling existence.
Overcoming Challenges with Positivity
Years later, after a serious accident, Michael relied on his positive attitude to pull through. Choosing to live and maintain his optimism, he showed that attitude truly is everything. His example serves as an inspiration for us all to choose positivity and take control of our lives.
The Optimist: A Tale of Hope and Resilience
Author Unknown
The story of identical twins, one an optimist and the other a pessimist, teaches us the power of perspective. The optimist, when faced with a box of manure, gleefully exclaims, “Where there’s this much manure, there’s gotta be a pony!” By choosing to see the bright side of a situation, the optimist demonstrates the value of a positive outlook in overcoming obstacles and finding hope in adversity.
There Is Greatness All Around You: Don’t Be Afraid to Seek It
By Bob Richards, Olympic Athlete
Learning from the Greats
Great people are often willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Whether it’s in the realm of sports, business, or any other field, reaching out to successful individuals can be a valuable way to learn and grow.
Embrace Persistence and Seek Wisdom
By seeking out the wisdom of successful people, we can improve our own skills and achieve our goals. Remember to be persistent, stay open to learning, and surround yourself with greatness to unlock your full potential.
Lessons Learned: Appreciating Life and Embracing Positivity
Throughout these stories, we are reminded to cherish every moment of life and to be mindful of our attitudes and actions. Embracing a positive outlook can help us overcome challenges and create a more fulfilling existence. These tales offer valuable lessons in gratitude, perspective, and determination.
Appreciating the Small Things and Adjusting Priorities
The story of the unused lingerie serves as a reminder to appreciate the small things in life and not wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Reflecting on this story, we can reevaluate our priorities and strive to find more joy and fulfillment in everyday moments. By focusing on spending time with loved ones and enjoying the beauty around us, we can cultivate a more meaningful and satisfying life.
The Importance of Mindfulness and Attitude
“The Echo of Life” teaches us the significance of being mindful of our actions and words, as our lives are a reflection of our thoughts, attitudes, and choices. By being aware of the “echoes” we create, we can work towards creating more love and positivity in our lives and the world around us.
“Choose How You Start Your Day” highlights the power of attitude in overcoming challenges and creating a fulfilling existence. Michael’s story shows us that by choosing to maintain a positive outlook, we can face adversity with resilience and determination.
Seeking Wisdom and Embracing Greatness
“There Is Greatness All Around You” encourages us to seek wisdom from successful individuals in order to unlock our full potential. By reaching out to those who have achieved greatness, we can learn valuable lessons and improve our own skills. This story reminds us to be persistent, stay open to learning, and surround ourselves with greatness in order to achieve our goals.
In conclusion, these stories inspire us to cherish every moment, cultivate a positive attitude, and seek wisdom from others. By doing so, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
