"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
-- Confucius
***
Oh, the simple things in life! Why is it that we have a tendency to make things so much more complicated than need be? We make things more complicated when we are no longer true to ourselves. Things become complicated when we try to keep up with the Jones’, or when we live according to someone else’s standards/definitions. Life becomes complicated when make decisions that are inconsistent with our very being. Shakespeare said it best, "to thine self be true."
Recently, I had what I thought was difficult decision to make. The more I thought about it, the more complicated the decision making process became. I wrestled with the decision for quite some time. Just when I thought I was at a mental/emotional impasse, behold! I had an epiphany. I wrote down my top five values in order of importance. Right there, right then, the right decision was starring me in the face.
When everything was said and done, I made the right decision; right because I was being true to thine self. The decision was consistent with what was most important to me. When you make decisions and live your life according to your values, life becomes simple. It becomes simple because the Jones’ no longer have influence in your life. They have moved and taken up residency somewhere else. Life becomes simple when you don’t allow someone else, the media, or mainstream society to tell you how to act or who to be. Being true to what is really important in your life is liberating; being liberated, life becomes simple.
I find it interesting that life’s most important things can actually be life’s simple things. If you want out of the confusion, chaos and complexity of everyday life, simplicity is right around the corner. It is simple – be true to thine own self and simplicity will follow.
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Can Money Buy You Happiness?
No man can become rich without himself enriching others."
-- Andrew Carnegie
***
Money gets a bad rap. You have heard it said before, “Money is the root of all evil.” Money is not the root of evil things. It is the love of and obsession of money that can bring forth and perpetuate evil thoughts and actions. So there you have it; money, in of, and by itself is neither good, nor evil. Money is just an entity that stores value. It is the value that we place on money that is the determining factor. It is true that the obsession of money and acquiring wealth has ruined lives, families, businesses and organizations. It is also true that the giving of money to those in need has saved lives, families, businesses and organizations.
The world is full of well-known philanthropists who amassed fortunes only to give it away for the betterment of mankind. The names of Rockefeller, Buffet, Ford and Carnegie come to mind. It was Andrew Carnegie who stated, “The rich have a moral obligation to be benevolent.” Carnegie’s story is a “rags to riches” tale. Carnegie was born 1835 in Scotland, and grew up in poverty. Carnegie once wrote, “ I began to learn what poverty meant. It was burnt into my heart then that my father had to beg for work. And then and there came the resolve that I would cure that when I got to be a man." At the age of 12, the Carnegie family moved to the United States. Carnegie vowed that if he ever became rich, he would give his fortune away. Andrew Carnegie did become wealthy. In fact, he become one the richest entrepreneurs of his age. Carnegie amassed a fortune as a pioneer in the American steel industry. By 1911, Carnegie had formed numerous foundations, resulting in the giving away of 90 percent of his fortune.
Everyday, not so well known people give to those in needs; it could be some spare change to a homeless person, a gift of money to a support a family who lost their home to a fire, purchasing a benefit dinner ticket for a person with a serious illness, or making a donation to a worthwhile charity or foundation.
So now, I pose the question: Can money buy happiness? I say, yes! Money can make you happy; not by acquiring wealth, power, and material possessions, but by the giving of money to others. In order to experience happiness, the giving must be without the expectation of something in return. Have you ever noticed how you experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when you give money or one of your possessions to someone truly in need?
In a recent experiment, researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School demonstrated a correlation between happiness and giving. Participants were given a $10 bill and were asked how much they would share with someone else. Those that gave away the most money reported higher levels of happiness.
There you have it; money can buy happiness. Money can bring happiness if it is given for the benefit of another. If you don’t believe me, take it from leading authority on giving: Jesus Christ. The Good Lord said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Andrew Carnegie
***
Money gets a bad rap. You have heard it said before, “Money is the root of all evil.” Money is not the root of evil things. It is the love of and obsession of money that can bring forth and perpetuate evil thoughts and actions. So there you have it; money, in of, and by itself is neither good, nor evil. Money is just an entity that stores value. It is the value that we place on money that is the determining factor. It is true that the obsession of money and acquiring wealth has ruined lives, families, businesses and organizations. It is also true that the giving of money to those in need has saved lives, families, businesses and organizations.
The world is full of well-known philanthropists who amassed fortunes only to give it away for the betterment of mankind. The names of Rockefeller, Buffet, Ford and Carnegie come to mind. It was Andrew Carnegie who stated, “The rich have a moral obligation to be benevolent.” Carnegie’s story is a “rags to riches” tale. Carnegie was born 1835 in Scotland, and grew up in poverty. Carnegie once wrote, “ I began to learn what poverty meant. It was burnt into my heart then that my father had to beg for work. And then and there came the resolve that I would cure that when I got to be a man." At the age of 12, the Carnegie family moved to the United States. Carnegie vowed that if he ever became rich, he would give his fortune away. Andrew Carnegie did become wealthy. In fact, he become one the richest entrepreneurs of his age. Carnegie amassed a fortune as a pioneer in the American steel industry. By 1911, Carnegie had formed numerous foundations, resulting in the giving away of 90 percent of his fortune.
Everyday, not so well known people give to those in needs; it could be some spare change to a homeless person, a gift of money to a support a family who lost their home to a fire, purchasing a benefit dinner ticket for a person with a serious illness, or making a donation to a worthwhile charity or foundation.
So now, I pose the question: Can money buy happiness? I say, yes! Money can make you happy; not by acquiring wealth, power, and material possessions, but by the giving of money to others. In order to experience happiness, the giving must be without the expectation of something in return. Have you ever noticed how you experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction when you give money or one of your possessions to someone truly in need?
In a recent experiment, researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School demonstrated a correlation between happiness and giving. Participants were given a $10 bill and were asked how much they would share with someone else. Those that gave away the most money reported higher levels of happiness.
There you have it; money can buy happiness. Money can bring happiness if it is given for the benefit of another. If you don’t believe me, take it from leading authority on giving: Jesus Christ. The Good Lord said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Stand By Me
"If the sky that we look upon Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me."
-- Written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, & Mike Stroller
***
The song Stand by Me was first performed by Ben E. King in 1961. Over the years it has been re-recorded by several artists and has become well known among both young and old. The song is a testament to the power of love. We will all experience adversity in our lives, but as long as you have someone standing by you, the power of love is sure to prevail. There are many people in our lives that need us to stand by them. Are you willing to be that person to stand by them? Or, have you become so preoccupied with your own life, that you don't have time or fail to recognize their need?
Ask yourself, who can I stand by today?
***
For the latest version of Stand By Me, visit www.playingforachange.org. The Playing For A Change organization is focused on promoting peace throughout the world through music. The video was made with various artists from all over the world.
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me."
-- Written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, & Mike Stroller
***
The song Stand by Me was first performed by Ben E. King in 1961. Over the years it has been re-recorded by several artists and has become well known among both young and old. The song is a testament to the power of love. We will all experience adversity in our lives, but as long as you have someone standing by you, the power of love is sure to prevail. There are many people in our lives that need us to stand by them. Are you willing to be that person to stand by them? Or, have you become so preoccupied with your own life, that you don't have time or fail to recognize their need?
Ask yourself, who can I stand by today?
***
For the latest version of Stand By Me, visit www.playingforachange.org. The Playing For A Change organization is focused on promoting peace throughout the world through music. The video was made with various artists from all over the world.
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
My Next One
“Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.”
-- St. Jerome
***
Many have heard of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who lived from 1867 – 1959. In 1991 Wright was posthumously, recognized by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time." Wright is credited with designing hundreds of magnificent structures. Frank Lloyd Wright was once asked, “Which one of your projects is your favorite?” To which Wright promptly responded, “My next one.”
How about you? Are you resting on your laurels? Are you settling for a life that is just okay? Are you living up to your potential? Those are questions we need to ask ourselves. The Good Lord has instilled in us more potential and ability than we’ll ever use. Scientists claim that a person of average intelligence uses only 10% of the brain’s capability. Just think, 90% of unused potential! What could you accomplish if you used just 5%, 10% or 25% more of your brain’s capability? The potential is there, just waiting to be tapped into. Our God is a God of abundance. When God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, he was instructing them to go forth and produce abundantly. He was telling them that they have within them everything they need, and more, to live a life full of abundance. God’s discourse in the garden was not about limitations and restrictions. It was about potential! It was about understanding that this life is meant to be lived fully. It was about understanding that within each person there is the potential to live an abundant life; a life so full, that goodness naturally overflows unto others. It was about understanding that there are no limitations with God, and he will provide for you all that you need, if you are willing to do the work.
Now is the time to tap into all the potential that resides within you. Don’t let anyone rob you of your potential. More importantly, don’t rob yourself of your potential with self-defeating thoughts. The potential is there, ready to be unleashed. Once it is unleashed, you quickly realize that your best days are still ahead of you.
I have a quote that I use when playing golf that is similar to Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote, “My next one.” The quote reminds me to not dwell too long on either a good shot or a bad shot. It reminds me that what is in the past is but history and it’s the future that really counts. After I shot, good or bad, I say to myself, “You are only as good as your next one (shot).”
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
-- St. Jerome
***
Many have heard of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who lived from 1867 – 1959. In 1991 Wright was posthumously, recognized by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time." Wright is credited with designing hundreds of magnificent structures. Frank Lloyd Wright was once asked, “Which one of your projects is your favorite?” To which Wright promptly responded, “My next one.”
How about you? Are you resting on your laurels? Are you settling for a life that is just okay? Are you living up to your potential? Those are questions we need to ask ourselves. The Good Lord has instilled in us more potential and ability than we’ll ever use. Scientists claim that a person of average intelligence uses only 10% of the brain’s capability. Just think, 90% of unused potential! What could you accomplish if you used just 5%, 10% or 25% more of your brain’s capability? The potential is there, just waiting to be tapped into. Our God is a God of abundance. When God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, he was instructing them to go forth and produce abundantly. He was telling them that they have within them everything they need, and more, to live a life full of abundance. God’s discourse in the garden was not about limitations and restrictions. It was about potential! It was about understanding that this life is meant to be lived fully. It was about understanding that within each person there is the potential to live an abundant life; a life so full, that goodness naturally overflows unto others. It was about understanding that there are no limitations with God, and he will provide for you all that you need, if you are willing to do the work.
Now is the time to tap into all the potential that resides within you. Don’t let anyone rob you of your potential. More importantly, don’t rob yourself of your potential with self-defeating thoughts. The potential is there, ready to be unleashed. Once it is unleashed, you quickly realize that your best days are still ahead of you.
I have a quote that I use when playing golf that is similar to Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote, “My next one.” The quote reminds me to not dwell too long on either a good shot or a bad shot. It reminds me that what is in the past is but history and it’s the future that really counts. After I shot, good or bad, I say to myself, “You are only as good as your next one (shot).”
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Gift of Encouragement
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me."
-- Jim Valvano
***
Success is all about belief. It is about belief in yourself, along with the support of others believing in you too. How many times have hope and dreams been destroyed because of a lack of encouragement from others. When we believe we are capable of doing something or achieving something, sometimes all we need is a little encouragement from someone else. It is this encouragement or belief by others that validates our belief that we actually have what it takes to an achiever.
Today, make it a point to let someone know you believe in them. It is the gift of encouragement. It costs nothing and just a little bit can go along way!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Jim Valvano
***
Success is all about belief. It is about belief in yourself, along with the support of others believing in you too. How many times have hope and dreams been destroyed because of a lack of encouragement from others. When we believe we are capable of doing something or achieving something, sometimes all we need is a little encouragement from someone else. It is this encouragement or belief by others that validates our belief that we actually have what it takes to an achiever.
Today, make it a point to let someone know you believe in them. It is the gift of encouragement. It costs nothing and just a little bit can go along way!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Friday, June 11, 2010
Standing on the Shoulder of Giants
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”-- Oprah Winfrey
***
Do you ever find that there are times when you don’t have the right answers? Are there times when you need help improving a technique or skill? Do you find yourself in situations where sometimes all you need is a little encouragement?
Throughout our lives, we will come in contact with people who will have a profound impact on us; some for the betterment, and unfortunately, some not so good. If we want to succeed, we need to be quick to identify, and sever any relationship with a person who is exerting a negative influence in our lives. What can be more challenging is identifying and developing a relationship with people who can help get us to the next level. These people are called mentors. A mentor is regarded as knowledgeable and possessing insight in a given area. The book of Proverbs (19:20) speaks to mentoring, it says, “listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you’ll be wise.”
Why don’t we seek out mentors? Is it because we might be embarrassed that we might not know something? Is it because we have too much pride? Is our ego getting in the way?
A mentor is any person who has your best interest at stake and is willing to teach you. . Believe it our not, most people are willing to share their wisdom and expertise with others. Their wisdom and expertise can be used to help you develop and monitor a game/life plan. Sir Issac Newton once said, “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulder of giants. If you look at the history of all great men and women, you will find that someone, somewhere in time , took them under their wing.
Today, make it a point to find a mentor. If you have one, make sure you show your appreciation for the time and energy that they have spent on you. While you are at it, take a good look at your skills and expertise. Could you be a mentor to someone? All you need to do is show you care, be willing to listen, and share your experiences with your protégé. It is a win/win situation; you win, they win!
Remember, a good mentor can make the difference between becoming a champion or just a contender. Gotta go – searching for a giant or two!
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
***
Do you ever find that there are times when you don’t have the right answers? Are there times when you need help improving a technique or skill? Do you find yourself in situations where sometimes all you need is a little encouragement?
Throughout our lives, we will come in contact with people who will have a profound impact on us; some for the betterment, and unfortunately, some not so good. If we want to succeed, we need to be quick to identify, and sever any relationship with a person who is exerting a negative influence in our lives. What can be more challenging is identifying and developing a relationship with people who can help get us to the next level. These people are called mentors. A mentor is regarded as knowledgeable and possessing insight in a given area. The book of Proverbs (19:20) speaks to mentoring, it says, “listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you’ll be wise.”
Why don’t we seek out mentors? Is it because we might be embarrassed that we might not know something? Is it because we have too much pride? Is our ego getting in the way?
A mentor is any person who has your best interest at stake and is willing to teach you. . Believe it our not, most people are willing to share their wisdom and expertise with others. Their wisdom and expertise can be used to help you develop and monitor a game/life plan. Sir Issac Newton once said, “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulder of giants. If you look at the history of all great men and women, you will find that someone, somewhere in time , took them under their wing.
Today, make it a point to find a mentor. If you have one, make sure you show your appreciation for the time and energy that they have spent on you. While you are at it, take a good look at your skills and expertise. Could you be a mentor to someone? All you need to do is show you care, be willing to listen, and share your experiences with your protégé. It is a win/win situation; you win, they win!
Remember, a good mentor can make the difference between becoming a champion or just a contender. Gotta go – searching for a giant or two!
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A Postive Attitude
"I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here."
-- Jim Henson
1936-1990, Muppets Creator
***
Jim Henson left this world in 1990 at the age of 53. Henson was known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, and creative energy. It was these qualities that gave life to such world known characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and the like. Jim Henson's Muppets have entertained children and adults alike. His Muppets have brought laughter and smiles to the faces of millions worldwide. And, when you can make someone laugh or smile, you make the world a better place. Jim Henson made the world a better place one smile, one laugh at a time!
You too can make the world a better place! So I ask you: Who will you make smile (laugh), today?
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Jim Henson
1936-1990, Muppets Creator
***
Jim Henson left this world in 1990 at the age of 53. Henson was known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, and creative energy. It was these qualities that gave life to such world known characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and the like. Jim Henson's Muppets have entertained children and adults alike. His Muppets have brought laughter and smiles to the faces of millions worldwide. And, when you can make someone laugh or smile, you make the world a better place. Jim Henson made the world a better place one smile, one laugh at a time!
You too can make the world a better place! So I ask you: Who will you make smile (laugh), today?
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
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